Perception is the act of scanning current sensory information against past experience. Perception helps us know; what is it? Does it have relevance? Can I ignore it? Of course all this is happening while your conscious attention is busy elsewhere. But to stop and focus on what has grabbed our attention at any given moment can be a fascinating or powerful journey of unfolding mystery.
Body impulses, inner sensation, visual stimuli, auditory cues, a scent in the air; these and more sensory stimuli are occurring all the time and ignored in order to “stay on track” or “get things done”. But these sensory messages are grabbing our attention because they have something to say.
As I work on this writing my eyes are drawn to the square of sunlight on the door that highlights the swooping loops in the plywood veneer. The shadow of the plastic star hanging in the window is like a nucleus in the center. I wonder what this image holds for me. The grain like rings, bring to mind all the layers I must work through to write this, my doubts, my judgments, fear of yours, the struggle to put words to ideas. Yet the nucleus is there for me, my passion to awaken in people perception of their physical selves, awareness though movement, and a strong belief in the role of sensory processing in health.
I noticed what was ting getting my attention and followed it. Rather than derailing my writing it gave me a sense of solidity and belief in myself, and motivation to continue. This was a visual stimuli, another time it maybe a sensation, an ache, a feeling of expansion or something I hear. If it’s capturing my attention, it’s worth attending to.
You may have time to stop right now and notice; or this invitation may come back to surprise you in the future. There will be many opportunities to listen and follow those moments of clear perception, a gift that is waiting for you to notice it.
