It wasn't until recently that I was introduced to the idea of being a Highly Sensitive Person or that there was even a name for such a phenomenon. My entire life I have been referred to has oversensitive or hypersensitive. I am usually called these names in a very negative manner from people who seemingly have no emotions at all. I always felt so bad about myself after someone would call me these things and wonder why I was different.
What is a Highly Sensitive Person? This term was first introduced in the 1990's to describe people who have a greater proclivity to overstimulation, emotional reaction, empathy and sensitivity to stimuli. I would like to add my own idea behind the highly sensitive person (opinion only)… the highly sensitive person is also highly intuitive. These people can be greatly affected by other people's emotions or experiences. Sometimes it's hard to separate your own emotions from others because you can feel them so deeply. You can read more about the ins and outs of this phenomenon here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highly_sensitive_person, but for now I want to talk about survival! As a highly sensitive person you can probably pick up on emotions in a room right when you walk through the door. You can somehow sense what the emotional temperature is before anyone even opens their mouth! While this skill can come in handy when you are evaluating your environment or testing the waters with a first date; it can also be extremely draining and toxic to your mental health. These people often need time to themselves to drain their internal battery of outside energies and recharge with their own emotions. In a world where people are becoming less and less connected to each other and interact more and more through virtual means, the value of being sensitive to others or intuitive seems to be frowned upon. It seems we are in a world where people are praised for their callousness and lack of empathy. People want to be "ball busters" and put up a tough outer shell that shows they are somehow stronger than others. But, does lacking empathy or compassion really make you a stronger person? I say no. Being compassionate, sensitive, intuitive, etc., gives you an edge over other people. Learn to use these skills to improve the world around you. Listen to your gut and when you are picking up on feelings remember they may not be your own. Learning to separate your own feelings from those around you who are emitting energy can help you feel less fatigued. Use this awesome and rare skill to help people by engaging them and listening to them. You are a special human being with a great and wondrous power! Learn to harness these powers and be proud of them. And remember that when you start to feel tired, irritable or sad that your body is telling you that you need a timeout. Go on a walk, hike, do yoga, meditate, write, listen to music; whatever you can to separate yourself and regain your super power. The world needs you....
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While enjoying a cup of coffee with a dear friend of mine I was reminded of the importance that spirituality plays in our lives. The word 'spiritual' seems to be thrown around so loosely these days. Perhaps that is a good thing because it means people are becoming more and more spiritual in nature and less dogmatic. Either way, I think that most humans can agree that we all have our own spiritual path and everyone's path looks a bit different from one another.
For some people their spiritual path is defined for them before they are even born. The cultural beliefs of their parents are so strong that it is decided for the child what path they should take, and a lot of the time those children do not stray far from the well-groomed pathway provided to them. But, for others this spiritual journey is much less defined or those who have their paths laid down for them decide to hop over the fence and find another course to explore. When I think of the human spiritual path I envision it being something less defined, something more pliable that changes shape throughout our lifetime. Some people's paths may be flat, some rocky, some uphill; some people may even need a boat to navigate their path. The best thing about this is that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy this humanistic journey. Some people may come to a point in their life where the trail they were following ends. This may seem scary at first and could promote feelings of isolation, hopelessness or depression; but, I have good news for you. Open your eyes! If you feel like you've lost your path I am here to offer some advice (take it or leave it, but hopefully consider it). Look around you. Maybe you feel like the path has stopped, but in reality it just looks different. You've gotten so used to what the path looked like that when it changes its shape or color you suddenly feel lost. Put one foot in front of the other and keep walking...this is your new destiny. Your path has not been lost, it's just changed! If you're feeling lost here is an exercise for you: sit down in a quiet place or with some soft music on. Focus on your breath and now think about what your soul looks like... and I mean really picture it. Is it bright? What color is it? Is it glowing or dim? What shape is it in? Now think for just a moment about how your soul or spirit has developed over the course of this lifetime. You've probably achieved, survived and experienced some amazing things right? I think this is undeniable evidence that you have been on the right path. And while you can't see what the path looks like in front of you; you can always find comfort in knowing that the people you love are walking right next to you. |
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AuthorJust a human, sharing spiritual conquests and trying to raise the vibrations of the world. |