Taste:
Sesame Seeds
I’ve already shared with you my love of Halvah of which sesame seeds play a starring role (tahini), but the truth is that my love for this seed knows no bounds.
Yesterday, I had an early morning breakfast catch-up with a friend who I haven’t seen in about a year. We went to Tatte, which, oh my goodness, if you have this cafe near you please go ASAP!
At Tatte, I ordered my very first sesame seed latte! It did not disappoint. It felt like I was sipping on a halvah flavored coffee infused piece of heaven.
My friend ordered what is called a Jerusalem bagel, which is basically a thinner, wider bagel that is covered to the hilt with sesame seeds. They look like this:
Sesame seeds, tiny and packed with flavor, offer a nutty, slightly sweet taste that becomes more pronounced when toasted. The seeds' unique taste is versatile, enhancing both savory and sweet dishes. Raw sesame seeds have a mild flavor, but once toasted, they release a rich, earthy aroma and a deeper nutty flavor, often described as reminiscent of roasted peanuts or almonds.
They are rich in healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These seeds are also an excellent source of protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Moreover, sesame seeds are packed with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining bone health, immune function, and overall metabolism.
Sesame seeds also contain lignans, such as sesamin and sesamolin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the high fiber content in sesame seeds supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome.
Scent:
Patchouli
My husband and I went to a Phish concert last week and reveled in the joy, camaraderie and love that permeated the whole venue. For those who don’t know, Phish has a huge following, much like the Grateful Dead did and I know people who spend entire summers traveling to see shows.
One of the things I love about Phish shows is how it becomes a playground for the senses. There is no place I love to people-watch more than at a Phish show. People wear loud, bold, glittery colors and parade around as their most authentic selves and it’s an absolute delight to behold.
The scents too are of legend. I can pretty much guarantee that I will very quickly notice the smell of Patchouli, which I have associated with hippies since the 1990’s.
Patchouli, a member of the mint family, has a distinct and memorable aroma. Its scent is often described as earthy, woody, and slightly sweet with hints of musk. The fragrance can be quite potent and may evoke a sense of warmth and depth. Patchouli's aroma is rich and complex, combining a mix of herbal, spicy, and slightly medicinal notes.
The earthy aspect of patchouli often brings to mind damp soil or decaying leaves, lending a grounding and natural feel to the scent. This is balanced by woody undertones that resemble the smell of aged, dry wood or bark, adding a layer of warmth and comfort. The subtle sweetness in patchouli’s scent can remind one of dark chocolate or a faintly sweet herb, adding a touch of complexity to the overall fragrance.
Patchouli's musky component gives it an exotic and sensual quality, which is why it is frequently used in perfumes, incense, and essential oils. The scent can be quite polarizing, with some people finding it deeply appealing and others considering it too intense or overpowering.
Overall, patchouli's unique blend of earthy, woody, and sweet notes makes it a distinctive and memorable fragrance, often associated with a sense of grounding and tranquility.
Sound:
We talk a lot about sounds and music and the power that music holds almost universally in this series. But one area we have not explored is the absence of sound.
Does silence have a sound?
I became intrigued by this article I read this week about the anechoic chamber at Orfield Laboratories in Minnesota that has been dubbed the “quietest place on earth.” This place is so silent that people can only stand to be inside the chamber for less than an hour.
Do you think you could bear to be inside a chamber this quiet?
Touch:
Looking for something that can support your mental health, boost immunity, and instantly calm your nervous system?
Sight:
This time within your minds eye.
Do you have Hyperphantasia?
Hyperphantasia is like having a supercharged imagination. Imagine being able to close your eyes and see vivid, lifelike images in your mind as if they were right in front of you. This incredible ability to visualize in high definition is what hyperphantasia is all about. It's not just daydreaming; it's experiencing your thoughts with such clarity and detail that they almost feel real.
So, how do you know if you have hyperphantasia? Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Vivid Dreams: Your dreams are exceptionally vivid and detailed, often resembling a high-definition movie. You can recall colors, faces, and intricate details with ease.
2. Strong Mental Imagery: When you read a book, you can visualize the scenes and characters as if you're watching a movie. Descriptions in novels come to life in your mind, making the experience incredibly immersive.
3. Detailed Memory Recall: You can remember past events with remarkable detail. It's like having a mental photo album where you can flip through and relive moments with clarity.
4. Creative Visualization: You find it easy to imagine and create new ideas, concepts, or even entire worlds in your mind. Your imagination is a vivid playground where you can explore and experiment.
5. Enhanced Sensory Experience: You can mentally recreate sensory experiences, like the taste of your favorite food or the smell of fresh rain. It's as if your senses are fully engaged in your mental imagery.
Having hyperphantasia can be both a gift and a challenge. On one hand, it enhances creativity and provides a rich inner world to explore. On the other hand, it can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between imagination and reality. If you resonate with these signs, you might just have a hyper-vivid imagination. Embrace it, as it's a unique and powerful aspect of your mind.
Tell me. What is rocking YOUR 5-senses this week?
Share in the comments.