The pleasure of our other four senses

[GardenB]

It occurs to me that as people so heavily focused on our sense of taste, we may have been unintentionally ignoring how much pleasure our other senses can bring us.

As much as I may enjoy some perfect bites of food, post-op there’s physically a limit to it. I just got up from a nap on freshly washed sheets and it’s raining outside. My “aha” moment was realizing I will want to expand the things that consciously bring me sensory pleasure, as the focus on eating & drinking is lessened. The sense of being cozy and warm. The smell of the sheets and the sound of the rain. I need to reconnect to my physical body in a way that doesn’t revolve around food. Being this heavy, my body wasn’t a place I wanted to live in - too painful, sweaty, you name it. It’s felt like an enemy, a cage or usually both. I feel like I’ve started a major system reboot just by being in a pool several times a week. In water, my body doesn’t hurt or fight me. It’s neutral and enough. And that’s such a great feeling after all these years.

 

[KarenWV]

It occurs to me that as people so heavily focused on our sense of taste, we may have been unintentionally ignoring how much pleasure our other senses can bring us.

As much as I may enjoy some perfect bites of food, post-op there’s physically a limit to it. I just got up from a nap on freshly washed sheets and it’s raining outside. My “aha” moment was realizing I will want to expand the things that consciously bring me sensory pleasure, as the focus on eating & drinking is lessened. The sense of being cozy and warm. The smell of the sheets and the sound of the rain. I need to reconnect to my physical body in a way that doesn’t revolve around food. Being this heavy, my body wasn’t a place I wanted to live in - too painful, sweaty, you name it. It’s felt like an enemy, a cage or usually both. I feel like I’ve started a major system reboot just by being in a pool several times a week. In water, my body doesn’t hurt or fight me. It’s neutral and enough. And that’s such a great feeling after all these years.

I always look forward to your posts. You have had such a positive outlook as you have progressed throughout your journey. Your swimming experiences that you share are a great reminder that there are other exercises and movement besides walking that are less stressful on our joints & muscles. Keep on keeping on, and please continue sharing with us. ❤❤

 

[GardenB]

I always look forward to your posts. You have had such a positive outlook as you have progressed throughout your journey. Your swimming experiences that you share are a great reminder that there are other exercises and movement besides walking that are less stressful on our joints & muscles. Keep on keeping on, and please continue sharing with us. ❤❤

Thank you, Karen! I look forward to your posts as well! I think that swimming may be the heavier person’s secret weapon. It feels good, we are buoyant as heck, no sweating and all you have to do is move around - no actual swimming required. After only six weeks, I’m amazed at the change in my strength and stamina - and reduction in pain. All before the actual surgery.

 

[missyinacage]

I LOVE this!! What an excellent, and insightful post.