Effects of being Highly Sensitive (Aware)
Over 16 years ago I hobbled in the doors for an energy healing session with severe and what was becoming chronic back pain. I had already made life adjustments to cope such as a career change, moving home, and limited my mobility.
The Healer I attended said something to me that changed my perspective of me and the world around me for good. She said, “you feel things differently, more intensely on all levels emotionally, physically, and mentally than the majority of people and also have a capacity for healing “. That I was highly sensitive and my sensory processing was different from the majority of people.
I didn’t fully understand but I knew what she was saying was true for me. It was in the following years I learned more about what this meant for me and for my clients and how to deal with it. I now often use the term highly aware instead of highly sensitive which can lead to a high level of empathy.
Signs you may be Highly Sensitive (Aware)
- 15 to 20% of the population have traits and while it is not new it can be misunderstood and also misidentified as shy or even odd.
- You may be overwhelmed by crowds and use unhealthy ways to cope.
- Time alone is necessary to regulate your nervous system
- Your mood can instantly change for no reason and this can be due to picking up on what’s going on with others
- Easily overstimulated and emotionally reactive.
- You are somewhere and feel the need to suddenly leave,
- Easily overwhelmed with your senses such as bright lights, noise, smells, and fabrics such as wool may irritate you.
- It is not obvious to others as you may have developed ways to cope such as the use of food, alcohol, and excessive exercise to numb the sensitivity and awareness.
- Find it difficult to watch horror movies or hear stories as such.
Understanding Highly Sensitive
In-depth research and a number of books have been written by Dr. Elaine Aron as well as many other therapists, healers, and authors. Dr. Aron states that not all Highly Sensitive people are introverts, 30% are in fact extroverts. I personally do not like the labeling of either introvert or extrovert as people can be a bit of both and different on any given day.
In cultures where the trait is not valued, the person can develop low self-esteem, sensitivity is perceived as wrong, and be seen as abnormal. I have attended a number of workshops by various internationally known therapists on this area and personally the best way for me to understand it was my own inner journey,
The benefits of being Highly Sensitive.
Once we get to understand what being Highly Sensitive is, it can bring us on a journey of self-discovery. We may need to delve into some healing to look at our experiences where we have felt deeply and build confidence and self-esteem
- Highly Sensitive people can be empathetic as they know what people are experiencing.
- Many take the path of helping others and their high intuitive nature is very beneficial in this area.
- We can sense when someone is telling lies or it’s just not quite right.
- Music, touch, and experiences can also be felt a deep level of joy.
What helps the Highly Sensitive Person
Many clients who come to me are in this category and when it is explained it makes perfect sense. We work on rebalancing the energy in the body and Emotional Skills. Here’s what else you can do:
- Seeing it as a gift rather than something that gets in the way.
- Checking in regularly throughout the day, what you are aware of, it is yours or is it something that is around you or in the collective. Is this mine or someone else’s?
- Developing techniques to support your boundaries and emotions.
- Surround yourself with people who are authentic.
- Grounding techniques with the earth, meditation, and support of therapy.
- Being ok with needing time alone (you are not odd), leaving situations, and discerning what invitations to go to or not. You will sense the vibration of an event before it happens. You will wonder why you just don’t want to be there, honour that.
- You may need support to help heal past events that were not processed and develop tools for day-to-day living.
With Love
Teresa