Sound & Stillness: Winter's Symphony at Red Rocks

Welcome back to The Adventure Dispatch!

Apologies for the delay—looks like germs and ADHD teamed up on me this week! But hey, we’re here now, so let’s jump right in…

Hey fellow adventurers,

Picture this: It's early Saturday morning at Red Rocks, but not the venue you might know. No music echoes off the towering stones—instead, winter fog has wrapped the amphitheater in silence, while morning frost veils the amphitheater in an ethereal stillness.

As Denver's familiar skyline disappears into the mist, I find myself lost in thought about how seasonal rhythms, sound, and silence orchestrate our experience of the world.

This week, we'll explore how these contrasts—from the perfect acoustics of Red Rocks to the muffled quiet of a winter morning—can help us find harmony amidst life's unpredictability.

Plus, I'll share some exciting news about a new tool that's revolutionizing how I capture these moments!

📍 Weekly Neurodiverse Wisdom

Finding Harmony in Winter’s Contrasts

Standing there in the fog-shrouded amphitheater, my AuDHD brain experienced something remarkable.

The same pattern-seeking tendencies that can make busy environments overwhelming were suddenly helping me notice nature's subtle symphony—the crystalline geometry of frost patterns, the rhythmic drip of melting ice, the muffled echoes of distant sounds.

Clinical Connection: Emerging research suggests that neurodivergent individuals often process sensory patterns differently, experiencing both heightened appreciation and potential overwhelm. This unique sensitivity can become a strength when we learn to balance engagement with retreat (Robertson & Simmons, 2015; Stiegler & Davis, 2010).

Try This: Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, seek out what I call "sound contrast"—a location where you can experience both vibrant acoustics and perfect silence. Notice how your mind responds to each state. Sometimes our most profound insights come when we learn to dance between these extremes.

🌎 This Week's Journey

Fresh on the Blog: "7 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Neurodiverse Travelers: A Sensory-Friendly Guide"

Behind the Scenes: During my travels through Asia last summer, I found myself taking detailed notes about how different gear and tech worked with (or against) my neurodivergent brain.

Those observations grew into something bigger—the Sensory Comfort Score™ (SCS), a rating system that combines clinical insights with personal experience and field-testing.

My goal? Helping fellow adventurers find sensory-friendly gear that genuinely works for their unique needs. This headphone guide marks its first public debut, with guides for travel essentials, apparel, and tech gear on the horizon!

Unexpected Lesson: While creating the SCS system, one truth kept emerging: our best experiences often come from finding the right balance between engagement and retreat.

Red Rocks embodies this perfectly—a venue that can both amplify life's loudest moments and cradle its quietest ones.

Quick Tip: Create "sensory sanctuaries" in any environment by identifying spots that offer both stimulation and stillness. One of my favorites is Spitfire at Breckenridge Ski Resort—a tree-lined run connecting Peak 10 to Peak 9.

On quieter weekdays, especially after fresh powder, it becomes the perfect balance—just enough challenge to keep my ADHD brain engaged while the snow-muffled forest creates a quiet haven.

📸 Through My Lens

Winter's Symphony in Silver & Rust

Technical Details:

• Device: iPhone 13 Pro Max

• Settings: Wide Camera, ISO 50, 26 mm, f1.5

• Time: 11:00 AM, January 4th, 2025

• Location: Red Rocks Park, Morrison, Colorado

• Support: Peak Design Mobile Tripod

The Neurodivergent Perspective: That moment when my typical ADHD tendency to notice everything at once and live in the world of chronically distracted daydreams transformed into a superpower.

While others walked past seeking grander views, my attention caught on this single branch where frost and remaining autumn colors created an unexpected harmony. It's a perfect metaphor for how our distractions can lead to the most beautiful discoveries.

Photo Tip: When composing detail shots in nature, look for contrasts—not just in color or texture, but in temperature, age, or state of being. Here, the warm rusty tones of autumn meeting winter's crystalline frost created a natural story about transition and balance.

🧠 Clinical Corner

Understanding Peace Through Patterns

Research Insight: Studies show that alternating between periods of sound and silence can help regulate our nervous system, particularly for neurodivergent individuals who may process sensory input differently (Gopinath et al., 2022; Sinha et al., 2011).

Think of it like interval training for your brain—the contrast helps build resilience and processing capacity.

Travel Application: Red Rocks' unique acoustic properties offer a perfect metaphor for managing sensory input. Just as the amphitheater can both amplify and perfectly channel sound, we can learn to modulate our sensory experience by choosing when to engage and when to retreat. 

Try alternating high-energy adventure days with quieter exploration—perhaps following an exciting snowboarding session with a peaceful morning photographing frost patterns at sunrise, or balancing a busy metropolis visit with a serene temple garden walk and meditation.

Strategy: The "Sound Balance Map"

1. Map your daily sound environments (coffee shops, parks, busy streets)

2. Identify natural contrasts in your routine (morning quiet vs. busy commute)

3. Practice mindful transitions between different sound levels

4. Notice how each environment affects your energy

5. Create a personal "sound map" of go-to spaces for different needs

Want to Learn More? Explore our guide to managing sensory overload for ADHD & Autistic travelers themed around my journeys through Tokyo.

⚡ Quick Hits

App Discovery

Brain.fm ($9.99/month with a free trial available)

• Why it works: AI-composed music scientifically designed for focus

• Best feature: Different modes for work, sleep, and meditation

• Quick start: Try the "Deep Work" focus mode

• Perfect for: Creating instant focus zones anywhere

• Pro tip: Download sessions for offline travel use

Sensory Hack

The "One-Ear Advantage" Method

• Keep one earbud in, and one out for natural sound mixing

• Rotate ears based on environment and need

• Control overwhelm while staying aware and present

• Customize music volume to match your surroundings

• Perfect when: Exploring new cities, navigating transit, or needing subtle calm

Gear Spotlight

Insta360 X4 Action Camera ($499)

• What it is: A 360° camera that captures everything around you

• Game-changer: "Invisible" selfie stick automatically erases from footage

• Key features: Waterproof, freeze-proof, incredible stabilization

• Best for: Snowboarding, sports, hiking, travel vlogs

• Why I love it: Lets me focus on the experience while capturing cinematic shots from literally every angle–drastically reducing over-thinking

🗺 Community Spotlight

This week, we're featuring Neurodiverse Diary, a concise, 5-minute weekly read crafted by a finance leader with ADHD. This newsletter offers authentic insights and actionable tools for thriving as a neurodivergent professional.

From ADHD-friendly note-taking hacks to relatable stories about handling rejection and setting boundaries, it’s a must-read for navigating professional and personal growth with confidence.

This Week’s Question: What's your perfect balance of sound and silence?

Share your photos with #FindJoyInChaos on Instagram or in our free Neurodivergent Navigators community on X, for a chance to be featured!