Numbness versus Sensitivity
| When I was young, and heard “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd, I associated it with the numbness of people to life. In order to survive, people became numb to things – comfortably numb, so that the ‘machine of life’ could run smoothly. I asked questions, in order to understand that numbness, and was often told that I don’t understand, that I can’t understand – because of my age and inexperience. I swore I would never become such an adult. Now, as a grown up, whenever I hear that song it reminds me of that promise to myself.I have been called sensitive by some people, I am considered strong by a lot of people, including some of those who call me sensitive. I know now that my “sensitivity” is simply a lack of numbness. When something extra-ordinary touches me, the genuine reaction to that sensation isn’t numbed down. I don’t have any defensive mechanisms, tediously developed over time, to make me oblivious to outside stimuli. It doesn’t make me incapable of being ‘tough’ when needed, but I can get emotional over a lot of things. Kindness touches me, as does music. Some scenes in movies touch me. Words, in books or spoken, touch me, but more than anything else – injustice. Any kind of pretense, or falsehood – not to mention deception, lieing and/or scheming.I have not become comfortably numb. If that equals being sensitive or emotional, well.. very good then.  |
‘Comfortably Numb’ by Pink Floyd Hello. Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone home?Come on, now. I hear you’re feeling down. Well I can ease your pain, Get you on your feet again. Relax. There is no pain, you are receding. Ok. Can you stand up? There is no pain, you are receding. |
Comfortably numb is about Heroin.
It’s irrelevant what the song is about officially. Heroin can be taken as a metaphor for an approach to life. It’s like with any (good) painting…. it can mean a lot of things and the interpretation is up to the viewer or, in this case, the listener.
I see life the same way!!! nice to know others feel the same way
and pink floyd was the first band that i connected with on a deeper level and opened my heart to music. Anyway,great post – i really enjoyed it.
Comfortably Numb, aptly describes the walking ghosts that once were people with dreams, ideals, and passion.
For most it must be as a result of programming, dont ask questions, dont step out of line, follow the leader, paint your house beige, paint your face, drop dead before you live. Yuck.
Being uncomfortable and not numb, leaves us open to Beauty, and open to hurt.
We can identify with either?
I love this. Good on you.
Oh, yes, I can confirm that your “sensitivity” is simply a lack of numbness.
What to say? Even when painful it is the way you really live your life. I remember the sentence from the movie “Cat on the Hot Tin Roof when “Big Daddy” didn´t want to take his morphine because he wanted to be aware of every moment of his life he still had. It is one of the most important aspects of awareness.Respect for that.
Excellent! I guess I have become comfortably numb in many cases but not all. It’s a defense, I’m sure and I wish I didn’t need any defenses! The awareness of “comfortably numb” will help to me become more alert and alive! Thank you for the insight!!