I went to the ‘Weird sensation feels good: The World of ASMR’ exhibition at the Design Museum today.
It includes a number of exhibits which may or may not elicit an ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) in you. An ASMR is a physical sensation of euphoria or deep calm, sometimes a tingling in the body, triggered through sound, touch, and movement. Different reaction to different stimuli and there is no universal trigger
It was interesting to see, touch and watch the various displays but slightly disappointingly nothing provoked an ASMR in me.
However, it got me thinking, have I experienced one and what provoked it? The answers were Yes, and thunderstorms.
This made me think about connecting to nature and my responses to various occurrences on my weekly walks around the lake.
While I’m not sure anything I’ve seen, smelt, felt or watched has created a full-blown ASMR, I realised that there are many things which come close.
Watching terns fly particularly when a pair are twisting and turning together, suddenly and surprisingly changing direction or when a solo one skims low over the water is a sight that always makes me stop and watch.
Red Kites - enough said
Walking down a path and catching a glimpse of a flower or just some leaves bathed in sunlight amongst the shadows draws the eye and I will often stop, sometimes without even realising I have and draw a couple of deep breaths.
This week’s capturing the bright blue damselflies in all their glorious intricate detail was a thrill.
The dancing pair of butterflies which were swooping round the same lilies were a joy as well.
Sitting quietly in one of the hides and listening to the calls of the gulls, the geese and the magpies which certainly aren’t the quiet, calm sounds so often associated with ASMR but actually calming and soothing for me.
Reflections, particularly crystal-clear ones on blue waters or shimmering, slightly out-of-focus ones reminiscent of Monet’s paintings are a simple joy.
This week I could add the 3 seconds I spent watching a kingfisher fly under a bridge I was standing on and zipping away down the river.
Come to think of it, my first view of the lake – this one – nearly always elicits a calming drawing of breath and a feeling of contentment (- euphoria is probably an over-statement)
So, while no true ASMRs, some Automatic Stocker’s Memorable Responses - but I am looking forward to my first thunderstorm at the lake
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