Friday, February 23, 2007

5 Senses

To get into the SPS way of doing things, you need to learn SPS thinking. Instead of just using a verbal or written means to communicate spiritual truths and insights, use all five senses. This allows you to think about everyday things in a new way, trigger memories you may have forgotten or communicate things that are hard to put into words. Let's take an example.

When I say the word SUNSHINE, you all know what I'm talking about. But each of you would describe it differently. Everything about SUNSHINE for me has to do with all our great family trips to Florida when I was a kid.

SUNSHINE

What does SUNSHINE LOOK like?
You wake up from dozing off on the warm sand. You open your eyes and you're blinded by the bright, white sun. For several moments, all you can see are white dots. You wait for your eyes to adjust, walk down to the water to cool off and do it all again.

What does SUNSHINE TASTE like?
Salt, of course. But not just salt. A mouth full of ocean also has a tang algae. The flavor lingers on the back of your tongue and it's hard to wash away except with an icy cold Coke.

What does SUNSHINE FEEL like?
Ever had sand under the elastic of your swimsuit? While you're in that suit, you just have to live with it because nothing will get rid of the minuscule rubbing grit that is everywhere. Also, have you ever stood at the shore and looked straight down at your feet as the waves come in and out? It always gave me this dizzy feeling.

What does SUNSHINE SMELL like?
For the length of my existence everything Florida, vacation, ocean, beach, and getaway will smell like coconut oil. I love it! And Piña Coladas.

What does SUNSHINE SOUND like?
It's a rhythm with a beat and measure. Hypnotic and soothing. The ocean waves lapping on the shore play my favorite song for naps and relaxation.

Using SPS thinking, how do you describe SUNSHINE?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I just bought Mocha on the Mount and found your blog and website. I want to thank you for doing this. I have been desperately needing a Bible study and way to actually experience it in my life. I love how you all have brought the 5 senses and art into the equation! Who knew that we could interact with God through our 5 senses! ;-)
Again, Thank You!
Jackie

rhon said...

Glad you found us, Jackie.

I've been really busy and sick for a couple of weeks and I'm behind up updating with web site and blog. But be patient with me and you'll get to see the great art the participants are creating for this study. It is really powerful.

Let me know if you have any questions. - Rhon

aspire2 said...

I live in Texas. So I don't think "beach." I think...

Touch: Burn my fingers on the steering wheel. Burn my toes running to and from the snail-mail box.

Smell: In April, fresh-cut grass. By August, dust-scented lawn.

Taste: During the sunnier months, we drink icy-cold, pre-sweetened, Southern iced tea. We can make it in a jar sitting out on the back porch by throwing tea bags and sugar in and adding water.

Sound: Symphonies on the lawn, mowers in the 'hood, crunchy grass.

Sight: Yellow and charred medians along the highway. Also, blindness in my garage. When I pull in from out of the sunlight, I can't see anything for a few minutes, even if I've worn sunglasses. I need to mark my housekey with a bump so I can feel it.

Erin said...

Sunshine, to me, is my childhood in California. I was about 5 years old.

Sunshine feels like: the coolness of the concrete driveway on my cheek as I lie down and doze between my parents' cars. I'm alternately baked by the sun and chilled by the breeze and the concrete.

Sunshine smells like: fresh cut grass, 10W/40 that dripped on the driveway, and Mom's marigolds along the front walk.

Sunshine tastes like: ice cubes my brother made out of RC Cola.

Sunshine sounds like: my younger brother and sister laughing and splashing in the wading pool, the cars driving past on our street, the neighbor's lawn mower.

Sunshine looks like: Everything through squinty eyes, all seen low to the ground because I am lying on the driveway. Blaring, shady, blaring, shady, blaring, shady- there are high clouds moving fast overhead.

Thanks, Rhonda! This was fun.