Taste:
Ras el Hanout
I made the most glorious dinner last night. As a long-time Purple Carrot subscriber, I love getting plant-based meal kits sent to my home every Monday. I don’t think I’ve ever had a lousy meal from them and I’ve been using the service since 2016.
Last night’s meal though, Spicy Shawarma Tofu Bowls with Tabouli, was truly over the top good because of one special spice mix, Ras El Hanout.
Ras el hanout is a vibrant North African spice blend that typically includes a mix of warm and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. Sometimes dried flowers like rose petals or lavender are added, giving it a floral note. Each blend can vary depending on the region or the chef, but the magic of Ras el hanout comes from its balance of earthy, spicy, and sweet flavors. These spices are not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making them great for digestion and overall wellness.
Scent:
The Aromas of Autumn
In New England during the fall, the air is filled with a tapestry of earthy and nostalgic scents. You might catch the crisp, woodsy aroma of fallen leaves mixed with damp soil, as well as the rich, smoky scent of bonfires or chimneys burning as temperatures dip. Fresh apples from orchards, along with hints of warm apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, waft through the breeze, especially near farms and markets. There’s also the sweet, nutty fragrance of roasted chestnuts, the herbal scent of pine needles, and, on misty mornings, the clean, dewy smell of rain-soaked fields and mossy woods. These scents evoke warmth and comfort, reminding us of cozy sweaters, hikes, and harvest gatherings.
Sound:
Birdsong
Birdsong has a powerful psychological impact on humans, often evoking feelings of calm, connection, and safety. From an evolutionary perspective, the sound of birds singing can signal a peaceful environment, free from immediate danger, which allows the brain to relax and lower stress levels. Studies show that nature sounds, particularly birdsong, can reduce cortisol levels and promote a sense of well-being. This sound also helps to ground people in the present moment, facilitating mindfulness and enhancing focus. In modern, urbanized lives, where noise pollution and overstimulation are prevalent, birdsong offers a gentle reminder of the natural world, encouraging relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Touch:
Fascial work
Fascia work is all about tuning into the connective tissue that wraps around your muscles, bones, and organs like a protective web. When this tissue gets tight or stuck, it can lead to stiffness, pain, or discomfort, but working on fascia—through massage, stretching, or even foam rolling—helps release tension and improve mobility. By keeping the fascia hydrated and pliable, you not only ease soreness but also boost circulation and reduce inflammation, allowing your body to heal more efficiently. For an extra boost, using a TENS or stim machine can help stimulate nerves and muscles, reducing pain and promoting relaxation—making it a great companion to any fascia work routine.
Sight:
Fall Foliage
As much as I tend to grieve summer when it’s over, there is one thing that I look forward to above all else in Autumn — the beautiful New England Fall Foliage. With lively green leaves slowly bleeding into shades of amber, sunset orange and gentle hues of yellow, it’s a feast for the eyes and a balm for my nervous system.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can enjoy trees boasting their beauty with Fall colors, please make time to be among the trees!
I just came across this article which elucidates all the areas in the New England region where Foliage will peak and when.
Tell me. What is rocking YOUR 5-senses this week? Let me know in the comments!