#sensoryexperience

[cerisenoire-html]

Sound and Light

Let me watch artists on stage Like ants who live to create Improvising chords through their third eye

I want to lap up every ounce of emotion emitted

I yearn to be bathed in sound and light Drown me in strobe lights and 808s Cover me in green and pink and white and black

I crave the feeling of drums in my chest A throbbing baseline down my spine

Lightning and thunder from the main stage Flooding through the cracks of the front doors All of their particles and waves Otherworldly atoms emitted from instruments

[pairfum]

Why Are We Closing Our Eyes When Smelling?

Have you ever wondered: why are we closing our eyes when smelling something intensely beautiful, nostalgic, or unusual? Whether it’s the earthy scent after rain, the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, or a striking perfume, it’s instinctive to pause and shut out the world around us. We close our eyes not only to deepen our awareness of the smell, but also to allow the brain to shift focus and enhance other senses like taste, hearing, and even emotion. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind this sensory reflex and how it relates to eye health, vision, the olfactory system, and our emotional and psychological wellbeing.

A Natural Reflex: Tuning In With Closed Eyes

One reason we close our eyes while smelling something is to reduce visual stimulus. Our brains are constantly managing input from the ears, nose, skin, and especially the eyes. When we temporarily block visual input by closing our eyes, it minimises distraction and reallocates our brain’s attention to more subtle signals—like an emerging scent or hidden odour. This act is a bit like dimming the lights to hear soft music better. With less visual noise, the brain becomes more attuned to the finer details of smell—especially pleasant odours, layered fragrances, or even a strong smell.

The Role of the Brain and the Olfactory System

Smelling isn't just about the nose; it's a full-brain experience. Scent travels straight to the olfactory bulb, which connects directly to the olfactory nerve, a pathway deeply embedded in the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for emotion, memory, and instinct. When our eyes are closed, neural energy that would be used to process images via the optic nerve is redistributed, enhancing smell. It's one of the few senses that bypasses the brain’s usual processing hubs, making it profoundly emotional and uniquely immersive. In addition, the nasal cavity and nasal passages work in tandem with our sinuses to carry scent molecules up to odor receptors, which translate them into recognisable sensations. Closing the eyes allows more energy to be focused on this intricate olfactory process.

Smell, Vision and Sensory Balance

While the connection between smell and sight might not seem obvious, these senses influence one another more than we realise. Studies suggest that reducing vision input can improve sense acuity—helping us to notice more detailed notes in a smell. However, it’s also worth exploring how the eyes themselves respond during scent perception. Vision and Eye Health When focusing intently, we often blink less, which can lead to dry eyes, eye strain, and even temporary blurry vision. Over time, this behaviour—especially in environments with bright light or screens—can contribute to dry eye syndrome or more serious vision issues. Closing your eyes even briefly can offer relief to the eye muscles and help rehydrate the surface of the eye with tears, especially if supported by artificial tears or eye drops. Persistent eye problems should always be discussed with an eye doctor, who may recommend an eye exam to assess the condition of your vision and rule out any underlying issues like dark spots, eye irritation, or other symptoms.

Mindfulness and the Power of Focus

Closing our eyes while smelling can also deepen our emotional response. Without visual context, the brain dives more deeply into sensory interpretation. This intensifies the sensation, making the smell feel more immersive and layered. This is especially important in moments of reflection, intimacy, or sleep—times when we seek calm and presence. Inhaling a soothing scent, with closed eyes, can help calm the nervous system and promote a restful state.

Eye Movements and Multisensory Overload

Even subtle eye movements while trying to concentrate can disrupt mental processing. That’s because your eyes are wired for movement—to scan, track, and interpret. But this constant scanning taxes the brain, leaving less room for olfactory detail. Think of how difficult it is to appreciate a complex aroma while walking through a crowd, battling noise, movement, and toxic chemicals in the air. It’s far easier to appreciate a beautiful odour in stillness—with closed eyes.

Everyday Applications: Why It Matters

Here are a few common scenarios where you might instinctively shut your eyes to enhance your sense of smell and reduce vision problems: During Meals To fully savour flavour and taste, closing the eyes can help distinguish spices, herbs, and layered notes in food and drink. In Nature Walking through fields or gardens, many instinctively shut their eyes to take in the pollen-filled air and ambient natural aromas. When Unwell Blocked nasal passages or inflamed sinuses reduce your ability to smell clearly. Closing your eyes can help focus on what subtle scents remain. A nasal spray may assist, but stillness can amplify the moment. In Emotional Moments A familiar scent might recall a memory or person. Closing your eyes lets you fully experience that connection without external interference.

