Increased Senses

A common question I get asked is whether since losing my vision my other senses have increased. Generally I would answer no, but lately I've noticed that my senses have been changing and adapting. This is probably due to being more aware of what is happening around me and being more accepting of the need to use my other senses more in every day life.

I would not describe myself as having good hearing, quite the opposite especially since I had ear problems as a child which have continued into adulthood. Since learning how to use a cane to navigate, I have had to tune into my hearing more to help me cross roads. I think in the past I just didn't pay attention to what was going on around me on an aural level. The first time I tried to listen to determine whether it was safe to cross I felt overwhelmed and had no idea whether I should wait or go. I was also not accepting that I needed to be using a cane and my ears, and this also played a role in having so much difficulty tapping into the sense.

Another big help to me learning to tune into my other senses is practising mindfulness meditation everyday. I started learning about mindfulness to help with anxiety and I was instantly hooked on it. I was always interested in meditation, using it infrequently, but mindfulness really resonated with me. It teaches you about being in the present moment and to be aware of your body and your surroundings. 

My favourite way to practice mindfulness is to listen to the sounds around me. I was shocked when I first tuned in and heard at least five different birds, all in the middle of a big city! I had totally forgot the existence of the wildlife around me! I also can hear the traffic (which is surprisingly relaxing), the trains which are about a five minute drive away and the bats squabbling constantly. This probably sounds lame and like I have no life but I actually enjoy just listening! I've always been a person constantly on-the-go and always engaged in an activity but I've actually learnt to stop and just be, and it has helped with accepting my diagnosis and also in aiding my adaptation.

It truly is incredible what goes on around us and within us, and tuning into it has been a rewarding experience. I'm learning to embrace just listening, not having to rely on my eyes, to experience the world in a different way. You don't need to see every detail, you can combine what you see, hear, feel and smell and that is just as satisfying as being fully sighted.