![]() Learn more about these eight systems in detail. Most people are surprised to find out that we actually have eight sensory systems rather than five. Sensory processing is a critical aspect of well-being through the life-span and the bridge between physical and mental health. With well-integrated sensory processing comes a wealth of daily sensory-affective and sensory-motor experiences that cultivates the development of autonomy, competence, interest in learning, goal orientation, sense of purpose, resilience, social engagement, and agency. It is through robust sensory processing that we develop resilience, and establish a tolerance for stressful situations, learn to be calm under pressure, and process experiences that are challenging or upsetting. The sensory domain is where the brain and body connect and thrive. We also develop motor skills that demonstrate increased finesse and coordination and become more and more gracious and refined with practice. We develop sense-of-self through these early experiences, we learn how to solve problems, we learn that we can impact objects and people, we develop executive function and theory of mind. This is where our intention first starts to marry with the action that we take. Also through play as we knock over blocks, shake a musical rattle, and drop items off the high chair tray. First through our bodies as we lift our heads up against gravity, roll over, crawl, and stand. Sensory processing is where we learn that we can impact the world. ![]() All of these experiences enable us to develop solid brain architecture that sets us up for success in school and later in the workplace. This is how we form relationships, learn to communicate, and develop the foundation blocks for psychological well-being. Indeed, most early experiences are entirely sensory and entirely emotional. In the early years of life, there are very few, if any, experiences that are not deeply sensory in nature. It is through the senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, proprioception, interception, and vestibular input) that infants first learn about their caregivers, through touch that they first form attachments, and through smell that they identify their birth mother. Sensory processing can also influence every area of living including our preferences in diet, exercise, relationships, career, and hobbies. It provides emotional stability, a platform for social interaction, a sense of self, well-being, satisfaction, and/or accomplishment. Our ability to process sensory data does not usually require conscious thought or cognitive effort. We couldn’t do these things without our sensory systems. In each instance, our sensory systems contribute vital information that we use to be successful. The sensory messages we receive from our bodies and the world around us are responded to in everything we do in life - whether it’s the comfort we feel from a warm hug from a loved one, the joy from the music we listen to, the feeling of satiation after eating, the ability to stay upright on moving bus or the act of learning / mastering a sport. Sensory processing is the neurology of how we feel. Making sense of sensation is what makes us successful. How we sense, experience, and feel the world is critical to safety and helps us move our bodies, complete tasks, make friends, and fall in love. This brain-body process is taking place every second of every day and through the attention, it pays to external and internal information we form our perception of the world, our lived conscious experienced. Each of these senses comes together to build your conscious reality. Touch, sight, sound, movement, body position, smell, taste, internal sensation. Sensory processing shapes our experiences in the world and impacts our feelings. ![]() Our bodies and brains use specialized systems to register all the different sensory information in our environment and piece it together to build a complete picture of: what is going on around us, with our bodies, within our bodies, where we are, and what time of day it is. How these processes work, and the impact they have on our health and well-being, deserves as much attention as other domains of wellness. Most of us have built ourselves a sensory lifestyle without giving it too much thought. Or perhaps you know that massages, music, aromatherapy, or super spicy food help you feel more alive, grounded, and able to cope with your day-to-day. You might find that going to the gym or on long nature walks help you to feel calmer and more focused during the day. We are all familiar with the sensory aspects of day to day life.
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