The thing about the census is you can't bookmark it, you can't screenshot it, you can't save it for later, you've got to experience it right here right now. And that's just there's something so vital about that about knowing that it's right here right now and it's of the moment and it can't be recapture you can't glut yourself on it, you can't save it. It's just it's happening and then it's over.

For me, that's a great part of the appeal of the census is the way they tie me to the present moment and the unrepeatable moment.

So what if there was a secret pathway that could dramatically expand the level of joy and creativity pleasure delight and connection that you experience in life no matter what else was happening.

Well, it turns out there is and that path takes us through the land of our five senses, but in ways that you really have never thought about or imagined.

It turns out when we truly understand the power of each sense, we can harness that insight to literally transform the moment to moment and big picture experience of our lives.

So in today's really deep and fun and captivating conversation with my old friend Gretchen Rubin, one of today's most influential observers of happiness and human nature, we dive into the untouched potential of the five senses to dramatically enhance our lives.

Gretchen reveals how engaging with our senses in novel playful ways can really bring us moments of joy even during difficult times and you'll discover the essential role our senses play in connecting with ourselves and the world around us.

We look at how turning to these powerful tools can foster stronger relationships, increase creativity pleasure and joy and lead to more mindful satisfying experiences.

You learn about something she calls the five senses journal to heighten your self awareness and unlock personal insights and how tapping into your senses can foster better relationships help resolve conflict and boost empathy.

You'll dive into the transformative power of sensory experiences and stimulating creativity and productivity and mental well-being and had a harness your senses from meditation and relaxation or simply having fun in everyday life.

And we'll really talk about the vital role that our senses play in creating meaningful memories and fostering a greater sense of overall well-being.

There are so many ahas in this conversation you may even want to listen to us just to take notes and I am so thrilled to welcome Gretchen to the podcast in addition to being friends for I don't know something like a decade and a half now.

Gretchen has authored multiple near-time bestsellers including outer order intercom the four tendencies better than before the happiness project and her newest book life in five senses which is really the topic that we're diving into today.

Her books have sold over three and a half million copies worldwide been translated into something like 30 plus languages and Gretchen also hosts the top ranked award-winning podcast happier with Gretchen Rubin where she and her sister have practical solutions for living a happier life.

So excited to share this conversation with you. I'm Jonathan Fields and this is Good Life Project.

For the seventh year on the Code Switch podcast, conversations about race and identity go way beyond the day's headlines.

Because we know what's part of every person is part of every story. We're bringing that perspective with new episodes every week.

Listen on the Code Switch podcast from NPR.

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