The Secret Life of Numbness: Why We Tune Out—and How to Wake Up

Escaping the Fog: Practical Steps to Reclaim Presence and Joy

Have you ever felt like you’re moving through life in a daze, unable to feel much of anything? You’re not alone. Martha Stout’s ‘The Myth of Sanity’ reveals that emotional numbness is not a sign of laziness or apathy, but a sophisticated survival strategy. When life becomes overwhelming, the mind turns down the volume on pain—and, sometimes, on everything else.

But what happens when numbness becomes the norm? Stout’s stories show that while dissociation can save us in the moment, it can also trap us in a fog, cutting us off from joy, connection, and even our own bodies. The good news: awareness is the antidote. Through mindfulness, gentle therapy, and supportive relationships, survivors can begin to feel again—slowly, safely, and at their own pace.

This blog offers practical steps for anyone ready to wake up from numbness. From grounding exercises to creative expression, you’ll find tools to help you reconnect with yourself and the world. The path out of the fog may be slow, but every step brings more light, more color, and more life. Your feelings are waiting for you—one gentle breath at a time.