Tranquil and unperturbed, yet sensitive and effective.
The I Ching
As I write this blog, I feel a heavy heart, sadness and grief.
I've been feeling how unstable things are, as if we're standing
on shaky ground, unable to get our bearings. Nothing feels
stable. It feels alarming and scary. Surely, others are feeling
some degree of these feelings. How can we thrive during the
individual and collective challenges of our times? Even if I can't
make sense of tragedies that have recently occurred, I choose
to believe that Light is making it's way into these dark times. I
hold out hope that the universe is purposeful. If you're feeling
the need for more "solid" ground, begin by standing in your
Wholeness. With that in mind, I offer metta--a meditation of
caring for our collective well-being and responding with a gentle
and aware heart to the human suffering.
I've been feeling how unstable things are, as if we're standing
on shaky ground, unable to get our bearings. Nothing feels
stable. It feels alarming and scary. Surely, others are feeling
some degree of these feelings. How can we thrive during the
individual and collective challenges of our times? Even if I can't
make sense of tragedies that have recently occurred, I choose
to believe that Light is making it's way into these dark times. I
hold out hope that the universe is purposeful. If you're feeling
the need for more "solid" ground, begin by standing in your
Wholeness. With that in mind, I offer metta--a meditation of
caring for our collective well-being and responding with a gentle
and aware heart to the human suffering.
May we all be free of pain.
May we all find peace and ease.
May we all be held in love.
May we all spread the light.
And...the Great Mandala continues to turn.
Flowers and tress are blossoming. Spring is finally here! May
first marked the half-way point between spring equinox and
summer solstice. Now we're just 21 days from the beginning of
summer. For some people, the change is welcome. For others,
seasonal shifts can be challenging.
We're affected by the seasons throughout the year. Just like
they affect all plants, trees, insects, and flowers--all living things
on Earth, we believe the seasons also have an effect on
humans; on our mind, body, and spirit. There is power, mystery
and magic in each season. Co-Creative Mandalas offer simple,
inspired, and meaningful ways to connect with the cycles of
nature throughout the year. Each Co-Creative Mandala offers a
vibration and message that connects you to the changes in
nature that affect your life – physically, emotionally, mentally and
spiritually.
So far this year, we've explored Solitude, Vision, Blossoming,
and Coherence. Each quality supports our awakening to Unity.
Unity is not a goal. It is the reality of life. Nothing exists
independent of outside conditions. No single component is more
important than another. Mindfulness, the realization of the effect
of our actions and appreciation of the present moment, is the
practice of remembering Unity.
This month we're exploring Sensitivity. Have you ever been told
that you’re too sensitive or too emotional, or that you “care too
much”? As a sensitive person you may have a lifetime of being
told or thinking that you are just too sensitive, cry too easily,
take things in too deeply. “What is wrong with you?” you may
hear from others, or ask yourself. Often you may try to figure out
ways to make the world a safe place for others and yourself.
Flowers and tress are blossoming. Spring is finally here! May
first marked the half-way point between spring equinox and
summer solstice. Now we're just 21 days from the beginning of
summer. For some people, the change is welcome. For others,
seasonal shifts can be challenging.
We're affected by the seasons throughout the year. Just like
they affect all plants, trees, insects, and flowers--all living things
on Earth, we believe the seasons also have an effect on
humans; on our mind, body, and spirit. There is power, mystery
and magic in each season. Co-Creative Mandalas offer simple,
inspired, and meaningful ways to connect with the cycles of
nature throughout the year. Each Co-Creative Mandala offers a
vibration and message that connects you to the changes in
nature that affect your life – physically, emotionally, mentally and
spiritually.
So far this year, we've explored Solitude, Vision, Blossoming,
and Coherence. Each quality supports our awakening to Unity.
Unity is not a goal. It is the reality of life. Nothing exists
independent of outside conditions. No single component is more
important than another. Mindfulness, the realization of the effect
of our actions and appreciation of the present moment, is the
practice of remembering Unity.
This month we're exploring Sensitivity. Have you ever been told
that you’re too sensitive or too emotional, or that you “care too
much”? As a sensitive person you may have a lifetime of being
told or thinking that you are just too sensitive, cry too easily,
take things in too deeply. “What is wrong with you?” you may
hear from others, or ask yourself. Often you may try to figure out
ways to make the world a safe place for others and yourself.
