It All Makes Perfect Sense

“Monkey can you go to table 8……I think they might be deaf?” queried a young colleague new to the hospitality caper. Communication is something I love. The different forms, the languages, the codes, the signs and above all else the action of people relaying messages to each other.

With the help of the menu, some finger pointing and general understanding, table 8 and I successfully nailed the order. It did leave an impression on me for the remainder of the day however…..the thought of not being able to hear.

I began to reel off in my mind the random sounds I have grown to enjoy. Rain on a tin roof, horseshoes on a road, my kids’ belly laughs and the hum of a steady but busy pub or café. Hearing is one of the 5 senses we have. Sight, Touch, Smell and Taste make up the rest.

Some would argue that many people are born without some of these and wouldn’t know any different which to me suggests we should savour each one even more.

If we are truly grateful for these aspects that make our human body the amazing machine it is then we really should strive to ‘sit’ in the moments they are utilised.

A power statement I have etched away when I need a little mental boost is, “I see the beauty in all around me”. Adopt that attitude and a jet stream across the sky is suddenly something that can make your day. I remember studying a spider’s web lined with fresh dew for what seemed like ages on a morning walk. For those with kids, particularly little ones, simply observe them sleeping. Watch your cherubs sleep for a few extra seconds and feel the peace and love right there in front of you.

Daily walks on the beach with my pooches can leave my vehicle as an oversized cologne bottle for most of the day compromising the mysterious scent of seaweed, sand and wet-dog! Whilst it won’t challenge ‘black ice’ as the new magic tree scent at the car wash, it serves me as a reminder of my wonderful morning ritual.

Imagine losing your tastebuds. Rather than imagine you can simulate the scenario by pinching your nose. A trick taught to be a fellow brussels sprouts abuser. I think it was Ghandi who said you should drink your food and chew your drinks. The concept being you should chew your food down to almost a liquid state appreciating it as you go and savour the drink in your mouth rather than guzzle it down ferociously.

It all comes back to being fully immersed in what task you are doing. I recall a young burly tradesman calling in for a Friday counter lunch. He took a call on his mobile phone as I placed down his steak sandwich and promptly explained he would call the person back as he was about to eat. I loved it. Focus. Try it next time you eat or drink. Slow down, perhaps even rest the cutlery between mouthfuls Ignore the call. Savour the moment… the taste.

I can hardly imagine not having any feeling in parts of my body. Although my morning ocean dips of late do their best to numb. Be grateful you can use your limbs freely to walk, swim, lift, swing or simply dance! Touch is a sense possibly taken for granted. Human touch should never be discounted. A great tip I came across was when embracing someone don’t be the first to let go.

Stay in the hug, the embrace and you might be surprised how long and lovely it can be.

With a couple of ‘awkward huggers’ in my social circle it is sometimes even hard to get a start!

I wonder if those who lose one or more of their senses become sharper in another? For the time being I will remain grateful for all of mine and do my best to focus when they are called upon. I will will as they say “Stop to smell the roses”.