Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we related to life not through representations but through direct raw experience?

I was considering this thought this morning as I read the word decibel.

I thought of how the human mind is always seeking to categorize, quantify and label things. In fairness this allows for safety, continuity and understanding, but I couldn't help thinking what it would be like if we didn't seek to always put things in neat little boxes. In reading, I learned that:

"One decibel is one tenth (deci-) of one bel, named in honor of Alexander Graham Bell; however, the bel is seldom used. Today, the decibel is used for a wide variety of measurements in science and engineering, most prominently in acoustics, electronics, and control theory."source

The intensity of sound isn't what I'm writing about, but it proves an interesting point; we are in the habit of comparing experiences to a standard measurement in hopes of creating a better understanding. In a sense we could say that 3000 decibels is VERY loud, but the decibel scale lends a degree of accuracy.

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If one engine has 200 horsepower, we consider it equal in power to another engine of equal horsepower. A flashlight equal to 500 candles is said to have 500 lumens. This has some seriously awesome effects like being able to understand things rationally and compare data. BUT......

What are we sacrificing if we are always in rational comparison mode?

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The human experience is one of profound diversity and what YOU feel cannot be questioned. When it comes to quantifying sensations and feelings, it can be very tricky to articulate. This is what I've been chewing on today; the differences between labels, measurements and scales (like the pH scale for acidity) and direct, lived experience.

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_{Numbers can be so rigid!}

I feel that numbers and data can sometimes detract from the core of what they are attempting to represent. If you see on a thermometer that the temperature is 18 C or 68 F you may already have a clear idea of how "room temperature" feels. But this may not be as authentic as letting your body tell you.

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I've been wondering what it would be like if we all inhabited our bodies more and our minds less?

I couldn't tell you how many calories I eat, but I have a felt sense for the portions that will satisfy me. I certainly couldn't tell you how many lumens I need to read by but I know when it's too dark. We all have these abilities (to varying degrees of course) to feel the world around us.

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It's time we start trusting our senses

When I read a book by a visionary builder like Ianto Evans, I am reminded of the pure and simple fact that we are truly creative beings that need not be limited by rules and bounds.

He encourages the use of local materials to meet the needs of shelter and to build custom structures that suit their inhabitants.

How large a room should be depends on who will be living in it. He argues for place based cultures that honor creativity and personal empowerment. One point I love that he makes is using the body as a measuring device. Inches or centimeters may be less relevant that hand spans and paces.

In a world of rules and standards it's refreshing to note that we as humans still experience reality in the purest form through our senses. We must NEVER doubt our truth in this regard.

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_{A custom hand-sculpted cob home by Ianto Evans and Linda Smiley.}

In what ways do you relate to your experiences versus trusting standards? Would love to hear from you all.