Common Sense

Humans have ways of knowing what we need in order to manage through each day and live life. One way is to explore, educate and teach ourselves. The experiences we encouter on a day to day basis helps us determine future similar situations to develop our mental skills. But, we also have that "little voice in our head", a simple six sense. A voice of caution and the ability to sense danger. Animals have this natural sense, "wildlife can sense danger". Humans can also, but it is a sense that takes developing for us. “My biggest skill is common sense. I understand life.” – Jurgen Klopp

Like all our other senses, we still must develop the sixth sense. Observe your surroundings, be "aware". Listen to your gut and take the warnings. This is intuition or common sense. What is the message telling you? It can be wrong but it could be right? Sometimes we need to do a little more research before jumping in with a decision. Common sense is a particular intelligence that has its own genius.

"Common sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses."

-Leonardo da Vinci

Now, let me tell you, not everyone has developed common sense or maybe they just don't listen to it? Every day and especially outdoors, we use our senses all the time. It is super important to always use all your senses, including that gut instinct. The common sense can be valued more than the science, use it to guide your head for awareness to your surroundings. Let it guide you, it can protect you and keep you safe.

Common sense is, " sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts". It is an intelligence that needs to be developed that not all people are gifted with or developed. You will benefit from common sense not only from what we learn but how we learn it. It can help you avoid unnecessary conflict or danger.

Listen to your senses and your little voice. Maybe walking a trail and hear a strange noise? Maybe a common noise of branches breaking that leads to a conclusion of possibly being near a larger animal. Common sense may whisper to you, stop and investigate more? Is that sound that larger animal too close? Step back, make some noise? Don't hike with bacon in your pockets? Common sense, what to do to avoid an encounter with a bear. Maybe it helps you find where the bears are and common sense tells you how to safely observe? Hiking a trail that becomes steep and unsafe, continue or find a new path?

Use common sense not just on the trail but in every day life. Don't just listen to the media, do your own research and decide what is best for you and your own health and safety.

“Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.” – Gertrude Stein

We each have our own paths, our own rights and wrongs....don't be a cow following the herd, listen for the direction of the wolves and go the right direction. "Science is nothing but developed perception, interpreted intent, common sense rounded out and minutely articulated."