asmr / this is a safe space for you

Please take a read :)

Hello! Here I am again, after three and a half weeks. It flew by in a blink of an eye and I did not intend on staying away for so long. I finished my semester of University, and ran away to New York City to do some Highland dancing down 6th Avenue.

But honestly, I kind of shied away after the success of my Irish whispering video with the hand movements (Thank you!!!!). I was reminded of all the good ASMR can do for people – and that’s what I live for. To help people. To make people feel needed. That is exactly the premise for this video. Its targeted mainly at depression, but it could be used if you have feelings of anxiety or PTSD as well. I just wanted to make a video for moments when you want some company, but sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable with friends and family, so think of me as someone you can let your guard down with. Express yourself however you need. You don’t need to prove anything to me, just do your thing, and let me try and give you some new perspectives on how to cope with those uncomfortable feelings.

It turned out MUCH longer than expected because I was just going with it. I spent more time chit chatting with you at the beginning, and didn't get into the guided exercise until much later (So make sure you stick around, or skip ahead, see if it helps!). The point I was trying to make with it was to get you to take a step back, see things for the bigger picture. Show you that there are things you never realized require your presence, attention and care every day. And that baby steps are okay. Its ENOUGH if all you can do for the day is open your eyes, and at least acknowledge the fact that you ARE needed and loved. And if you can, do the 60 second exercise and look around the room, wherever you are, and see that it is LIVED in.From there, try to get up out of bed, and if all you can do is water your plant, tend to your garden, feed your pet, or show your child some affection - let it be enough.

Most importantly; YOU DID NOT ASK TO WAKE UP FEELING THIS WAY. It's not your fault. It's not forever.

** Video inspired by some words by a lovely, strong, kind asmrtist known as CrinkleLuvin ASMR. In the off chance you are not subscribed to her already, here is the link to do so:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjAcleI6O0o_gUx__B0pdQ

I found her channel entering this past school year in September; I was kinda going through some rough stuff and had one of my largest panic/anxiety attacks to date (I’m fortunate they are infrequent, but when they come, there’s no stopping them). I found myself turning to her videos more & more. Anytime I reached out or left a comment, it was only met with kindness and encouragement. So please show her some support!

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Musical Recommendations:

Closer to Fine | Indigo Girls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUgwM1Ky228
“Well darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it, I'm crawling on your shore.”

Somehow The Wonder of Life Prevails | Mark Kozelek
https://youtu.be/TqOqCVWWM2A
"Every day, I get out and I walk
Every day, I get on the phone with someone and I talk
It's good to have friends who love you, care and understand
Who have your back and don't judge you, criticize you, or make demands"

Colours | Kira Wiley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur5AYncDDE0
(From the Tourism Newfoundland & Labrador commercial - East coast represent! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpwDtIn4ec)
“I am green today
I chirp with joy like a cricket song.
I am gray today
Gloomy and damp like a morning fog.
I am orange today
Loud and messy like finger paint on the wall.”

Follow The Sun | Xavier Rudd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E1bNmyPWww
"When you feel life coming down on you,
Like a heavy weight
When you feel this crazy society,
Adding to the strain
Take a stroll to the nearest waters
And remember your place
Many moons have risen and fallen long, long before you came"

Precious Little | Hiatus
https://soundcloud.com/hiatus/precious-little
Instrumental
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Meditation & Relaxation Favourite (Sanskrit)

Snatam Kaur – Shanti
https://youtu.be/6eBNrCmI-dc?t=40m48s

Estas Tonne - Internal Flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGTxqhSN8bE&t=2597s

NOTE: I record with my Samsung Galaxy S6. I don't use microphones, or edit my videos. They are completely raw, so if you like old fashioned ASMR, this is it. I shot this in one go.

Music: State of Mind by Barrie Gledden, Steve Dymond, Jason Pedder
Photo: Taken by me.