Domain: Overstimulation & Dopamine Saturation 3-5 min read Updated: 2026-01-15

The Space Between Signal and Feeling

There is space between signal and feeling.

Input arrives,

but sensation follows later—or lightly.

This gap is protective.

Naming it

prevents panic and escalation.

Name signal-feeling gaps with DojoWell.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does there feel like a "gap" between when something happens and when I feel it?

Desensitization creates a structural "lag" or gap between input and feeling. This occurs because the Reward & Pursuit system is no longer reacting automatically. While this gap can feel "unreal," it actually provides an opportunity for clarity. By naming the gap, you stop the panic of "not feeling." This space allows you to observe the experience before the emotion arrives, moving you from reactive mode back into agency.

Does this gap mean I’m disconnected from my own life?

No, it means you are "buffered." The gap is a protective space that prevents the world from hitting you too hard. In the model, we use this space to build structural tolerance. Instead of trying to "close" the gap by force, use it to practice grounded observation. As you become comfortable with the space, you’ll find that feelings eventually "travel" across the gap and land more meaningfully because they aren't rushed.