Sensation Appreciation

We experience every moment through our 5 senses, so it's about time we appreciate all of them individually. Here are my favourite experiences under the magnifying glass.

Taste

Coffee yoghurt with frozen raspberries

I hadn't heard of coffee yoghurt until recently, and boy had I been missing out. The delicious yoghurt is not dissimilar to the velvety mascarpone in tiramisu and the freshness of the raspberries cuts through the creaminess. I have 5am coffee beam flavour yoghurt, but I'm sure there are many different types. Best and quickest breakfast ever.

Smell

Lavender

Despite its spikey exterior, the scent of lavender is sweet and comforting. 

In aromatherapy, lavender is believed to be an antiseptic for treating infections, a circulatory stimulant meaning it relieves muscle spasms, pain and cramping, migraines and other headaches, as well as inflammation.

Studies have also shown anxiety and insomnia. A study conducted by Britain's University of Southampton, found that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia, which I can’t argue with.

I have a few different lavender scented belongings that I find calm and lull me into sleepiness including;

A lavender pillow handmade by my grandmother with the lavender from her garden; there is nothing more comforting than cuddling a pillow that smells like your grandmother’s garden and knowing it was made just for you.

Lavender essential oil that I use in an oil burner and diluted I use as a body spritz.

A lush body wash called twilight that helps “transition from day to night”.

Touch

Whether it’s your classic farmers flannie, flannelette bed sheets sheets or pyjamas, I cannot get enough of flannelette. It’s super thin and breathable but so soft and warming. It reminds me of a babies blanket, worn thing with love. What’s even better? Checked flannelette shirts (also referred to fondly as flannies) are in fashion at the moment!

Hear

Don’t get me wrong, I love listening to music, I’ve got Soundcloud and Spotify blazing 24/7 but the sweetest song to my ear is spoken word poetry. Check out Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye "An Origin Story" to get a taste and you won’t be disappointed.

Watch

Whale Rider (2002) directed by Niki Caro

“In the old days, the land felt a great emptiness. It was waiting. Waiting to be filled up. Waiting for someone to love it. Waiting for a leader.” - Pai

Since 2002,  I’ve watched this movie countless times and every viewing I’m surprise to learn something new. The New Zealand film follows a young Maori girl (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and her community’s struggle to find a new leader to lead them out of the darkness while upholding their ancient traditions. It’s quite a heavy film but I find New Zealand accents provide some comic relief.