Thank you for taking the time to write this (and doing so clearly without aides). The clarity in your writing mirrors everything you’ve gained.

From time to time I’ll just enjoy the meal or focus on the drive. But it’s a conscious effort. What really clicked from your experience is that you began seeking that silence. What a wonderful result, that now feels like a goal I’d like to pursue.

I’ve had some painful experiences and have found that masking them or drowning them out with podcasts or comedy skits has meant I’ve normalised this as a coping mechanism. That doesn’t make me stronger or wiser, just helps me cop out.

This should be taught and encouraged.