A Thoughtfully Designed Ritual for Deeper Scent Appreciation

To fully embrace the power of scent with all its emotional and sensory depth, the environment around you matters. The Ideal Perfume Experience by Pairfum is designed to complement the natural instinct of closing your eyes when smelling—helping to reduce distraction, heighten awareness, and create space for stillness. By guiding you through a mindful approach to fragrance, it enhances not just the smell, but the entire sensory journey, allowing your olfactory bulb, memory, and emotion to work in harmony. Fragrance Library Perfume Experience Box - By Pairfum London This experience includes a curated selection of materials—a beautiful blotter strip, a natural cotton cloth, and a handcrafted perfume vial—each chosen to enhance the purity and clarity of the fragrance. With guidance on how to prepare your surroundings, slow your breathing, and limit visual stimulus, it encourages a deeper engagement with the scent itself. Whether you're exploring a new perfume or reconnecting with a familiar aroma, every element is designed to remove distractions and support your natural sensory instincts, helping you notice even the most delicate nuances in the fragrance.

Conclusion

The next time you notice yourself closing your eyes when smelling something—whether it’s a cup of coffee, the odour of rain-soaked earth, or a nostalgic perfume—remember that your body is doing something beautifully intelligent. You’re not just smelling. You’re tuning out the world. You’re focusing your mind. You’re letting your olfactory nerve and odor receptors guide your attention inward, where memory and meaning reside. This small act is a gateway to presence, reflection, and deeper connection—with scent, with emotion, and with yourself. Read the full article

[butterflybeauty]

Explorez notre univers de senteurs envoûtantes. De l'encens traditionnel aux eaux de parfum raffinées, Encens Store vous propose une expérience sensorielle unique. Parfumez vos vêtements, votre intérieur et votre esprit.

[emmapreston05]

Exploring "Nature: Sensory" at The Art House, Wakefield

Recently, I visited the "Nature: Sensory" exhibition at The Art House in Wakefield, and it was an enriching experience. Running from 14 January to 15 February, 2025, this exhibition invites visitors to engage with art that explores the intersection of nature and sensory experience.

Accessibility and Environment

One of the first things I noticed was how accessible the venue is. The lift made it easy for everyone to navigate the space, ensuring that all visitors could enjoy the exhibition without barriers. Accessibility in art spaces is vital, and The Art House has accommodated for this.

The Artwork

The exhibition showcases the work of several artists including Helen Thomas, Jessie Davies, and others. Their pieces invite the viewer to contemplate nature in unexpected and thought-provoking ways.

A notable installation was a series of tactile sculptures, encouraging interaction. One piece featured ceramic forms that visitors were invited to handle gently.

Another intriguing work was a geometric sculpture that combined natural materials with a modern aesthetic. The juxtaposition of the raw and refined, reinforces the relationship between nature and art.

I was particularly drawn to the vibrant paintings depicting natural landscapes. These works not only captured the beauty of the outdoors but also evoked feelings of being in nature. The colours and textures were vivid and bright welcoming the viewer to really experience the subject matter.

Reflecting upon my own practice, in which I am primarily creating digital botanical pattern designs on Procreate, I thought in particular about colour and how that impacts the way my work is viewed. Colour has always been a large component of my practice, I often enjoy utilising bright, vivid palettes, extenuating the beauty I find in nature.

I also contemplated on texture and how that could come in to play in my patterns. Not long after this, I created some lino prints and created some digital patterns out of them, creating an intersection between the physical and the digital.

Interactive Elements

A standout feature of the exhibition was a unique book art installation that visitors could handle. This interactive element allowed me to explore the delicate illustrations of botanical forms up close.

Another memorable piece was a large multi-panel artwork that blended various mediums to create a representation of nature's complexity.

Overall

Overall, "Nature: Sensory" at The Art House in Wakefield is a highly engaging exhibition that celebrates the relationship between art and the natural world. The thoughtful curation, combined with the accessibility of the venue, made the exhibition very enjoyable. It also enabled reflection on my own practice, ultimately influencing me to experiment with texture in my work.

Facebook: The Art House Wakefield

Twitter: @TheArtHouseWF

Instagram: @thearthousewakefield

YouTube: The Art House Wakefield Channel

[caesarandthecity]

Experiencing Life Through My Eyes

I am here simply to experience human life on Earth—through the eyes of César, through his memories, his tastes, his scents, textures, and emotions. Whether in small details or grand moments, everything is part of this vast and immeasurable universe. This is how I see and feel life today, here on Earth.

