Felt sense phone calls

INSIGHT (what we need)

Bonding with loved ones goes far beyond words, even into adulthood.

As social-emotional creatures, we “shape” our concept of self around our physical and social environments; particularly when it comes to threat or security. This is a continuous shaping and reshaping of our psychobiology from infancy into adulthood – where we tend to dismiss our impulses, sensations, gut feelings, hunches and standing hair on our arms as insignificant cues or ‘woo woo’ correlations. In essence, these cues are our psychobiological responses to stimuli – be them externally or internally influenced – and part of adulthood is understanding how to override the noise from the notable.

Our biology is our perception: we see the world as we shape around it with our nervous systems, and learn self-regulation techniques into adulthood as the world becomes increasingly overwhelming with more external data (cognitive, emotional, sensoral and energetic) to manage; especially if you are 20% of the population being HSPs (or a Highly Sensitive Person).

Emotional regulation only works on one aspect of this ability to self- or co-regulate; whereas affect regulation refers to the mechanism by which our emotions and moods, feels, and senses are modulated to achieve a sense of equilibrium (or homeostasis). Most happens unconsciously— especially if you’ve trained the body to better withstand the stressors that begin to spike cortisol. But much of it can also be voluntary…and social. We can choose to modify ourselves in the right kind of environment or around those who positively ‘affect’ our state with their intentions, gestures, perceptions, reactions, moods, attitudes and expressions. The subtle ‘cues’ that children (and animals) are so good at reading in their bodies but we start to override as adults so things, ironically, ‘make more sense’ to our cognitive processes.

‘Going at it alone’ hasn’t been a very effective strategy in our increasingly mentally depressed societies. Though self-regulation is necessary, it is a limiting strategy amidst a world that is more isolated and hyperconnected than ever in human history. There are very real instances where being in the same room or the village square are no longer a reality for most – so the challenge is about better understanding how we’re wired for connection to help our biologies adapt in healthier ways without replacing true human togetherness.

INSPIRATION (what we want)

Nucu Baby: a multi sensory baby pad that soothes your baby to sleep with womb-like sounds and vibrations.

• Developed by neonatal experts from one of Finland’s top NICU units, this multisensory pad (that lays underneath a thicker duvet) was originally created as extension care for premature babies beyond the hospital.

• Provides a neutral multi-sensory stimulation to activate all of the senses for healthy brain and body development. (Note: does not mimic or replace actual affect cues necessary for healthy development).

• Considered to be a part of the repertoire of multi sensory stimulation (ie. play, pictures, toys, music, nature, movement) required to support healthy weight gain, neuro-motor development and better quality interactions.

• Designed to help baby develop healthy sleep patterns through calming routines.

• Trains a regulation effect to consistent cues that can positively affect how baby can fully come calm down to rest.

INNOVATION (what we wish for)

Bonds: an extra sense of connection on a call.  

A sensory device (“bond”) you can place on your heart when getting on a call with a loved one.

• A small “bond” or amulet that you wear around your neck and adjust to lay over your heart for coordinated heartbeats.

• Connect “bonds” with each member of your family (or couple) so that each you hold a “bond” of every other family member from a distance.

• When getting on a call and switching on both devices, they sync to allow each wearer to experience the heartbeat of another. A maximum of three bonds can be worn at once.

• Advantages for long distance loved ones who may need an extra sense of deeper connection as if you are physically close.

• Particularly useful for times where one member is in distress and needs an effective way to co-regulate with a familiar sense.

• Shared ‘togetherness’ beyond words: where listening could once be seen and heard, it is now felt.