Rethinking the Senses

For centuries, we’ve been told that humans have five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

These pillars of perception were considered the foundation for how we navigate the world. Then, the idea of a "sixth sense" entered the conversation—a kind of intuitive ability that hints at something more profound and unseen.

As our understanding of biology, quantum physics, and neuroscience has evolved, so too has our understanding of perception. It turns out we’re capable of so much more than just those five or even six senses. Think about animals: birds navigate using the Earth’s magnetic fields, and sharks detect electric pulses from their prey. These abilities, once thought unique to certain species, invite us to rethink our own capabilities.

We humans have many more senses than we give ourselves credit for. The real question isn’t whether we have them—but whether we’re paying attention to them.

Take proprioception, for example—it’s our sense of where our body is in space. That’s what allows you to touch your nose with your eyes closed. Or interoception, which is about tuning into your internal states: hunger, thirst, the beating of your heart. Studies have shown that people with stronger interoceptive awareness tend to have better emotional regulation. Then there’s thermoception, our ability to sense temperature changes, or chronoception, our sense of time.

Perhaps most fascinating is our sensitivity to energy and frequency. Einstein once said, "Everything is energy." This idea isn’t just theoretical; it explains why we can feel the energy in a room or sense the mood of a person before they speak.

It’s incredible to think how much we’ve been missing.

The more I’ve explored this idea, the more I see its connection to leadership and the way we live our lives. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or hitting goals—it’s about connection. It’s about sensing what isn’t being said, understanding the emotional undercurrents in a room, and responding with empathy and intention.

A study in The Leadership Quarterly found that leaders who exhibit heightened emotional and interpersonal awareness tend to create more engaged and trusting teams. And it makes sense: when leaders tune into these unseen dynamics—what you could call the "energy" of a situation—they build a deeper connection with the people they lead.

Think about how this shows up in everyday moments. Have you ever walked into a meeting and felt the tension in the air before anyone said a word? That’s your sense of interpersonal energy kicking in. Or have you ever worked with someone who just "gets it" when you’re struggling, even when you don’t say a word? That’s emotional resonance in action.

This isn’t just about leadership, though—it’s about the way we approach life. In hospitality, for example, we often think about creating experiences that delight the five senses: a beautifully designed room, a delicious meal, or the calming scent of a candle. But the truly unforgettable moments go beyond that. They tap into something deeper: a sense of connection, care, and intuition.

I remember working with a guest who had lost something deeply meaningful during their stay. While my team worked to recover it, I stayed with the guest, listening, comforting, and showing that I cared about more than just the object. That moment of presence created a bond that went beyond the typical guest experience.

The same principles apply to how we lead our teams. When we tune into the subtle cues—body language, tone of voice, or even the unspoken energy of a group—we build trust. And trust isn’t built on what we say; it’s built on how we make people feel.

The good news is, these senses are already within us. We just need to wake them up.

Start by being more mindful of your presence. When you’re with someone, give them your full attention—not just to their words, but to their tone, posture, and energy. Spend more time in nature, where the frequencies are unfiltered and raw. And check in with yourself regularly. What is your body telling you? What emotions are rising to the surface?

As Rumi once wrote: "There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen."

Understanding that we have more than five senses isn’t just a fascinating revelation—it’s a call to action. Imagine what the world would look like if we all tuned in more deeply to our surroundings, our teams, and ourselves.

The truth is, the more we awaken to the full spectrum of our senses, the more connected we become—to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us. It’s in this connection that we find the potential to lead with greater authenticity, empathy, and purpose.

Let’s rethink the senses together. There’s a richer, more vibrant world waiting to be discovered.

Which senses do you tap into?