Hi ,
In my last letter, we looked at how our modern, high-speed world is a biological mismatch for our sensitive nervous systems.
We live in a reality that is too fast, too loud, and too demanding for a nervous system shaped by centuries of living in a world attuned to nature’s steady rhythms.
Given this, what’s a rationale response?
Without a strategy, we default to living in such a way that we numb ourselves just to get through the day.
After all, when you work in a loud environment, you put in earplugs, right?
You protect your heaing, but you can’t have a connecting conversation while doing so.
We cannot change the nature of the world we have created, but you can create contexts and practices that help.
This involves Engaged Presence: the practice of building the capacity to stay connected to yourself while you are in the thick of a noisy life.
Or, as I find works well for me, building in “touchstones.”
Small rituals practiced several times a to help us calm down and return to the moment.
The cool thing is that more you do them, the more profound the shift.
And after some time, not as much as you might think, these small touchstone practices become a strong ally.
Here are three ways to begin reclaiming your sensitivity without becoming overwhelmed.
1. Return to the Ancestral Quiet
For 99% of our history, the only sounds humans heard were natural phenomena: wind, rain, animals, and the sounds of our own voices. Our systems were built for long stretches of relative quiet.
I encourage you to curate your inputs. This means more than just turning down the volume; it means intentionally creating “quiet zones” in your day. No TV, no phone, no background noise—even if you are working. Giving your system these periods of silence is deeply healing. It allows the “calluses” to soften and your natural sensitivity to return.
Another version of this is natural sounds – water running, waves crashing, leaves rustling – even digital versions (there are many on YouTube) can be helpful.
2. The Power of a Single Question The most effective practice I know is to drop into this question several times a day: “What is my experience now?”
Stop for a moment. Take a breath. Notice what is actually true in your body right now.
- Are you agitated or anxious?
- Are you happy or excited?
- Is there tension in your shoulders or a lightness in your chest?
Simply name it.
Zoom out of your stream of thought or experience and observe.
Simply noticing.
This helps you connect to the somatic truth of your experience rather than being driven by the relentless pace of your thoughts.
When we stop checking in, numbness becomes our norm. When we start, we begin to heal.
One of the key things about this, is that when you connect to your direct experience – new information often arises that was just beneath the surface.
You might notice how you are tight in your shoulders – relax them and then realize your entire posture is kind of bent.
So you straighten up and feel more connected, even if just a bit.
And that moment you feel a bit more reslience and have more capacity than you did just a few minutes before, because the simple act of straighening your posture is somatically associated with “sit up and take notice”, “standing tall”, or an alert presence.
Try it.
Whereever you are, just sit up straighter for a few moments. Take a deep breath. Center.
Just think “upward”. Wider. Without straining – and sit or stand a bit taller.
Breath into that experience for a few moments. Perhaps looking around at your surroundings and notice your experience.
What happens to you?
Reply and let me know.
Now for the extra special secret sauce:
3. Connect to your Heart If you want to go a step further, take that breath and invite your senses to become aware your heartspace.
Ask that same question—”What is my experience now?”
And if you dare go there – see if there are words, and speak them.
I sometimes say, gently connect your heart to your voice.
Actually saying out loud what you feel helps integrate your inner state with your outer world.
This is a powerful mind/heart/body into action practice that is far too rare in the world.
But so are you.
This is a core part of the work I do with my coaching clients. If you’d like to work with this, and see where it goes, let me know.
I’m very intersted in working with those who read these letters and can work out a special rate for you. Just reply and let me know.
Stay present,
Brett