Thanks for your reply- I empathize! It can be intimidating when we’re conscious of neighbors/etc. – I completely understand.

I guess I’ve developed some pragmatic thoughts regarding this:
1) They really don’t care
2) I need to do whatever it takes to get in “the good head space” – go for a brisk walk, get a drink of water, do some jumping jacks, listen to my favorite recording, think about my family/dog/people I love- i.e. get MOTIVATED and EXCITED about the opportunity, rather than panicking.
3) I purposely go RIGHT FOR the areas in music that I SUCK AT, and AVOID those I WANT to practice. We get better by facing our demons- and it’s human to want to sound good- but we make the most rapid progress by working on the key areas that we NEED to work on.
4) If I’m working as a performing musician, one who is going to be ultimately playing for OTHER PEOPLE – I need to “get over” the self-conscious aspect (note here: you never fully will) but at least become desensitized to it, so that when I do perform, whether in the house where neighbors can hear, or in public, I’m focused on my game and making music with colleagues, rather than “uh oh- do people like me?”

My $0.02- now, off to the woodshed!

But it’s worth it, and you already know that.

Thanks for sharing the thoughts.