[izamark]

Discover the mesmerizing world of magnetic games as we create an intricate and stunning geometric structure using magnetic sticks and balls! In this video, we explore the endless possibilities of magnetic construction, demonstrating how simple pieces can come together to form a complex and beautiful design. Watch as we transform individual magnetic components into a cohesive and eye-catching masterpiece. This video is perfect for anyone interested in magnetic games, whether you're a hobbyist, an artist, or simply looking for a fun and creative project. Thank you for watching. Please help us reach our first 1,000 subscriptions.

[ortmoragency]

Discover 11 spectacular innovations guaranteed to wow and electrify your event. From cutting-edge tech to immersive experiences, these ideas will leave your audience amazed.

[hunter-arceneaux-blog]

A vivid poem titled "Fireworks" from my debut poetry book, Lost in the Silence, now available on Amazon. This piece captures the serene yet powerful moments we experience in nature.

[usascripthelpersofficial]

🌈🧠✨ Happy #NationalSynesthesiaAwarenessDay! ✨🧠🌈 Celebrating the incredible minds that experience the world through a unique blend of senses. Let's raise awareness and support for those with #Synesthesia. Share your stories and spread the color! 🎨 #Neurodiversity #SensoryExperience #usascripthelepers

[cosmiccones]

Coloured paper cones not only aid in the smoking process but also influence the smoker's mood, emotional state, and overall sensory experience. By exploring the psychological impact of different colours, we can better understand how they have the potential to modify or improve the smoking experience. For more details visit; 

https://www.cosmicconesindia.com/smoking-experience-with-colored-paper-cones-the-psychology-of-color/

[roshni-wellness]

Indulge Your Senses with Luxurious Premium Scented Candles | Roshni Wellness

Experience pure bliss with our exquisite collection of premium scented candles at Roshni Wellness. With our finely crafted candles, which are meant to calm your senses and create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, you may uplift your mood and unwind in luxury. Check out our selection right now!

[islifearecipe]

Scentopia Review: The best thing to do on Sentosa Island, or is that Scentosa Island...?

[livinghealthyjoyful]

"Enhance your listening experience to new heights with Cortexi's 360° hearing augmentation. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear sound from every direction! 🌟

[arthistoriansdiary]

A Forest of Lines

Pierre Huyghe, A Forest of Lines (2008). Art Installation. Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House, 16th Biennale of Sydney.

Pierre Huyghe's installation A Forest of Lines transports viewers into a realm where art and environment intersect, blurring the lines between natural and constructed worlds. This work, displayed at the Sydney Opera House in 2008, is a compelling exploration of space, perception, and the relationship between nature and human creation.

Conceptual Framework: A Forest of Lines transformed the iconic Sydney Opera House into a dense, immersive forest. Huyghe planted 300 live trees within the concert hall, creating a juxtaposition of natural elements within a man-made, cultural space. This fusion invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of familiar environments and the boundaries between natural and artificial spaces.

Spatial Dynamics: The installation challenged traditional notions of space utilization in art. By bringing the outdoors inside, Huyghe disrupted the conventional function and atmosphere of the concert hall. The audience navigated through this forest, experiencing a shift in their usual interaction with both nature and architectural space.

Sensory Experience: The multi-sensory experience of A Forest of Lines is central to its impact. The visual spectacle of trees indoors, combined with the smells and sounds of a forest, created an immersive experience that transcended visual art, engaging the audience on multiple sensory levels.

Environmental and Artistic Dialogue: Huyghe's work often engages with environmental themes, and A Forest of Lines is no exception. The installation prompts reflection on our relationship with the environment and the ways in which we compartmentalize nature in our urban and cultural spaces. It also explores the role of art in mediating and redefining this relationship.

Temporal Elements: The temporary nature of the installation, like a fleeting natural phenomenon, left a lasting impression on its viewers. This ephemerality underscores themes of impermanence and transformation, both in nature and in human experience.

Nature Meets Art: What's Your Take? In what ways does Pierre Huyghe's A Forest of Lines alter your perception of space and the intersection between nature and human-created environments?

[lovesgardening-blog1]

🌸Blossoms of Bliss: 15 Aromatic Flowering Plants to Transform Your Garden into a Sensory Paradise!🌹

Dive into the scented symphony of nature with these 15 aromatic flowering plants! 🌸✨ Elevate your garden experience as we explore the beauty and fragrance that turns outdoor spaces into sensory paradises. 🌿🌺

[ortmoragency]

Discover the pulse-pounding world of interactive exhibitions and explore the thrill of interactive learning with our blog on Interactive Exhibitions.