Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Sixth Sense

9 replies

rosemole · 17/12/2024 23:09

I don't think I mean sixth sense but am searching for a term and a definition - what do you call it when you can sense someone's presence but without using any of your primary 5 senses?

For example, DD is in bed next to me trying to get to sleep. Whenever I look at her she senses this, opens her eyes and makes eye contact with me. She can't see me with her eyes closed, I'm not talking or touching her, so what is that all about? What is she sensing?

OP posts:
Zippidydoodah · 17/12/2024 23:12

I find this fascinating. People can feel the presence of another- the sensation of being watched. Maybe with your daughter, it’s the mother daughter bond that’s making her sense that you’re looking at her!

rosemole · 17/12/2024 23:19

How though, I wonder what the scientific explanation is for this, if at all. Is it do with auras?

OP posts:
PerambulationFrustration · 18/12/2024 01:12

It is fascinating. Some people have an amazing sixth sense.
Mines not amazing but I can always tell when my mum is calling me before I look at my phone. It doesn't follow a pattern or a specific time of day but I still just know.

I also find attraction fascinating. What triggers all those reactions in your body from even just a glance from someone but not from others?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Rawnotblended · 18/12/2024 02:31

Rupert Sheldrake has written a lot about this - the sense of being stared at. It’s a Thing.

LadyLolaRuben · 18/12/2024 02:45

Its the sensing of that person's energy being directed at you.

selffellatingouroborosofhate · 18/12/2024 02:56

rosemole · 17/12/2024 23:09

I don't think I mean sixth sense but am searching for a term and a definition - what do you call it when you can sense someone's presence but without using any of your primary 5 senses?

For example, DD is in bed next to me trying to get to sleep. Whenever I look at her she senses this, opens her eyes and makes eye contact with me. She can't see me with her eyes closed, I'm not talking or touching her, so what is that all about? What is she sensing?

She feels or hears you moving your head to look at her.

changedusernameforthis1 · 18/12/2024 03:22

I'm not sure what it's called, but this reminded me of my Mum. She used to call it an "energy presence" and could sense when certain people were around her.

She couldn't stand my exH and knew whether he was in or not as soon as she came over. Countless times she's come in and instantly gone "Oh it feels lovely in here, where is he?" 😂

ChatGPTexplains · 18/12/2024 07:55

The phenomenon you’re describing is often referred to as “extrasensory perception” (ESP) or “subtle awareness.” It is not formally recognized as one of the five primary senses, but it points to an ability to perceive something beyond them. There are a few possible explanations and terms for this sensation:

  1. Proprioception or Kinesthetic Awareness. While this typically refers to yourbody’s sense of its position in space, it can sometimes extend to an awareness of others nearby, especially if you share physical space often.
  1. Field Perception or Biofield Awareness. Some theories suggest that humans may sense changes in electromagnetic or bioenergetic fields around them. When you focus on someone, your attention may unconsciously create a “field” they can pick up on.
  1. Mirror Neurons and Social Intuition. The brain’s mirror neurons might create an unconscious sense of being watched or observed. These neurons are closely tied to empathy and human connection, which can heighten sensitivity to another’s presence or attention.
  1. Gaze Detection. Some studies suggest that humans have an innate ability to detect when they are being watched, even if they can’t see it. This might be linked to subtle cues, such as slight sounds or vibrations in the environment, or unconscious processing of peripheral visual information.
  1. Subconscious Sensory Processing. Even if you think you’re not engaging your senses, your brain may still be picking up micro-signals. For instance, changes in breathing, small movements, or vibrations can register without conscious awareness.

In your specific scenario, your daughter may unconsciously pick up on your focused energy or the subtle signals of your gaze, even with her eyes closed. While it’s a fascinating experience, it straddles the line between scientific and subjective interpretations, blending intuition with potential physiological or environmental factors.

kerstina · 18/12/2024 08:20

How do you know she isn’t looking at you when you aren’t looking at her though maybe she is just checking you are still there ?
I do think there are a lot of things we can’t explain though. I can usually tell if my DH is looking at me in bed when I have my eyes shut it’s like an awareness. I also have a lot of someone being on my mind then they will get in touch or turn up . Some kind of telepathy.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread