Our 5 senses?
Common belief is that we have five primary senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. However, those five senses are only a fraction of our sensory capabilities. We actually possess several more senses, including vestibular (balance), interoception (awareness of internal body signals such as hunger or thirst) and proprioception, which will be explained below. These other senses contribute significantly to our understanding of ourselves and our environment. Nevertheless, the perception of “five senses” persists, mostly due to cultural simplicity and educational traditions.
Exploring our other senses reveals a more intricate and fascinating interplay between us and the world around us. Proprioception is a crucial yet often overlooked sense that plays a significant role in our overall awareness and mindfulness. Understanding proprioception can enhance our mindfulness practice.
What is proprioception?
Proprioception is the sense of being in our body in a place. It involves sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints that send information to the brain about body posture, movement and balance. Proprioception helps us move through space confidently without needing to look at our limbs constantly.
Consider the following two examples:
- Walking on Uneven Ground: When walking on a path with rocks, grass and roots, our proprioceptors help us adjust our foot placement without needing to look at every step. This helps us move smoothly and safely.
- Stretching or Yoga: During a yoga pose, such as a downward dog, proprioception helps maintain balance by understanding how our body is oriented and if we need to make any adjustments to hold the pose effectively.
Proprioception and Mindfulness
Mindfulness emphasises being present in the moment, focusing on bodily sensations, thoughts, and feelings. Proprioception enhances this experience by helping us focus on our body and feel physical sensations. In a lot of ways, it is the most important sense during mindfulness practices such as meditation or mindful walking.
Benefits of Integrating Proprioception in Mindfulness Practices
- Enhanced Body Awareness: By sharpening proprioceptive skills, we become more attuned to physical sensations. This helps us engage more deeply in mindfulness practices.
- Improved Focus and Concentration: Proprioceptive exercises can help reduce distractions during mindfulness practices by grounding us in the present. When our body is aligned and understood, our mind can focus better.
- Stress Reduction: Being aware of proprioceptive feedback can help us relax. For example, recognising muscle tension helps us release that tension, thereby promoting a sense of calm.
- Mind-Body Connection: Proprioception fosters a strong connection between mind and body. As we become more aware of our bodily sensations, we can better understand how emotions manifest physically, which then lets us regulate them.
Research Supporting the Link Between Proprioception and Mindfulness
Various studies show the relationship between proprioception and mindfulness. Research indicates that mindfulness practices enhance body awareness and proprioceptive acuity, leading to improved psychological well-being (Keng et al., 2011).
Additionally, research on trauma and proprioception suggests that enhancing this sense can help individuals reconnect with their bodies, fostering healing. By integrating proprioceptive awareness into mindfulness, practitioners can develop a more profound sense of safety and security in their bodies, essential for trauma recovery (Levine, 1997).
Conclusion
Proprioception is not just a basic sensory input; it serves as a foundation for enhancing mindfulness practices. By developing a keen sense of body awareness through proprioceptive training, we can deepen our mindfulness practice, promote emotional regulation and foster a stronger mind-body connection. As we continue to explore the interplay between these two elements, the potential for personal growth and healing becomes increasingly clear.
References
- Keng, S.L., Smoski, M.J. & Robins, C.J. (2011) ‘Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies’, Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(2), pp. 124-133. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20758. Available at: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=91248 (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
- Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.