Sensitive Dude: Nice Tech, Man

Sensory-Processing Sensitivity is a big deal to those living with it (15-20 percent of the population). I have SPS, so my pen name is Sensitive Dude. If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP) or want to learn more about SPS, then I'm writing to you.

Hello, friends. Why did I select this as a topic? Well, the modern world bristles with bells and whistles, especially electronic ones. It's also overflowing with sounds, images, and text, collectively known as content or media.

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) can feel under attack by all of this input. I know it happens to me, regularly. However, there are some electronics and media that actually help me deal with my sensitivity at times. I've created a list to share with you. Hopefully, there are some items on the list you haven't used before that may make a difference in your life.

Websites

• Is Sensory-Processing Sensitivity (SPS) new to you? If so, then the website https://hsperson.com/ is indispensable for learning more. HSP's that are hurting and bewildered would do well to "camp out" on this site for a few days. It may well be your first step toward understanding yourself and your past experiences, ultimately improving your happiness level. I'm going to be straight with you: have six boxes of tissues handy. When I found out about SPS and HSP's, it was both liberating and devastating. It was like when Neo found out he'd been living his entire life inside a virtual reality called the Matrix. Truly a "holy sh*t" moment.
• YouTube.com is a double-edged sword. You can easily binge on mindless garbage for hours, yet also overstimulate yourself within minutes. Both of those scenarios are bad. On the other hand, you can find gems like "Beautiful Autumn Forest" on the Relaxing Sounds Of Nature channel. The Silent Watcher is another channel with great relaxing content. As far as music, some uncommon and even exceedingly rare tracks are found on YouTube. But I'm getting sidetracked (see?!). Try these on for size: John Cameron—"Half Forgotten Daydreams" (1974). David Grisman—"Neon Tetra" (1978). Andreas Vollenweider—"White Winds" (1984). Randy Coven—"Tree" (1986). NoMBe x Thutmose—"Summer's Gone" (2017).
• Convenience sites. I don't think I'll name these because what's available varies so widely depending on where you live. There are local and worldwide services that are really awesome to use when you don't want to leave the house. Both groceries and restaurant food can be delivered. Of course, Amazon will deliver almost anything you can think of to your door. There's also online dating just for introverts.
• When it comes time to rub shoulders with other humans, you don't have to rely on the luck of the draw. Meetup.com is a good way to find the people you want to socialize with. There are 281 HSP groups spread across the globe, comprised of 85,597 members. Don't limit yourself to HSP groups, however. There are bound to be other meetups in your area that hit the spot, depending on your interests.

Gadgets

• Sound conditioners. These really work (for me). Also, they're more versatile than simply being used as sleep aids. If I want to read or isolate myself from noise coming from other areas of the house, sound conditioners do the trick. I've only found one that I like: the Marpac Dohm sound machine. It's small and its sound is real. What you hear is air being moved by its little fan. You might be allowed to use one of these at work. It's worth asking.
• Noise cancelling headphones. I use the Bose brand on airplanes to help me feel more isolated. Not a magic bullet, but it's noticeably better than not wearing them. Note: in preparing this article, I found out they just released a completely redesigned version, the "700." Woohoo! Of course I've never used another brand, so I don't know how they compare to other noise cancelling headphones.
• Cameras. Like, real cameras, people. SLRs, with detachable lenses. Ok, you can use your dang cell phone, I guess (eye roll). Regardless, get out in nature, get some exercise, and click away. If you're in town or at an event, but not big on chatting people up, snap some candid photos. Some of the most highly regarded photos are candid. The subject isn't artificially posed and they haven't been interfered with by the photographer, thus they're acting naturally. Candid photos communicate truthfully and can be extremely touching, funny, or interesting. Note: remember that your subject must be in a public space. Taking photos without permission in a location where the subject has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as at their home), is most likely illegal regardless of what country you live in or how harmless you think the photo is. Besides, that's just not cool.
• Tablet computers. You can easily retreat to the attic or even a remote hilltop with your tablet. Tablet computers are incredibly lightweight, yet have a much bigger screen than smartphones. They can have loads of storage space and there are innumerable apps that run on them. Plenty of apps use the internet, but there lots to choose from that don't. Examples of tablets are the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
• Security cameras. They're not just for security, they can also be used for your convenience. Ding dong. Who's at the door? No one you want to talk to? Don't answer the door. It's that simple.

Software and Games

• Creative software. HSPs are often quite intuitive and have a unique way of thinking. Many are downright creative. I absolutely love using Photoshop in particular. It's not a chore; it's almost as fun as a game. Sometimes it's sort of addictive, or perhaps meditative is a better word. Zen-like.
• For images: Photoshop and Illustrator, both by Adobe.
• For 3D: Google Sketchup by Trimble, Inc. (for buildings/structures), Blender 3D by the Blender Foundation (for organic shapes).
• For music: FL Studio Mobile by Image Line Software (Windows and Andriod), Auxy by Auxy AB for Apple.
• For writing: I love Story Planner by Liternauts for capturing and organizing my thoughts (outlining). For general writing, Microsoft Word by Microsoft or Pages by Apple. There's also gingkoapp.com, which is what I use. I find it to be a very simple, organized means to getting writing done.
• Strategy, simulation, and puzzle games. People with Sensory-Processing Sensitivity can think deeply; they like to mull things over. Make use of that naturally occurring trait by playing strategy and puzzle games. Examples would be Zoo Tycoon, SimCity, Command and Conquer: Red Alert, Peggle, and many others.
• For HSP's who want independence and freedom, open world games(MMORPGs) allow you to do a lot of exploring and spend time doing what you want to do, where you want to do it. World of Warcraft is an example of this type of game.
• Role Playing Games (RPGs) generally have a strong story and heartfelt themes. Many are single player. For those times when you want to "clock out" from reality, RPGs can transport you to a place far, far away. They're sort of like the video game versions of sci-fi and fantasy books.

In Conclusion

Have you ever felt like you were born in the wrong century? Yeah, me too. Modern civilization feels sort of... over-caffeinated. Also, a lot of things are invented simply because it's feasible to do so. Others are created purely because they make money, or give certain individuals or groups more power over others. Little thought is given as to whether it's the right thing to do for humanity.

Heavy stuff.

Yet, if you're selective with what technology you allow into your life, it can add spice to your daily routine or even help you get through hard times. I hope I've introduced you to a few things that you haven't tried before and that make a positive difference in your life. Just don't get me started on self-driving cars...

'Til next time,

Sensitive Dude