We are introduced to the sun in cognitive terms. It is a star and the earth revolves around it. It is 5 billion years old. But we can also have a sensory introduction to the sun. We can meet the sun through our skin, in a tactile, rather than cognitive relationship. Remember the last time you were sitting in the sun. Remember how sunlight falls…
Posts tagged nature
Walking barefoot
The language of the body We are taught from childhood to use words for our thoughts. But we can also use words not just for the thoughts we have, but for the sensations we have. We can do this in an immersive way, not merely for a minute or a few seconds to label a particular sensation, but to live in the sensation, for a…
A dog called Blacky
When I think of Blacky, I think of the wide, big eyes that looked curiously at me, asking if I love him. I think of his growls. He growled when he was happy being petted, he growled when he was angry at Jumbo, the other male dog around, for entering his area. He growled when happily following me along with Whitey on a walk in…
Rani and Bagheera
Rani is a brown dog who lives outside my house. She is about 7 years old. I made friends with Rani when I moved to this neighbourhood three years ago. She was scared at first, watching me warily as I made ‘tch tch tch’ sounds at her, but we were friends soon. It is not difficult to make friends with a dog. Smile at the…
Everyday life
As you begin to read this post, let us start with a small exercise. Bring your attention to the quality of light on the screen, which is generated by an electrical process. Now, bring your attention to the quality of light in the room you are in. This may also be created by electricity, or it may be light from outdoors. Notice the difference. Is…