Rather than fearfully shutting down your sensitivity, dive in deeper into all possible feeling. As you expand, keep only those who are not afraid of oceans.
Victoria Erickson
Sometimes my clients ask in some form: “How can I get rid of
this awful sensitivity?” The asker wants me to tell them how to
make their sensitivity go away so that she or he can just “be
normal.” I remind my clients (and myself) of the importance,
the necessity, for holding loving space for all parts of ourselves.
In my experience, no one, including me, has ever changed her
mind about herself by beating up on yourself. I believe the best
use of “self-help” and spiritual awareness is to open ourselves
to discovering the goodness that is already inside us, and
allowing it to bloom.
this awful sensitivity?” The asker wants me to tell them how to
make their sensitivity go away so that she or he can just “be
normal.” I remind my clients (and myself) of the importance,
the necessity, for holding loving space for all parts of ourselves.
In my experience, no one, including me, has ever changed her
mind about herself by beating up on yourself. I believe the best
use of “self-help” and spiritual awareness is to open ourselves
to discovering the goodness that is already inside us, and
allowing it to bloom.
In case you need a reminder, being sensitive means that these
are positive qualities rather than shortcomings. Our sensitivity
can open our access into deeper senses that go beyond seeing,
hearing, and touch into a more subtle realm. And not only are
they positive qualities rather than shortcomings, but once you
fully understand them, you will come to realize they are actually
among your "superpowers". I think that being a sensitive
person is a divine gift. The very gift the world needs right now.
Now, more than ever, is the time to honor your sensitivity and if
you're unsure how to, simply remind yourself that it's OK, it
takes time, it's a skill, it is not something that you were taught
growing up but you can learn now. After researching this
topic for over a decade, I realized that learning and mastering
some basic tools and practices make a world of difference in our
overall well-being.
I've read various scientific theories about what human sensitivity
is. The general consensus amongst those who have researched
sensitivity and who have experience working with sensitive
people seems to be that these traits are innate. Dr. Elaine Aron
one of the leading scientists pioneered the study of the innate
temperament trait of high sensitivity in 1991. Her work includes
the book The Highly Sensitive Person in which she describes
the characteristics of Highly Sensitive People or HSPs in her
work. When I read her book and listened to her speak, it felt like
coming home. I discovered that nothing is "wrong" with me. Her
research shows that 1 in 5 people are born with a slightly
different nervous system, one that processes everything more
deeply. The HSP trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy,
being observant before acting. The brains of HSPs actually work
a little differently than others. For more information about HSPs
and to take the HSP self-test, visit Dr. Aron's website.
People often describe being sensitive as both a blessing and a
curse. This is usually attributed to the fact that we can feel
drained and exhausted after being around other people. This
trait is often identified as being empathic, because you're
picking up on all of their emotions and feeling what they’re
feeling. Dr. Judith Orloff offers insights about empaths and the
similarities and differences between HSPs and empaths. Her
website offers information about the similarities and differences,
an Am I an Empath quiz,resources, and a Survival Guide for
Empaths.
Whether you identify as intuitive, an empath, or HSP, your
exceptional sensitivity is pointing towards a deeper capacity for
being human, for showing loving kindness and compassion
toward yourself and others as we navigate difficult times.
For sensitive people, transitions can feel challenging, and
sometimes overwhelming. Transitions, changes, and shifts
(including those that come with seasonal changes) are all a
natural and necessary part of life. The good news is there are
ways to help ease seasonal (and all) transitions.
How can we understand and utilize sensitivity for our own good,
and for the good of the world?
are positive qualities rather than shortcomings. Our sensitivity
can open our access into deeper senses that go beyond seeing,
hearing, and touch into a more subtle realm. And not only are
they positive qualities rather than shortcomings, but once you
fully understand them, you will come to realize they are actually
among your "superpowers". I think that being a sensitive
person is a divine gift. The very gift the world needs right now.
Now, more than ever, is the time to honor your sensitivity and if
you're unsure how to, simply remind yourself that it's OK, it
takes time, it's a skill, it is not something that you were taught
growing up but you can learn now. After researching this
topic for over a decade, I realized that learning and mastering
some basic tools and practices make a world of difference in our
overall well-being.
