Memorable Moment

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 Memorable Moment 

By Ava Barry


While pondering what I wanted to write for my memorable moment, a flood of memories washed over me. From the first book we read, Diane Ackermans History of the Sense, I was pulled in. She wrote in a way that invited the readers to continue digging, to continue searching for the senses in everyday life. Then I started thinking about the presentation on food rituals that one of our classmates made, and how she seamlessly started a robust conversation from bringing s'mores materials into class. After that my mind jumps to the conversation in class we have about sight, and what looking people in the eyes communicates to different people. But then, my mind lands on the last moment we have as a class- our final banquet. 

The final banquet was a combination of everything we learned throughout the semester. Touch- making the food by hand requires a certain level of touch and ritualistic connection with the food. Taste- joining together, we eat the food together, creating a sense of community. Sight- we laid out an ascetic tablescape for us to look at as we ate the meal. Hearing- the random, but beautiful combination of songs play in the background while we eat and chat over dinner. From songs from the prince of Egypt, to songs like the chain by Fleetwood Mac, we were always on our toes, listening devotionally, to what was to come next. Smell- the food wafting in from the kitchen, the fresh flowers inhaled with every, to the spicy tang of the virgin Moscow mule sitting on the table. The 6th sense was used in the tarot card readings that we ended the night with. Our dinner was a playground for the senses.

Every part of this dinner encapsulated the heart of the lessons we learned throughout the semester, it was a perfect way to tie things up as well as a time to enjoy each others company one last time. As a graduating senior, I felt really thankful that this was my last class, for this class brought me a lot of joy throughout the semester. I came into the class looking to take it in order to complete my religion 300 requirement. Other than that first day of class, I never needed to remind myself that this class was required- it quickly turned into a class I wanted to take and attend every day.


Taking this course now, at the very end of my college career, was the most ideal time. This class served as a reminder to look beyond what is told to you. Many time when people think of religion, they completely ignore the sensual side of it- you need to look at things through multiple lens in order to see the full picture. This class will serve as a reminder to that come graduation. As I mentioned at the banquet, I am not sure what path I want to go down just yet, but this class will help me look at my options from multiple vantage points. I am beyond thankful for what this class gave me, for it gave me thought provoking discourse, it gave me a list of books I want to share with those close to me, and it me some friendly faces. JBK made this course great, he was the one steering the conversations in new an unique ways- I always enjoy a class lead by him. For anyone reading this that is thinking about taking a course on the sensual aspect of religion- do it. You will not regret it. 

I want to end this final post by saying thank you to both JBK for leading such a great class with warmth and open mindedness, but also to the classmates who made the conversations so stimulating. I had a great semester with you all. Wish you all the best of luck with whats to come!

Comments

  1. Jonathan Brumberg-KrausMay 12, 2025 at 7:52 AM

    What a lovely reflection, Ava, and what a joy to have had you in class. And thank you for alll you contributed to make tour collective experience what it was as you described it!

    ReplyDelete

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