The Art of Feeling: Zen Perspectives on Numbness and Awareness

In our latest episode of "The World Through Zen Eyes" podcast, we explored the concept of numbness—a topic that emerged from a brief conversation after a Sunday service. This discussion took us on a fascinating journey through various manifestations of numbness in our lives, from substance use to technological distractions, and how Zen philosophy offers insights into breaking free from this state.

Numbness often appears as an avoidance mechanism. When faced with emotional or physical pain, many turn to substances that numb sensation—alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors—to escape suffering. This represents one direction of movement: from an elevated state of discomfort toward what might be considered "normal." Conversely, some seek substances to elevate themselves from a perceived "average" state to something more stimulating or pleasurable. Both paths involve movement away from the present moment and genuine experience.

The phenomenon extends beyond substance use. Self-mutilation, for instance, can serve as either an escape from overwhelming emotions or as a way to feel something—anything—when experiencing emotional numbness. As discussed in the podcast, "Sometimes in self-mutilation, it's 'I feel nothing, I am numb, and if I cut, then I feel something, and feeling something is better than feeling nothing.'" This represents the extremes that Zen philosophy warns against—the bouncing between poles rather than finding balance.

Our modern world has systematically designed ways to keep us from being alone with our thoughts and feelings. Look at people standing in line—most are plugged into devices, consuming content, avoiding the discomfort of stillness. This avoidance is particularly evident in sleep difficulties; when external distractions cease, suppressed thoughts arise. The normalization process, which helps us adapt to new environments as a self-preservation mechanism, has been exploited by consumerism through incremental increases in stimulation. Whether through social media algorithms, video games, or other technologies, we're constantly pulled toward more intense experiences, creating a dopamine-driven cycle of addiction.

From a Zen perspective, this numbness represents the opposite of wakefulness. While it might seem that Zen encourages emotional detachment, the reality is quite different. True Zen practice involves moving through what might initially feel like boredom or numbness to discover the richness beneath. The metaphor shared in the podcast was particularly striking: it's like passing through a pinhole focus that strips away callouses, leaving us raw but wise. This state combines compassion with wisdom—feeling fully while maintaining the ability to function without drowning in emotion.

The countermovement to constant stimulation is emerging. Minimalism, "dumb phones," and a return to analog methods represent resistance against the trajectory of "bigger, better, faster." These approaches recognize that when technology does our thinking for us, we lose essential cognitive functions. Studies show decreased brain function in those relying on AI for writing tasks, similar to how cell phones have diminished our ability to remember phone numbers. The consequence extends beyond individual cognition to a loss of uniqueness and imagination, as algorithms create a singular collective viewpoint based on trend analysis.

Ultimately, Zen offers a path through numbness toward complete participation in life. It teaches attunement to reality as it is—not as we wish it to be. This awakened state allows us to experience life's subtleties while maintaining wisdom that prevents us from being overwhelmed. Like a trained lifeguard jumping into the ocean of suffering, we can be fully immersed in experience while possessing the skills to navigate safely and help others.

The podcast concluded with a powerful poem about breaking free from bondage and embracing the world with an open heart. This beautiful metaphor captures the essence of the Zen approach to numbness: rather than avoiding discomfort or seeking artificial stimulation, we open ourselves completely to experience—catching the whole world in our heart like a butterfly net, leaving no speck of dust behind.