After a long day of studying I decided to give my mind a break and watch some Netflix.
I came across a show called ‘Internet Whispers’ which talked about the newest trending thing on the internet: ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). ASMR is a form of relaxation or a ‘brain orgasm’ – it’s that physical tingling sensation that begins on the scalp and then moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. ARMR YouTube stars are posting videos of them whispering into hypersensitive microphones with the intention of easing the viewer into a state of blissful relaxation. I found it hard to believe there was millions of people watching these videos, but, it’s actually a thing.
It’s developed into it’s own subculture with devoted fans who claim these videos have helped them treat anxiety, insomnia, and even PTSD. It’s pretty incredible to think that something so seemingly insignificant like listening to the crackling of comb wrapped in plastic can create a huge movement of healing. I watched this video by the Gentle Whispering ASMR and read the comments by a woman who wrote,
“my 3-year-old son with autism uses your videos to relax and shift gears for bedtime. Thank you for what you do.”
How incredible is that?!
Maybe these sorts of things are becoming popular because it brings us back to our humanness. It allows us to focus back on our body and senses which is a rarity in this distractible, digital world. It’s a form of meditation. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. It is definitely as weird as it sounds, but oddly enough, it’s super relaxing.
Art Therapy with Kimberly 