Sandy Supposes....

There are many ways to see

Children are often scolded, "You see with your eyes not your hands."          

         Our eyes are certainly our most used and abused sense. Almost always, our eyes notice things first. Sometimes, the poor peepers are assaulted; they see shocking sights that cannot be unseen or forgotten. We humans like to exercise our free spirits, creativity, and individualism in various modes of dress. Not everyone agrees on what is appropriate or in good taste.          

          I think we need to verify what we are seeing. Remember the expression, "Do my eyes deceive me?" Who hasn't heard or said," Let me see,"? We intend this to mean, " let me think about it". Our sense of touch is a back-up for our brains. Am I noticing fur and caressing it? Is this actually wet water before me? This wallpaper looks like brick, but is it? Is this loaf of bread fresh? My child seems to be flushed, is she hot to my touch?          

          All of our senses work as a team, constantly barraging our thought processes and memories with data. Each sense compliments the other. I've admired street art that is so detailed, all concepts of depth are skewed. An ordinary sidewalk may be transformed into a yawning abyss or a swirling current of water or even the magical Harry Potter train. My eyes see the concept, but my hands quickly testify that I am not in danger of falling or being struck by a train. My ears do not hear wind or gurgling water flow or a chugging, whistling engine.          

          I'm thinking of cakes; they can be created to resemble anything. My sense of taste may well marvel at the flavour, but because of that I know for certain I am not devouring an actual china teapot or a teddy bear. Hopefully, all of my senses join forces to prevent me from mistakenly eating insects.          

          When I was a Girl Guider, I often set up a game for the girls to celebrate Hallowe'en. Before our party, I'd prepare different foodstuffs and place them in separate containers. In a dark room, I would pass out one dish at a time as I told a spooky story. The girls were instructed to reach into the bowl and feel the witch's "brain' , "kidney", " guts", "blood" etcetera. It was most gratifying to hear the gasps and squeals as the girls touched Jello, beef kidney, cold, cooked spaghetti, and ketchup!          

         Seeing with our imaginations is a wonderful gift. Word pictures paint endless possibilities. Our brains need stimulation to keep us happy and young.