"When something is new to us, we treat it as an experience. We feel that our senses are awake and clear. We are alive"

Jasper Johns' quote catches the essence of human engagement with novelty, highlighting the invigorating impact of new experiences on our understanding and consciousness. At its core, the statement assesses the increased awareness and vigor that come with experiencing something unfamiliar. When we engage with new experiences, our senses-- sight, sound, touch, taste, and odor-- are more responsive and attuned. This is due to the fact that novelty typically interrupts the uniformity of our routine perceptions, disconcerting us into a state of heightened focus and attention. As an outcome, these experiences are not simply passively taken in however are actively lived and felt deeply.

Johns emphasizes that this state of awakeness goes beyond mere sensory stimulation; it is an essential affirmation of living. In experiencing something brand-new, we break away from the auto-pilot mode that often characterizes everyday living, where regular actions and familiar sights can dull our senses. Instead, novelty brings a refreshing clearness, as if we are seeing the world with fresh eyes, just like a kid discovering their environment for the first time. This return to a beginner's mind-- a principle often explored in mindfulness and meditation practices-- motivates a deeper engagement with life, cultivating imagination, interest, and an enthusiasm for exploration.

Moreover, Johns suggests that this awakened state is inherently connected to our vitality. When we immerse ourselves in brand-new experiences, it can stimulate us both psychologically and physically, encouraging development, flexibility, and learning. It is a reminder of the capacity that depends on embracing modification and the unknown. In a more comprehensive sense, the quote underscores the significance of looking for novelty as a pathway to individual development and satisfaction. By routinely stepping outside our convenience zones and inviting the unexpected, we remain available to improvement and richer life experiences, continuously redefining what it implies to be really alive.