Reflections on Sensory Consumption

Please explore and reflect on your patterns of sensory consumption, their effects on your mind and your well-being, and how they do or do not support your aspiration. Please approach these questions with a fresh beginner’s mind, with a spirit of inquiry and curiosity. One way we bring openness into our lives is through a willingness to examine our deeply ingrained beliefs and assumptions about ourselves, our preferences, and our habitual ways of acting and consuming.

What kind of mind do I want to have? 

Do I consider/am I aware of the effects of my sensory consumption on my mind? 

What are my typical patterns of sensory consumption throughout the day (i.e. What media do I watch/listen to? What is the content? What conversations do I engage in? Where do I direct my attention?)

How much of my sensory consumption is deliberate, intentional and mindful and how much is automatic, habitual and unmindful?

Are there ways I use electronic media or other forms of sensory input (reading, music) as a distraction from unwanted feelings and mind states such as boredom, restlessness, loneliness, anger, sadness, anxiety?

Am I aware of which sensory experiences create negative effects (dissatisfaction, unease, irritation, craving, fear etc.) in my mind?

Am I aware of which sensory experiences create positive effects (ease, harmony, wonder, happiness, appreciation etc.) in my mind that are supportive of my aspirations and wellbeing?

Are there changes I could make in my patterns of sensory consumption that would be beneficial and supportive of my aspirations and wellbeing?

In light of the Thich Nhat Hanh quotation below, consider ways you could bring meaningful and nourishing sensory experiences into your life.

“Our true home is in the present moment. To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now. Peace is all around us—in the world and in nature—and within us—in our bodies and our spirits. Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed. It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice. We need only to find ways to bring our body and mind back to the present moment so we can touch what is refreshing, healing and wondrous.”

—from Touching Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh