Our ‘senses’ are how we make our way in the world and in coaching – but did you know we have far more than the basic 5? And how can we use them to help us ‘fall’ in love with autumn?
54 senses and sensitivities
So how many more senses are we capable of? The ecopyschologist Michael J Cohen drew up a set of 54 (you can download a graphic here) ‘senses and sensitivities’. 54!
For example, two commonly known additional senses humans have are our proprioception, and our vestibular senses. These ‘kinesthetics’ are key to how we navigate and learn about the world around us. Proprioception helps us locate our bodies – and body parts – in space. Our vestibular senses are involved in balance, as well as providing information on the position of our bodies. We couldn’t walk, sit or stand otherwise, let alone anything else!
Using our senses to fall in love with autumn
Autumn is a great time to test our new senses and sensitivities. Next time you’re outdoors, with a client perhaps or on your own, see what you notice in your body. It might include:
- ‘Sense of temperature and temperature change.’ The fresher air in the mornings, or chill in the evening.
- ‘Sense of season including ability to insulate, hibernate and winter sleep.’ Do you feel this coming on as the days begin to get noticeably shorter?
- ‘Sense of weather changes.’ Not just across the season, but during the day. A brooding sky or darkening suggesting a rain shower is on the way. A front passing, with blue sky behind it.
Sensing in coaching
Sensing relates to ICF core competency 6, ‘Listens Actively’. This ‘helps the coach Listen Actively in a way which notices, acknowledges and explores the client’s emotions, energy shifts, non-verbal cues or other behaviors’ (ICF). Sensing is key to being fully present in relationship with our clients, and their world. Sensing helps us really be ‘with’ our clients – as well as both ‘in’ and ‘with’ the environments we are inhabiting.
A key pathway to nature connectedness
Sensing is also one of the 5 key pathways to feeling a deeper relationship with nature. Getting into a habit of noticing our senses outside, the emotions that arise, and what is beautiful and meaningful about the experience can drive our wellbeing. It can also lead us to be more compassionate – taking action to look after our loved ones, including the natural places and wildlife we care about.
Build a more nature-connected coaching approach
This article draws on material from our accredited training course – Nature Based Coaching Skills. We blend the science and psychology of nature connection, with the professional competencies and practice of coaching – sprinkled throughout with art, culture and craft.
Our next course starts 17 September. Contact us to get on the mailing list for future dates.