Given the current state of our world, it’s not surprising that many of us are finding it difficult to relax right now.
And in idling my way through news, media, playlists & podcasts recently, I came across the concept of ASMR.
I know – I had to google it.
Essentially it stands for autonomous (auto) sensory meridian response. Translated into my understanding that means a sensory response to certain sounds, feelings, descriptions, images etc.
More specifically ASMR refers to that tingling sensation from the head and scalp, down the spine and body in response to specific sounds such as whispering, crackling and all sorts of things.
Now, it may be that if you are a much younger generation than me, and are used to Radio 1 playlists, you may have already encountered this concept with their mindfulness playlists and podcasts. But it’s really worth exploring.
I think it’s very individual – I found a recording of an egg rolling which really didn’t do anything for me personally. Chopping vegetables doesn’t give me a tingling sensation though I find the action itself can be mesmerising and therapeutic
And I have to admit to struggling to experience that tingling sensation with anything I’ve listened to so far. That may be as indicative of my current high stress levels and difficulty in really “letting go” perhaps as much as finding what works for me personally.
But what I can acknowledge is a deeper awareness of the noises, sights, smells, tastes, textures and images that I instantly relate to and connecting with specific memories or pictures in my mind. And that instantly transports me to a different place where I can start to find some relaxation.
Mindfulness is all about focussing on the present moment, and certainly connecting with specific sounds or images can and will enable a greater sense of relaxation if we engage with it.
Endlessly watching the waves roll up on a beach, or the flames of a fire are images that work for me. The particular colour or scent of a flower, the path of a spider across the paving slab outside my door take time to appreciate and slow my pace of life down.
So in terms of finding an element of relaxation whatever is happening in the world around or for you personally, exploring mindfulness exercises, or meditation on specific sounds, colours, tastes, smells, textures and images or even venturing into ASMR will all open up a whole new world.
Later today, I will be taking time out in my mind on a beach with soft gentle rippling waves feeling the sand between my toes and tasting the tang of the salt sea air.....what works for you?
