In this episode, we delve into the profound connection between our senses, particularly touch, and our relationship with food. They explore how sensory experiences shape our health and well-being, the importance of community and connectivity in food choices, and the role of mindfulness in eating. The conversation emphasizes the need for accessibility and awareness in food education, encouraging families to create meaningful experiences around food. They also discuss practical steps to enhance touch in food experiences and the joy of nourishment that comes from engaging with food on a deeper level.
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-digital world, we often forget that our bodies are designed to be sensory instruments, fine-tuned to experience the world with depth and texture. In our episode of Illuminating Being, Dr. Keith Somers and I explored the sense of touch—and how this foundational sense influences our relationship with food, our communities, and even our emotional wellbeing.
Touch: Our First Language
Keith reminded us that touch is likely the first sensory experience we encounter, even in the womb. It’s foundational. From the warmth of amniotic fluid to the skin-to-skin contact after birth, we are wired to connect through our skin. As Keith put it, "Our skin is the largest organ of our body and one of the first to be activated in life." And yet, as adults, how often do we reflect on the texture of our food, the feel of dough beneath our fingers, or the comfort of holding a warm bowl of soup?
Touch is everywhere—but because it’s ever-present, we rarely notice it.
Food as a Sensory Experience
When I think of food, I often recall the tactile rituals of cooking: kneading dough, feeling the coolness of produce, the warmth of a sauté pan, or the crunch of slicing fresh vegetables. These aren't just cooking steps—they're opportunities to connect.
Touch doesn’t only apply to the food itself but to the whole experience of eating. Keith offered a beautiful insight: infants watch our every move. They mimic how we chew, how we prepare, and how we react. From the earliest days, children are wired to observe and absorb these sensory rituals. Allowing children to play with food, to get messy, to engage their fingers and faces—isn't just okay; it's essential.
And let’s be honest—how many of us still think our mom makes the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich? There’s something more than ingredients there. There’s love. A touch of connection. A memory of being held, fed, and known.
Reclaiming Community Through Food
This sense of touch extends beyond our fingers and into our hearts. Shared meals, communal cooking, and even grocery shopping together are acts of connection. As we discussed, the act of preparing food together—passing the salad tongs, placing veggies into a bag at the farmer’s market—is as nourishing as the meal itself.
Yet in our society, convenience often steals these moments. We’re taught to rush, to grab-and-go. But perhaps the invitation is to slow down. As Keith beautifully quoted from Thich Nhat Hanh, “When we can slow down and really enjoy our food, our life takes on a much deeper quality.”
A Path Toward Accessibility and Awareness
Of course, this conversation isn’t complete without acknowledging the need for accessibility. As Keith noted, in Allegheny County alone, the 2-1-1 service connects people to food, clothing, diapers, and more. In communities around the country, food banks, churches, and grassroots movements offer nourishment—not just of body, but of spirit.
We each have the power to be a part of this. Whether it's volunteering, advocating, or simply sharing a meal with someone, small steps ripple outward.
3 Simple Ways to Reconnect with Food Through Touch:
Start Early and Mindfully – Whether you’re holding a baby during a feeding or preparing a meal, bring awareness to the act. Be present.
Encourage Food Exploration – Let children touch, squish, and smear. Joy comes from texture, mess, and experience.
Bring Back Community Touchpoints – Visit your local farmer’s market. Let your kids touch the produce, ask questions, and feel a part of the food system.
Final Thoughts
Touch, at its core, is about connection. With food. With others. With ourselves. If we allow it, the sense of touch can bring us back to a simpler, more joyful way of nourishing our bodies and souls.
So next time you eat, don’t just taste. Feel. Savor the textures, the temperature, the weight in your hands. Be present.
Because nourishment isn't just about what we consume—it's about how we experience it.