I've read various scientific theories about what human sensitivity
is. The general consensus amongst those who have researched
sensitivity and who have experience working with sensitive
people seems to be that these traits are innate. Dr. Elaine Aron
one of the leading scientists pioneered the study of the innate
temperament trait of high sensitivity in 1991. Her work includes
the book The Highly Sensitive Person in which she describes
the characteristics of Highly Sensitive People or HSPs in her
work. When I read her book and listened to her speak, it felt like
coming home. I discovered that nothing is "wrong" with me. Her
research shows that 1 in 5 people are born with a slightly
different nervous system, one that processes everything more
deeply. The HSP trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy,
being observant before acting. The brains of HSPs actually work
a little differently than others. For more information about HSPs
and to take the HSP self-test, visit Dr. Aron's website.
People often describe being sensitive as both a blessing and a
curse. This is usually attributed to the fact that we can feel
drained and exhausted after being around other people. This
trait is often identified as being empathic, because you're
picking up on all of their emotions and feeling what they’re
feeling. Dr. Judith Orloff offers insights about empaths and the
similarities and differences between HSPs and empaths. Her
website offers information about the similarities and differences,
an Am I an Empath quiz,resources, and a Survival Guide for
Empaths.
Whether you identify as intuitive, an empath, or HSP, your
exceptional sensitivity is pointing towards a deeper capacity for
being human, for showing loving kindness and compassion
toward yourself and others as we navigate difficult times.
For sensitive people, transitions can feel challenging, and
sometimes overwhelming. Transitions, changes, and shifts
(including those that come with seasonal changes) are all a
natural and necessary part of life. The good news is there are
ways to help ease seasonal (and all) transitions.
How can we understand and utilize sensitivity for our own good,
and for the good of the world?
Honor this sensitivity, trust it, use it as a barometer for those things that serve you and those that do not.
Anonymous
As part of my highly sensitive experience, I struggle a great deal
with the cold weather, and the shift from fall to winter brings
mixed feelings. My ability to garden, practice grounding, make
connection to nature is limited in Colorado with freezing
temperatures, ice, and snow. So, I'm delighted when spring
comes with all the blossoming, growth and renewal energy.
Everything is flowering this month. Nature is bursting &
blooming. The outside world is showing off with all the beauty it
contains! What's not to love?!!!
I'm even more excited when spring shifts to summer.
We're transitioning out of spring, and moving into the energetic,
expansive energy of Summer. This is the beginning of summer's
fiery energy. For some people this is a challenging shift.
How are you feeling these days? Can you feel the shifts all
around you; in nature, in people, in energies, and within my own
spiritual, emotional, and physical experiences? Are you attuned
with the shift, yet still struggle to predict the impact? Some
seasonal changes have little impact on my overall experience,
but I’ve found that without awareness, attunement, and
preparation, they can knock me off kilter.
Changes are difficult for highly sensitive people! Seasonal
shifts occur regularly, and though I’ve been through them time
and time again, I still have to prepare if I don't want to be
overwhelmed. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that
help me get through seasonal transitions a little more smoothly.
1. Give yourself the gift of time...to allow the transition from
spring to summer. Time alone is the “giftedness”, as Dr. Aron
describes, that comes with being a HSP. Allow for a little extra
time each day to give your system the opportunity to not only
tune in to the seasonal shifts, but adjust to the transition.
2. Be more mindful of nutritional needs...choose foods that
feed your mind, body, and spirit. Adjust your food intake
accordingly even if it’s just temporary through the transition.
3. Pay attention to commitments...set boundaries. Strike the
balance of giving to others and giving to yourself. Allow the fine-
tuning that comes with the seasonal shift to occur before
expending more energy.
4. Attend to your experiences in a curious and non-
judgmental way...beating yourself up won't help. Loving and
accepting yourself, remembering your wholeness, increases
your ability to identify the source of struggles, and make
possible solutions come more clearly and easily.
These tips can help you live a life of deeper peace, calm,
confidence and knowing, where compassion and love are the
driving forces, whatever the changes and challenges you're
facing, allowing you to use your gifts to help yourself and the
whole planet heal and grow.
