I really hope you can find a half hour to try to pay attention to each of your sensory systems in sequence. I did, and it was illuminating for me how difficult it was to shut down some channels so as to pay attention to everything coming in through one or two. It’s truly astounding what our brains are dealing with at any given moment.
I’ve spent almost my entire professional career using the sensory processing and sensory integration frame of reference as a way to break down challenges, decode puzzling behaviours, and create supportive environments for neurodiverse individuals. But when I think of how I personally experience the sensory world around me, especially when I’m trying to do something, I go back to a sensation of pure awe at the complexity we are all born with. Do not ever feel like you are no good at anything. You are doing so much just to be sitting still, upright, and managing to stay sane in the chaos of incoming information.
I had fun making this, trying it out, and I think I will use this process as a sensory strategy to organize myself when I start feeling a little “overloaded.” I find it is great at a walking pace, in a natural environment. It helps to not feel “observed” by other humans, but if you can’t find that kind of solitude, at least pick a long straight sidewalk with very few dangerous obstacles!
Happy Thursday. Enjoy your walk!
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