A Word Becomes a World

Celebrating 2 Years of Seven Senses

Photo by Katya Mukhina

It came as a flash, a thunder bolt of an idea –– sudden, electrifying, and transformative.

I walked into the kitchen and told my partner: “I have an idea.” When in fact the idea had me, and I had to obey, carefully follow its instructions, and bring it to life. 

That’s how Seven Senses was born two years ago. The idea was big – a whole sensory world – in fact so large it was intimidating but also exciting. It felt like a feast that couldn’t be devoured all at once. So I started small, with the appetizer, which was this newsletter. 

I published my first edition, titled ‘Trust Issues, Leaning into Creative Faith’ on October 9th, 2022, on the full moon. It felt like taking a leap into the dark cosmos. 

The premise I set for myself was to dive into various creative and spiritual topics (aka human questions), and explore them through our senses. It turns out we have more than 5 senses, and every issue offers recommendations for each sense. 

For the first year, I published every full moon, wanting to reflect nature’s rhythm, which my own body is synched to. Then, I started expanding, adding Travel Guides on the Solstice and Equinox. In the second year, I also launched Present Sense, offering weekend sensory recommendations, such as art, books, films and audio guided meditations.

I also sent out analog treats to paid subscribers, including Custom Astrology Cards, an Anniversary Zine, and Monogamous Animals. And a few months ago, I curated my first Seven Senses experience — Tasting Color: a Seven Senses Feast.

The flood of ideas that lived in my head for so long finally had a place to call home and to flourish amongst your inboxes (and mailboxes). When I published my first piece, I was starting from scratch – with zero subscribers – and there are now 2,500 people who willingly receive these missives. 

I assumed most of my subscribers would come from my social circle of friends, colleagues, and family members. But to my surprise, most readers were actually strangers. I also didn’t anticipate that many of these “strangers” would turn into acquaintances, and some have become collaborators and friends, such as

Jillian Hess

,

Jolene Handy

,

Bryan Pfeiffer

,

Anna Brones

,

Mason Currey

, and

Fog Chaser

. I’ve even gotten to meet some of you in person, at Substack meetups, coffeeshops, and at the first Seven Senses experience. 

Having a creative outlet has been liberating, and I never expected to form such a deep connection around my words, art, and curation. I’ve been humbled and encouraged by your support, generosity and insights. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I couldn’t have imagined that this creative flash would become this enchanted reality. And I’m looking forward to what this upcoming year will bring. In the meantime, I’ll be blowing the candles, and making a wish. 

To celebrate the occasion, I’ve curated some of my favorite sensory recommendations from the past year. Each edition has been an opportunity for me to learn new ideas, discover new artists, and expand my creative horizon. I hope this Full Moon curation does the same for you –– providing wonder, reflection, and joy.

In Joy,

Sabrina 

PS: I’m working on a special analog treat for paid subscribers, which I’ll be sending out in a couple weeks. If you’d like to receive it and support this newsletter, I’m offering an anniversary discount this week. Paid subscribers help keep this project alive, and I’m grateful for each of your contributions.

SEE

• ‘Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency’ | book by Olivia Laing

• American Symphony (featuring Jon Batiste &

  Suleika Jaouad
  ) | documentary by Matthew Heineman

• ‘Thunder & Lightning’ illustrated book by Lauren Redniss

HEAR

• ‘The World I Live In’ | poem by Mary Oliver (and audio recording)

• Caravan of Love |  playlist gift made by my partner 

• Audio interviews with friends |  friendship across culture, gender, and creativity

Odor Organ by M Dougherty

SMELL

• Odor Organ by M Dougherty |  a scent instrument

• Aromapoetry | a book of scents 

• Ambergris | whale sperm as perfume 

Green Edition of Tasting Color: A Seven Senses Feast | Photo by Francesca Forquet

TASTE

• Cemetery Recipes | recipes etched on gravestones

• John Cage & Mushrooms | artists & hobbies

• Tasting Color: a Seven Senses Feast (Green edition)

Sashiko stitching

TOUCH

• Sashiko | Japanese stitching method

• Love Letter Puzzle | the best gift I’ve ever received

• Restaurant Drawings | art by Jonathan Monk

BALANCE

• IMAGINE | Music Meditation by Ram Dass & Boreta

• ‘Die Welt steht Kopf’ (The World Stands On Its Head)

• Slowing Down | Guided Meditation (by me)

ENVISION

• ‘Phantom Muse’ | video poem with soundtrack by

  FogChaser
   

• ‘Spin the Bottle, Roll The Dice’ |  An Adventure with Destiny

• La Limpia | Shamanic ceremony