Day 30 | Senses
Our Senses are constantly stimulated by the presence of plants, however, we don’t often consider them as sensory beings.
New links are emerging that connect the senses of humans and plants, confirming that we have much more in common with the botanical world that previously imagined.
Recent science notes that plants and flowers have very complex sensory mechanisms.
Their individual variability and means of adaptation allows them to thrive in ever changing eco-systems. Plants bend to the light.
Their photo sensors use the sense of “sight” in the same way that human eyes do.
Photo synthesis works by using light energy to turn carbon dioxide and waters into sugars.
This sophisticated process takes place in leaves, as plants rely on detecting light sources to make their own nutrients.
You too can be recharged by light sources.
In 1877 Niels Finsen discovered that solar ultraviolet light inhibits the growth of bacteria and that red light inhibits the formation of small pox scars.
Red light treatment is now embraced in both clinical and spa settings to enhance health and wellbeing.
Presence Pause:
Consider that your own cells both radiate and receive color and light. Light knows no boundaries of space and time.
Light can penetrate mass, and light is a language that our cells understand. Exposure to sunlight is associated with expedited recovery from depressive symptoms.
A 2005 study found that bright light significantly reduced stress and analgesic medication use by 22% (Walch, et al., 2005).
Overall, the patients who looked out on sunlight had more favorable outcomes compared to those looking out on cloudy or drab conditions (Beauchemin and Hays, 1996).
Action:
Place close interest to the light in your surroundings. Notice the direction of the sun in the morning in relationship to your home.
Notice which windows it shines through at what time of day and how you respond to that light.
Notice how any plants outside of those locations grow. Where they turn as the light shifts and how they thrive or not.
Be curious and notice your pets and their relationship to the sun if you have any.
Notice what you notice and how you feel in each part of your environment .
Create a cozy spot for yourself and offer yourself a simple ceremony of self in the space that feels most comfortable for you .
Allow yourself to breathe and be for just 5 minutes in the sunlight and reboot and recharge through the simple act of sitting in the light.
Allow the innate intelligence of your physiology the remarkable photosensors in your skin to enlighten you.
Be the light and Beam your joy.
This is our final post in our 30 days of Community.
I am inspired by and appreciate sharing time and space with all of you here.
Stay tuned for the next offering.
In Joy and devotion to our community,
Jeanette Wolfe
Planet Apothecary