Thank you, Amanda, for such a coherent and accessible explanation of zones green, red, and blue. The model lends itself to easy comprehension.
I am interested in your gentle approach to somatic modalities as they intersect with experienced trauma—provided that I’m even characterizing what you do with sufficient accuracy and understanding.
Given this, here’s one for you... When Covid hit the country in which I reside, it left millions in its wake who struggled with a constellation of unexplained and seemingly unrelated symptoms. There were all manner of labels and names thrown at the condition, most of which you’ll find in proper medical literature. Here in the States, most people and physicians simply refer to it as “long covid.”
One particular preexisting mild symptom that became hypersensitized in me is a condition called misophonia. It is essentially the intolerance of certain sounds and noises. (It’s more complex than that, but this should suffice for our purposes.)
Long after the primary ailment had left the body, I was left with a profound sensitivity to all manner of random noises. That backup alert that heavier trucks and machinery make? now drives me immediately into a desperate rage to make it stop, somehow. The sound of people talking through their yawns (weird, perhaps), is even worse. Babies crying; dogs barking, and thumping music from vehicles…all of that cruel cacophony creates an immediate hellish experience for me.
My point is that my “tolerance” threshold for this particlar malady has dropped into the basement after covid, which means that I’m suddenly, involuntarily thrown into the “red zone” the very second that these noises arise in my environment (and, don’t even get me started on chainsaws or leaf blowers(!)). When I am around other people and it is triggered, things become especially tricky. I’m beyond tired of even trying to explain it to others.
So. What advice or words of wisdom might you extend to someone with this peculiar condition? It’s so very difficulty to try to “think oneself to a place of calm,” and slamming my ears shut with all manner of gear (kit) just isn’t realistic or practicable. I welcome whatever your views, and, before you ask: yes, I have spoken to a specialist in the medical field about it, and their suggestion was to put me on an anti-psychotic type of medication. (Thanks, but, No thanks!)
[Edit—9-2-2026: Amanda, I just wanted to respond with deep gratitude for your tremendous and supremely generous reply. I was floored and touched by it, and there is a lot to work with in there. Thank you for helping me see different ways that I can “be” with this condition’s episodes. I love the idea of making space for it, rather than furiously trying to dispel the body and mind reaction. And your kind view on compassion is such a timely reminder—and for us all! Thank you again so very much for your thoughtfulness, time, expertise and care. Sending love across The Pond! 💕]
