Sensing

Wendi R. Rider

PHIL1203 01W3 15SP

Instructor Burnam

February 4, 2015

Sensing (Comparison)

When comparing the real-time experience of the warehouse versus reflecting on the experience, I believe that certain senses dimmed more quickly than others when it came to recalling a specific place or memory. In my case, the sights and certain sounds are still clearly implanted for me, as opposed to the specific taste or smell of things from that day. For example, I could not tell you what I had for lunch that day, although I specifically remember how crisp, cool, and refreshing my bottled water tasted in the middle of the afternoon after dealing with the dust from the boxes and various particles that fly through the air. I think with any of the senses, some memories will be dim while others are still as vivid as the day you experienced it. Another example is that I recall reading all of the brand new quotes on the wall around our new break room but I cannot remember one single quote. On the flip side of that for sight, however, I most definitely remember the sight of looking out over the top of the warehouse from 32 feet in the air because my imagination had me in a hot air balloon floating over beautiful, amazing countryside.

I do believe that the further you get away from an experience that some senses will dim. I do not, however, believe they all fade. The sense that had the biggest impact on a person will remain, be it a good or a bad experience. For example, when I was in labor with my son, it was a hard labor that lasted 32 hours. I also had quite a few complications while trying to give birth to him. 27 years later, I do not recall the pain at all. What I do remember like it was yesterday is the awe I felt when the nurse handed him to me, the feel of his skin, and the smell of his hair. The importance of an event in a person’s brain is what causes a specific sense to be recalled in clarity, in my opinion.

Wendi R. Rider