Nurture Your Senses

By Sarah Kern

Spending time in nature offers us ample opportunities to retool our senses, many of which have lost their ability to fully function because of our ever-increasing infatuation with digital devices. We see less, taste less, and aren’t completely in tune with everything around us The next time you need to recharge, shut off your phone and find a spot outside to immerse yourself in the following sensory exercises. Tr y to do these ever y day for a week, a month who knows even a year and see how you feel.

Sight | “Shape of Things”

Who knew searching for shapes in nature could be an amazingly fun and simple activity for children and adults! Does that broken tree limb look like a dragon? Is that a heart shape on the feather you found? Is that tree hollow a circle? When we slow down and open our eyes, the world comes to life Bring a sketch pad with you to log the daily shapes that you see. You’ll be amazed by how many different ones there are

Sound | “Sounds Around”

In our busy and highly audible world, silence is rare, but so is slowing down to listen to more of the subtle sounds around you! For this activity, choose a comfortable and safe spot to sit alone or with your family and close your eyes for 5 minutes and just listen What do you hear? Can you hear any cars or planes? Can you hear water? How far off do you think you can hear? What do those noises mean?

Touch | “ Tex ture Treasures”

This activity can be done in any environment. From finding pinecones, leaves, or catkins on a walk in the forest or stones and moss along the wetland’s edge, find as many textures as you can out in nature! Is your object spiky, rough, smooth, or bumpy?

If you are unsure if something is safe to touch, imagine what it might feel like. Be sure to handle ever ything with care, put objects back where you found them, and have fun!

Smell | “Scents All Around”

This fun activity boasts surprises when you simply stop and smell the roses, or mud, leaves, and more! First, gather some natural materials such as flowers, pine needles, mud, tree bark, and grass. Place these items into individual cups or canisters and cover them so they can’t be seen Smell each container and see if you can guess what it is Use descriptive words to describe the smell

Taste | “A Sip of Summer ”

You don’t have to look too far in New Hampshire for wild drinkables that are sure to enliven your senses One easy concoction to make is a “lemonade” made from staghorn sumac This shrub might not be as common as a red maple or pine tree, but you probably have seen sumac growing in places more often than you think. Your tastebuds will thank you once you bless them with this zingy summery drink Instruc tions

• Har vest sumac berries (called “drupes” or sumac “bobs”) and pick away any sticks or leaves

• Place berries in a large pot.

• Cover with water and use your hands or wooden spoon to agitate the water and berries

• Allow berries to soak for a few hours or overnight.

• Use hands or wooden spoon to “smoosh” the berries

• Strain through a fine mesh strainer, clean kitchen towel, or coffee filter

• Sweeten if desired and serve chilled