#198 – What is possible when the world doesn't bother you?

Does noise – or unwanted sound – drive you crazy?

Noise irritability, research consistently shows, correlates with high scores in the personality aspect "Neuroticism."

As mentioned in a 2015 research study* by Shepherd et al., "Noise-sensitive individuals are more likely to report symptoms of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, sensitivity, anger, tension, inferiority, and nervousness than noise-resistant individuals."

That's what I experienced yesterday, waiting on the Metro-Rail platform. A woman was talking loudly on the phone in a language I couldn't understand. Her high pitch was difficult not to hear. Plus, the linguist in me was curious about the language she was speaking – sounded like French with an African cadence.

At first, I couldn't get past the irritation. I was trying to do my 20-minute writing practice and this voice was just maddening... I couldn't concentrate!

Then I noticed, "Hm, I'm being bothered by something I can't control."

But I remembered, "yet it's me who's throwing stones into the pond."

Since I couldn't turn off the volume or shut my ears, I asked myself, "could I rise above the bother?" And, "if I were able to do that, what would I be capable of?"

Because I could concentrate in every circumstance, no matter how noisy or chaotic, I'd be more effective and efficient in my work – indistractable. No need to turn off notifications or go to a remote location to do deep work.

This strengthened ability to focus my attention on what I want and obliterate the rest would allow me to not hear the high-pitched voices that call my attention – even those that come from inside my head.

Someone's facial expression, or lack thereof, wouldn't throw me off while doing a presentation, pitching my services, or speaking to the board. An unsubscribe notification wouldn't erase my determination to keep writing. The numbers on my bathroom scale wouldn't diminish my commitment to my health.

And isn't that freedom?

What would you be capable of if you could rise above the bother of the noise in and outside your head?

Love,

Carolina

*Shepherd D, Heinonen-Guzejev M, Hautus MJ, Heikkilä K. Elucidating the relationship between noise sensitivity and personality. Noise Health. 2015 May-Jun;17(76):165-71. doi: 10.4103/1463-1741.155850. PMID: 25913556; PMCID: PMC4918655.