The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Sensitivity", from a
photograph of Oyama magnolia (symbolizes love of nature)
reminds us when we use our gift of exceptional sensitivity to
express love toward ourselves, all living beings, and Earth we
align with the core of our being. Your sensitivity comes from
your deep, intuitive abilities that allow you to see a bigger
picture than many people can, and often you’re aware of
more than “meets the eye.” This creates a life that not only
celebrates your sensitivity, but also serves others in a powerful
way. And as an exceptionally sensitive people, helping others
and walking with them in their healing journey is our life
purpose.
with the cold weather, and the shift from fall to winter brings
mixed feelings. My ability to garden, practice grounding, make
connection to nature is limited in Colorado with freezing
temperatures, ice, and snow. So, I'm delighted when spring
comes with all the blossoming, growth and renewal energy.
Everything is flowering this month. Nature is bursting &
blooming. The outside world is showing off with all the beauty it
contains! What's not to love?!!!
I'm even more excited when spring shifts to summer.
We're transitioning out of spring, and moving into the energetic,
expansive energy of Summer. This is the beginning of summer's
fiery energy. For some people this is a challenging shift.
How are you feeling these days? Can you feel the shifts all
around you; in nature, in people, in energies, and within my own
spiritual, emotional, and physical experiences? Are you attuned
with the shift, yet still struggle to predict the impact? Some
seasonal changes have little impact on my overall experience,
but I’ve found that without awareness, attunement, and
preparation, they can knock me off kilter.
Changes are difficult for highly sensitive people! Seasonal
shifts occur regularly, and though I’ve been through them time
and time again, I still have to prepare if I don't want to be
overwhelmed. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that
help me get through seasonal transitions a little more smoothly.
1. Give yourself the gift of time...to allow the transition from
spring to summer. Time alone is the “giftedness”, as Dr. Aron
describes, that comes with being a HSP. Allow for a little extra
time each day to give your system the opportunity to not only
tune in to the seasonal shifts, but adjust to the transition.
2. Be more mindful of nutritional needs...choose foods that
feed your mind, body, and spirit. Adjust your food intake
accordingly even if it’s just temporary through the transition.
3. Pay attention to commitments...set boundaries. Strike the
balance of giving to others and giving to yourself. Allow the fine-
tuning that comes with the seasonal shift to occur before
expending more energy.
4. Attend to your experiences in a curious and non-
judgmental way...beating yourself up won't help. Loving and
accepting yourself, remembering your wholeness, increases
your ability to identify the source of struggles, and make
possible solutions come more clearly and easily.
These tips can help you live a life of deeper peace, calm,
confidence and knowing, where compassion and love are the
driving forces, whatever the changes and challenges you're
facing, allowing you to use your gifts to help yourself and the
whole planet heal and grow.
The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Sensitivity", from a
photograph of Oyama magnolia (symbolizes love of nature)
reminds us when we use our gift of exceptional sensitivity to
express love toward ourselves, all living beings, and Earth we
align with the core of our being. Your sensitivity comes from
your deep, intuitive abilities that allow you to see a bigger
picture than many people can, and often you’re aware of
more than “meets the eye.” This creates a life that not only
celebrates your sensitivity, but also serves others in a powerful
way. And as an exceptionally sensitive people, helping others
and walking with them in their healing journey is our life
purpose.
You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you discover is yourself.
Alan Alda
Sensitivity Sacred Practice:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind
it. Start your day by setting the intention that you are dedicating
this time to self-care, to remembering Wholeness and
awakening to Unity. This practice is a simple method of helping
you to honor and listen to your Sensitivity. So with practice, it
can be used to manage stress, promote feelings of well-being
and be present, without conscious effort. With practice, you'll
discover that this inner resource is available to you for
increasing periods of time.
Be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and
sustains you.
Choose what you need to create sacred space: Flowers, leaves
represent spring, candles represent the fiery summer energy
that we're shifting toward, incense, and music can help guide
your focus. Invest time toward moving into stillness.
When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your
guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a
moment for that connection and alliance to form.
Before you begin the practice:
First, invest some time for reflecting on the Sensitivity mandala.
What message does it have for you? What expansive energy do
you want more of in your life? You may choose to reflect on
your vision statement. How will honoring Sensitivity support
manifesting your vision? How will you nurture the mandala of
your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion
by welcoming Sensitivity into your life?
