First of all, I had to miss walking with all of you on Saturday as well as Rorie's pool party (Boo Hiss!) because I had an invitation from an old friend to tour her garden which was part of the Long Branch annual garden tour (from which I have a serious case of garden envy), and then I had a ticket to the ballet that afternoon (and I'm leaving out the street party that was happening on my street)
But I want to tell you about a Hot Docs book launch I went to Thursday evening (SB was also there, as it turned out).
The book is called "Better in Every Sense: "How the new science of sensation can help you reclaim your life" by Dr. Norman Farb and Dr. Zindel Segal. Their discussion was absolutely fascinating. After years of research, these two scientists have found that when depression and/or anxiety increases in an individual, the individual's sensory awareness decreases and that the opposite also occurs. Therefore if we can find ways to increase our sensations (they call it "sensory foraging"), the depression and anxiety we may be feeling will also dial down. If this isn't a reason to "Stop and smell the roses" when we're out walking, I certainly don't know what is!
Below is a brief description:
"In Better in Every Sense, neuroscientists Norman Farb and clinical psychologist Zindel Segal explain that the brain has two networks—the rapid problem-solving (habit) network and the sensory network, which is devoted to fresh insight. By tuning into sensations—from the feeling of our feet on a crowded street to the sound of birdsong in the park—we can engage the sensory network. When we’re stressed or stuck, we can use the technique of "sense foraging" to boost our resilience, well-being, health, and creativity wherever we are."