Sensationally Living

Sunday, March 16, 2008
I’m always reading more than one book at a time, and I’m a little back logged reviewing them. Another book I just finished is called Living Sensationally: Understanding your Senses by Winnie Dunn. Ms. Dunn is a leading expert in sensory processing.
Evidently, people tend to be one of four ways in how they sense the world around them: Seekers who seek out sensation, Bystanders, who need lots of input for their senses but don’t seek it out, Avoiders, who are easily overwhelmed by their senses and actively limit sensation, and Sensors, who notice more sensory input than the others and are often overwhelmed. There is a quiz in the book to help you discover what sensing style you have. I came out moderate in everything, leaning a little toward Sensor and a little away from Seeker.
The book then describes daily life for each personality and strategies and advantages to each type. There are many case studies, especially of two incompatible types learning to work together. The chapters discuss home location, clothing, vacations, work environment, marriage, parenting, and more. It’s a pretty quick read, especially when one focuses on the topics one is most interested in.
I found this book mildly interesting, but not particularly informative. It did get me to thinking as I was getting dressed in the locker room at the YMCA that maybe people who don’t seem as modest as me might not just be flaunting immodesty. I try to go into the most remote corner and dress facing the wall, but I prefer not to talk or look around or get any stimulus other than what I’m doing. Perhaps some of the other people who aren’t as concerned with all that actually need the added stimulus of the busier parts of the locker room. I don’t know. I’m just musing.