On a recent trip to the Mediterranean, I arrived ready to rest, soak in the sea air, and let my system slow down.
To my great surprise — the hotel room I stayed in was just below the rooftop terrace, where electronic beats pulsed deeply into the night…
The next morning, I headed to the beach, hoping for quiet — but there too, I found that the beach house proudly hosted a different DJ each day, making it impossible to hear the gentle murmur of the waves, let alone relax. When I went on a boat tour, thinking the open water might finally offer some peace, you guessed it… Within minutes of leaving the harbour, the beats found me again!
“I must be getting old…” I thought, as no one else seemed to mind. For sure, in my twenties, I loved rave parties, wild gatherings in which we danced into the sunrise.
But here, all I wanted down time, a space to breathe — which in my world translates into silence.
Those days reminded me just how necessary and deeply nourishing silence is, at least for me. It made me wonder whether silence is becoming a luxury, a refuge reserved for the few. Without a doubt, it needs to be consciously sought out and protected.
I found out that this strong need might also be linked to my cultural roots, it seems that the first association for protection against noise was created in Germany in 1907!
I have always been sensitive to sound. As a child, I would leave the table if someone chewed too loudly, and I became famous among my friends for switching off every ticking clock in their homes before I could sleep. Even now, the rustle of someone going through a crisp packet nearby can drive me up the wall.
This sensitivity isn’t random. After burnout, many people become more sensitive to sound. Traditional Chinese Medicine connects the ears with the kidneys — the very organs weakened during burnout, when the adrenal glands perched on top of them become depleted.
Sound sensitivity is also one of the signs of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), a term first introduced by Elaine Aron in the 1990s. For many, her research was a revelation — offering a compassionate reframing for those told they were “too sensitive” or should simply “toughen up.” It turns out 20–30% of people are highly sensitive — more attuned to subtleties, more easily overstimulated, more deeply moved by beauty, and yes, more affected by noise.
In my twenties, I realised I had a choice: I could resist my sensitivity and develop a tough shell, or I could welcome it as my greatest ally. I chose the latter — and that choice led me onto the path of the healing arts. Becoming a holistic life coach was my way of learning to harness the power of my sensitivity — to transform what might have felt like an obstacle into a source of insight and ultimately a strength. (If you would like to know more about my upcoming holistic coaching course, let me know!)
It is from this place that I warmly invite you to join me for a day of healing and exploration dedicated to High Sensitivity — a day learn how to prevent hypersensitivity from becoming a drain, and discover how to embrace it as a gift.
During the day, you’ll receive tools and insights to manage overwhelm, helping you build resilience and lasting emotional wellness.
By the way…the holiday story ends well… After a chat with the hotel management I received a new and quiet room and with that a total upgrade-
the holidays were indeed saved! 🙂
With love,
Irene
