Return to the Five Senses

There are moments when the influx of information and the speed of thought seem to surpass my physical limits. In those times, I decide to step back and reclaim my five senses, rediscovering the pure joy found in the original "settings" of human life.

The Visual Dance of the Sword Lily

I discovered that the pink gladiolus in my backyard have bloomed. The bulbs I tucked away almost mindlessly last year have blossomed again this spring with breathtaking brilliance.

Along a single stem, the flowers unfurl in a graceful succession: from the largest, earliest bloom at the base to the smaller petals above, leading finally to the tender, expectant buds at the tip.

True to its name, the gladiolus—the "sword lily"—emerges like a blade from between the green leaves, pointing directly toward the sky. Yet, the flowers themselves are infinitely soft and beautiful, with layers of pink, white, and pale yellow that seem to shimmer and fade into one another.

Each bloom is framed by a deep pink edge, with five petals curling with an effortless elegance. At the heart, dark purple stamens stand on delicate, trembling white stalks. There they are, huddling close to one another in a vibrant yet orderly dance upon a single branch.

Return to the Five Senses

A Sanctuary at the Dining Table

The fragrance of the gladiolus is not overpowering; perhaps her stunning form and color are beauty enough. I carefully clipped the stem, bringing its dozen blooms to the dining table, and lit a small candle.

As the candlelight flickered, the entire room transformed, becoming instantly warm and intimate. Even the dark clouds outside seemed to lose their weight.

For lunch, I chose a soft coffeehouse jazz—a perfect way to soothe the mood, slow the pace, and simply feel the atmosphere.

Perhaps it was the influence of the flowers, the candle, and the music, but the lentil salad that day tasted exceptionally delicious. Tasting it slowly, I could sense the earthy fragrance and texture of the grain. There was no need for heavy seasoning; the original flavor of the food, enhanced only by a touch of olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper, was perfection.

The Invisible Presence of Scent

While sight, sound, and taste are dominant senses, smell is often the one we overlook—invisible and traceless, yet omnipresent.

I brought out the SPA reed diffuser I recently found online and placed it in the bathroom. The space was instantly infused with a fresh, soothing aroma—a blend of floral and woody notes that evoked a garden after the rain, filled with dewy grass and trees.

Nature, through the sense of smell, walked into my home and, I suspect, will find its way into my dreams tonight.

The Neurochemistry of Well-Being

Modern neuroscience tells us that each sense acts as a gateway to specific hormones that regulate our mood, stress levels, and our overall sense of a "self-harmonious" existence.

Beautiful sights, sounds, tastes, and scents can bring controlled dopamine, satisfying serotonin, and the quiet relaxation of GABA.

Meanwhile, touch brings us Oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone." It fosters a deeper sense of trust, safety, and belonging within the world around us.

The Soft Reassurance of Touch

This perhaps explains our deep reliance on touch. Whether it is a favorite cozy sweater, cotton trousers, or a cherished small blanket, the tactile sensation of these natural fabrics against the skin is incredibly gentle and reassuring—softening the heart in turn.

Of course, the plush fur of a cat remains one of the most relaxing presences in this world. And whenever I am surrounded by my loved ones, I never miss an opportunity to embrace them.

Every night before sleep, a long, deep hug with my beloved—without the need for many words—is enough. With such an embrace, one can drift into sleep with peace. In this moment, I am safe; we trust one another; we belong.

Reclaiming Our Innate Wholeness

To return to the five senses is, perhaps, the path to settling the body and mind and reclaiming our state of innate wholeness within this loud, hurried, and anxious world. And it is only a self-sufficient soul that can truly discover a source of universal love that never runs dry.

[Read in Chinese]