Now, the Sensitivity practice:*
Tap into your inner wisdom, your exceptional sensitivity in just a
couple of minutes with these simple but powerful steps.
Step 1: Identify a clear question that you would like to to gain
some additional insight about.
Step 2: Anchor into your “Power Center” — a place inside
yourself where you feel connected and resourced.
A fast way of doing just this is to ask yourself:
What if I believe that…
My deeper knowing, my sensitivity reminds me that…
I’m valuable, and worthy of love...
Including well-being, safety, love, compassion and more…
And, what if I believe that...
I am enough
My sensitivity is a gift
My gifts are valuable
Step 3: Ask your question to your inner wisdom
What does my inner wisdom know about…
Move into a place of curiosity, openness and receptivity…
If you believe that life supports you, that you are valuable,
that you can access resources and support, how might you
move forward?
Instead of THINKING about the answer, LISTEN to a deeper
part of yourself for an answer.
Journal or reflect on the answer…
Commit to take an action to honor this knowing!
The next time you have an opportunity to make a difference (for
yourself or all beings) in any difficult situation, try this:
Ground yourself (use any practice you know), use your
exceptional sensitivity, your subtle senses, to feel what is
needed in the moment. Invite inner support. Feel the presence
of your knowing. Listen deeply. Become a portal through which
helpful energy flows.
The best reason to explore your exceptional sensitivity, subtle
perception, is it really feels good! It's comforting to be at home in
your body, mind, and spirit; at home in our collective humanity;
at home in the earth.
Best wishes as your journey continues!
Peace and joy to your seeking heart,
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind
it. Start your day by setting the intention that you are dedicating
this time to self-care, to remembering Wholeness and
awakening to Unity. This practice is a simple method of helping
you to honor and listen to your Sensitivity. So with practice, it
can be used to manage stress, promote feelings of well-being
and be present, without conscious effort. With practice, you'll
discover that this inner resource is available to you for
increasing periods of time.
Be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and
sustains you.
Choose what you need to create sacred space: Flowers, leaves
represent spring, candles represent the fiery summer energy
that we're shifting toward, incense, and music can help guide
your focus. Invest time toward moving into stillness.
When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your
guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a
moment for that connection and alliance to form.
Before you begin the practice:
First, invest some time for reflecting on the Sensitivity mandala.
What message does it have for you? What expansive energy do
you want more of in your life? You may choose to reflect on
your vision statement. How will honoring Sensitivity support
manifesting your vision? How will you nurture the mandala of
your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion
by welcoming Sensitivity into your life?
Now, the Sensitivity practice:*
Tap into your inner wisdom, your exceptional sensitivity in just a
couple of minutes with these simple but powerful steps.
Step 1: Identify a clear question that you would like to to gain
some additional insight about.
Step 2: Anchor into your “Power Center” — a place inside
yourself where you feel connected and resourced.
A fast way of doing just this is to ask yourself:
What if I believe that…
My deeper knowing, my sensitivity reminds me that…
I’m valuable, and worthy of love...
Including well-being, safety, love, compassion and more…
And, what if I believe that...
I am enough
My sensitivity is a gift
My gifts are valuable
Step 3: Ask your question to your inner wisdom
What does my inner wisdom know about…
Move into a place of curiosity, openness and receptivity…
If you believe that life supports you, that you are valuable,
that you can access resources and support, how might you
move forward?
Instead of THINKING about the answer, LISTEN to a deeper
part of yourself for an answer.
Journal or reflect on the answer…
Commit to take an action to honor this knowing!
The next time you have an opportunity to make a difference (for
yourself or all beings) in any difficult situation, try this:
Ground yourself (use any practice you know), use your
exceptional sensitivity, your subtle senses, to feel what is
needed in the moment. Invite inner support. Feel the presence
of your knowing. Listen deeply. Become a portal through which
helpful energy flows.
The best reason to explore your exceptional sensitivity, subtle
perception, is it really feels good! It's comforting to be at home in
your body, mind, and spirit; at home in our collective humanity;
at home in the earth.
Best wishes as your journey continues!
Peace and joy to your seeking heart,
* (Adapted from a Power Practice: Tapping into Your Deeper Knowing by Claire
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