While eating dinner recently, I witnessed something interesting with my youngest child. Lasagna was being served of which was new to him. He was hesitant to do so, but he eventually began to sample this item of food. He would place a bite in his mouth and then close his eyes. Eyes still closed, he would relocate the sample around a bit, then chew and eventually swallow. Repeat.

He said that by closing his eyes, his brain could start "imagining" things. Each bite would vary. Many of his descriptions related to the ingredients used in making the lasagna, but several other images were far from it. Huh! I was impressed. Back to the basics. Not only was he segmenting the different parts of the whole, but he was also allowing himself to imagine other possibilities. After all, lasagna can represent different things to different people, therefore representing different outcomes and experiences. Yes, lasagna.

I remember attending a dinner this summer that was sponsored by The American Council of the Blind - Colorado (ACBCO). The dinner was at a very nice restaurant in downtown Denver where we were served a four-course meal and beverages. What made this venue different was that we all wore a mask (blind-fold) while at our assigned tables and during the meal. The mask sealed off ALL light and offered no external visibility. If asked, the waiters at the restaurant were allowed to inform the guests of each item being served.

Thoughts that crossed my mind during the meal: Ok...I know what I am about to eat, but where is each item located on the plate? How will I know if I have secured a piece of food on my fork? Wait, where did I last place my fork and spoon? Will there be a piece of food on the fork once I attempt to place it in my mouth? Maybe I can use my fingers to locate and secure the food! Oh no...I am really thirsty, but how do I locate my water without knocking it or something else over? Don't spill the red wine across the table!!! Hey, I never knew wine had such a strong personality and aroma to it...nice...and how about that bite of rice I just experienced? Was it rice...not sure...too many other possibilities to consider. Who am I talking to across the table?  I sense a lot of warmth and humor in their voice. Wow, I feel as though I can understand every conversation going on in the restaurant. So many personalities. So much energy. So much to experience. All around me. Right here. Right now.

Experiences like these are unique because they offer an added degree of texture. Sight or vision is one of our most important senses. As is true with any word in our language, vision holds different definitions and representations for each person. Vision is both internal and external. It is driven by both past-nostalgic experiences as well as new-unfamiliar events happening to you right now. Vision comes from the many sounds around you, the taste of an apple, the smell of the ocean, the vibrations under your feet and wind dancing across your face. All of these sensations run through different filters inside you. Perception is a huge part of our vision. So is your imagination. Did you know that imagination is perception in reverse?

Consider how and what is being presented to you. Whether you are taking a walk around a lake, standing in a room full of people or taking a bite of food...just take notice. Task yourself to "see" something new and different in every situation, even if it is your 19th time around the lake. Never see the same thing twice the same way.

Looking for a new theme for your next dinner party? Prepare a wonderful meal, invite some friends over, cover everyone's eyes, dim the lights, experience the meal and conversations. Share your experiences afterwards. See how your mind responds in new and unfamiliar situations. You will be pleasantly surprised.