Today I read this article:
“We have 7 senses, and the 5 you know are the least important” - BBC News Mundo (https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-64416545)
Microsoft Copilot helped me make this synopsis in English:
"Nazareth Castellanos, a Spanish neuroscientist and researcher at the Nirakara-Lab of the University Complutense de Madrid, sheds light on the fascinating interplay between our bodies and brains. In her interview with BBC Mundo, she delves into the intricacies of our senses and how they influence our mental state.
1. Beyond the Famous Five Senses: Contrary to what we learned in school, humans don’t have just five senses. We actually possess seven senses. While taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch are well-known, there are two more that often go unnoticed: proprioception (awareness of our body’s position and movement) and interoception (perception of internal bodily sensations).
2. The Power of Posture and Facial Expressions:
◦ Posture: Our body posture communicates with our brain. When we slouch or stand tall, our brain responds accordingly. For instance, if we adopt an angry facial expression, our brain activates anger-related mechanisms. Similarly, a sad posture triggers neural pathways associated with sadness.
◦ Facial Expressions: Our faces convey vital information to our brains. A frown or a smile sends distinct signals. Nazareth Castellanos emphasizes that understanding these cues can help us navigate our emotions better.
3. Listening to the Whispers of Our Bodies:
◦ Castellanos encourages us to pay attention to our bodies’ subtle messages. These “whispers” can guide us toward emotional awareness and well-being.
◦ The Power of a Smile: Smiling not only affects our mood but also influences our brain. It’s a simple yet potent tool for enhancing our mental state.
◦ The Gut-Brain Connection: Castellanos previously explored the impact of organs like the intestines on brain function. Recognizing that our body and brain are interconnected is crucial.
In summary, our senses extend beyond the familiar five, and our posture, facial expressions, and bodily cues play pivotal roles in shaping our mental landscape. So, let’s listen to those whispers and embrace the complexity of our mind-body connection"
What I found most interesting, from the point of view of the practice of Tai Chi C’huan, is that the deepest progress is obtained precisely in these two senses: proprioception and interoception.
It is, admittedly, a slow path of discovery, but few other human activities focus in such a direct manner on developing this body awareness about how we flow inside our bodies and how we flow outside of them in contact with the world. To become present at any and every moment within the set of principles taught by the art IS to start embracing them.
To be in the moment during a transition, aware that our posture should at all times be correct structurally and yet ever changing, devoid of momentum that would deprive us of experiencing the next moment how we wanted to, is the challenge.
To practice the art with a complete sense of deep presence in your body, your mind and the environment is our vehicle.
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