Many of us are unaware when we are not fully present in a given moment. Usually we get a cue from someone we are close to, or we may have a subtle feeling about how a certain interaction went, something might have felt a little off.

Spending time with oneself in this very subtle way, creates awareness of the senses. Our sense of Sight: looking around one’s space taking in light and shadow, Sound: what are the sounds I am hearing, Smell: is there a fragrance in my space, Taste: is there a taste left from an earlier meal, or can I invoke a taste through memory, and finally, Touch: what is the temperature on the skin, or the feeling of clothing touching the skin creates awareness of the senses. Through this process, we find that our relationship to ourselves improves and with those we desire relationship with. As a result of this practice, we are suddenly aware that we are fully present.

This experience of the senses is a very important tool for beginning to guide others into a meditation experience.

Jann Tobey is a teacher, mentor and Program Guide for Iamheart.  She has been  a lifelong seeker before finding her spiritual home within the Institute for Applied Meditation.