7 Senses of Our Bodies
What are proprioceptive and interoceptive senses?
Hearing, Sight, Smell, Touch, and Taste are readily recognized as the five senses of the body. We have two more: proprioception and interoception.
Proprioception is sensing and thus knowing, where ones body is or part thereof is in three dimensional space: exact coordinates and whether it is still or in motion. I had this sense exquisitely as a youth, when I was dancing most days of the week. In an arabesque I knew exactly where my big toe was, the placement and angle. I knew it because I felt it. Gymnasts, divers, and many other athletes, where movement is an integral part of their sport, have a keen proprioceptive sense.
Certainly, proprioception can be honed, but I think we had it keenly when we were young. I cite children climbing trees and the many other unstructured play of children when they are out-of-doors. They are not just riding their bike. At times they are navigating it backwards while sitting on the handlebars. Children often like to challenge their proprioceptive sense by making themselves dizzy after twirling or rolling across a lawn.
Our proprioceptive sense dulls as our lives become more sedentary. Yet, we can uncover and refresh this sense with a bit of playfulness. Try these things.
