Trusting Your Senses: Staying Alert and Safe During the Holidays

Trusting Your Senses: Staying Alert and Safe During the Holidays

Have you ever seen a hound dog suddenly freeze, nose to the ground, alert to a scent no one else can smell? Or watched as a pointer dog stands still, focused, ears perked, every muscle on high alert? These animals have a powerful ability to use their senses to stay aware of what’s happening around them. They trust their instincts and know when to act, and as humans, we have our own inner alerts, too.

We’re not dogs, but we have something just as powerful within us—a natural ability to sense when something isn’t right. The challenge, though, is that we sometimes ignore these instincts or get too comfortable, especially during times like the holidays, when we’re more relaxed and distracted. But just like animals sharpen their senses for survival, we, too, need to stay aware and trust what our bodies and minds are telling us.

The holidays can dull our senses. We can get caught up in the joy, the excitement, and the gatherings, and we may start to let our guard down. But that’s exactly when we need to stay sharp. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the season—it just means we need to stay connected to our senses and trust them when they send us a signal.

Sharpening Your Five Senses:

1. Sight: Just like how a dog will look carefully around when they sense something is off, we need to be aware of our surroundings. Take notice of the people around you. Does something feel “off” about someone’s body language or behavior? If so, don’t brush it aside—trust what you see and act on it.

2. Hearing: Sometimes, our ears pick up on things that our eyes miss. Maybe it’s a change in tone, an uncomfortable silence, or a sound that triggers your sense of caution. When you hear something that makes you feel uneasy, pay attention. Your ears are your early warning system.

3. Smell: Like how dogs can detect danger from a scent, our sense of smell can alert us, too. Whether it’s a strange smell that raises concern or something familiar that brings comfort, trust your gut reaction. This sense is more powerful than we realize.

4. Touch: Sometimes, it’s a physical reaction—a chill, goosebumps, or an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach—that signals something is wrong. These reactions are your body’s way of communicating with you. Don’t ignore these physical signs—they are your inner compass.

5. Intuition (the 6th sense): Our intuition is like that pointer dog’s instinct. We may not know why we feel a certain way, but our bodies and minds are picking up on things beneath the surface. If something feels off, even if you can’t explain it, trust yourself. Your intuition is often right.

Sharpening Your Alertness During the Holidays:

Stay present: It’s easy to get swept up in the festivities, but staying present means staying connected to your senses. Check in with yourself regularly. How do you feel? Does anything seem out of place? Take a moment to ground yourself and listen to your body.

Create boundaries: Just like animals create boundaries for their safety, set boundaries for yourself. Know when to say no, when to leave a situation, and when to distance yourself from people or places that don’t feel safe.

Practice awareness in a friendly way: Think of your senses as your loyal friends, always there to guide you. Trust them like you would trust a close friend who’s looking out for your best interests. Be kind to yourself and remember that staying alert isn’t about being fearful—it’s about being empowered.

Sharpen your tools: Just like a tool needs to be sharpened to work well, your senses need to be fine-tuned. Spend time in reflection or mindfulness. Do activities that help you stay in touch with your body and intuition. It could be something as simple as journaling, taking a quiet walk, or doing a grounding exercise to help you stay connected.

---

Empowering Conclusion:

As the holidays approach, remember that you are your own best guide. Your senses are gifts, designed to protect you and keep you safe. Trust them, rely on them, and know that they will carry you through any situation with strength and clarity. Like a hound dog on alert, you can remain aware, grounded, and safe, no matter where you are. The joy of the season is yours to enjoy, but you also have the power to protect your peace, your safety, and your well-being.

You’ve got this—your senses are sharper than you think, and they

are always ready to guide you home safely.

Kathe'rine