Parenting
Updated: Aug. 17, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 17, 2023
One of my fondest childhood memories is dragging my pillow and blanket into the living room, carefully setting them up in front of our old Magnavox TV, just in time for The Joy of Painting. While my admiration for Bob Ross stemmed from his incredible painting skills, it was his gentle voice that truly captivated me. His soft-spoken words, coupled with the rhythmic sounds of his brushes on canvas, sent delightful chills down my spine — akin to the comforting sensation of someone tenderly playing with my hair. This soothing experience made nap time a breeze, and I’m sure my mom appreciated Bob Ross as much as I did.
Fast forward to now: I find myself in the endless wait of the school pickup line, scrolling through Facebook when I stumbled upon an article about a woman named Clara who creates relaxation videos. Intrigued, I clicked on a link that led to her towel-folding tutorial. The content was mundane, but Clara’s soft voice transported me back to my childhood, making me feel like a 4-year-old drifting off to the calming sounds of Bob Ross again.
Rather than sleep right there in the car, I bookmarked her YouTube channel (called GentleWhispers) for later. That night, I revisited her video, and despite a brief incident of dropping my phone on my face, I fell into a deep slumber, reminiscent of those peaceful afternoons spent under Bob’s enchanting spell.
Clara is just one among a vast community of individuals known as “ASMRtists.” ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, describes the tingling sensations some people experience from particular sounds or “triggers.” Although this phenomenon has existed for some time, it has only recently gained recognition, with researchers beginning to explore its psychological effects. The growing number of ASMRtists produce videos designed to help listeners unwind and drift off to sleep.
Clara’s towel-folding video was one of her earliest works, and she has since garnered over a million subscribers. It’s clear that I’m not alone in my appreciation for ASMR. These videos often feature soft-spoken or whispered dialogue while the ASMRtist engages in calming, everyday activities like applying makeup or reading quietly, ensuring the content is soothing rather than stimulating.
There are also videos focused solely on sounds, such as crinkling paper or brush strokes, offering a wide variety of auditory experiences. Some ASMRtists even create imaginative role-plays, placing viewers in scenarios ranging from serene spa treatments to intergalactic adventures. My personal favorites include the captivating French-language videos from an ASMRtist named Sophie, and even though I don’t speak French, the calming effect is universal.
The sensation has been playfully dubbed a “brain orgasm,” though this term can be misleading as it carries no sexual connotation. For me, it’s a bubbling sensation that dances along my scalp, creating goosebumps and inducing profound relaxation. Some experience it in their shoulders or spines, while others simply enjoy a deep sense of calm, making the experience highly subjective. Of course, not everyone finds ASMR enjoyable; some are left puzzled by its appeal.
However, it works wonders for me, and I thought it was worth trying with my kids. They, too, delight in the gentle whispering sounds. Clara, affectionately known as the Towel Lady in our home, has become a lifesaver on nights when my kids struggle to settle down. The comforting voice in their rooms makes them feel less alone, much like a nightlight, encouraging them to stay in their own beds.
Additionally, ASMR videos are perfect for drowning out the sounds of a snoring partner, allowing me to drift into blissful sleep without interruption. In a delightful twist of fate, I discovered a quote from Bob Ross himself in a rare 1990 interview, where he mentioned receiving letters from fans who claimed they slept better with his show on. It seems that my lifelong affinity for ASMR is far from unique; many others, especially those who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, share this experience.
So, if you find yourself wondering about this intriguing phenomenon, you can explore valuable resources like this one on infertility or take a look at our post about couples fertility journeys for more insights.
In summary, ASMR has provided a comforting escape for both my kids and me, allowing us to embrace relaxation in our busy lives.