Highly Sensitive People Experience Deeply and See Clearly. I Have A Dream That We Will Use Our Strengths For Good.

Sensitivity: Who are Highly Sensitive Folks?

We feel deeply. Highly Sensitive People's (HSP) senses are keenly tuned in so we notice details in the environment which many people miss; like lights, sounds, scents, movement, temperature, texture, color, and space. And, compassion & empathy are highly tuned in so we'll notice what folks are feeling too, at least we'll have a sense of it. Some of us are pretty good at sensing unspoken desires, love, kindness, as well as judgements, snide remarks, greed, passive aggressivity, bullying, arrogance...(we're feeling it now) and all this can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

We process deeply. HSPs are thoughtful and take time and space to fully process every little thing about an interaction or issue. It has to come together and make sense, so please don't rush us or pressure us in any way. We're taking it all in and doing our very best to be considerate and thorough in our process. We need space.

Big Emotions. HSPs have a wide and deep range of emotions that are felt intensely, and we are highly empathetic. We feel so deeply that what may seem like no big deal to the average person is highly provocative to us, or a nice gesture to them is a deeply heart felt and meaningful one to us so we may respond in a more expressive way than expected. Life is so much more for us than what is apparent or presented.

Overwhelm. HSPs can become overstimulated and overwhelmed by emotional and sensory stimuli. Loud music, bright lights, strong scents...hypocrisy, cruelty, deceipt, injustice...are just a few examples of what might overwhelm us. We need a way to release some of the stimuli that is now tension, so we may go off by ourselves to a quiet and calm space for a while to breathe and ground ourselves, or we may dance, move, sing, or even gather with like souls and find solace together. If we cannot go be by ourselves, or dance & sing we can develop ways to create this space within through mindfulness. This is self care.

Introspection. HSPs are naturally introspective and can be very self aware. We need to make sense of things and to understand thoroughly to be able to make decisions. We balance our busy lives with quiet time to think, meditate, and relax. This is how we resource ourselves.

Integrity. I have never met a HSP without a high level of integrity. We can feel untruth. We care deeply about doing the right & fair thing for all involved.

We're feeling this chaos that has been thrust upon us and we CAN and WILL do things to help us cope and overcome. We Shall Overcome!

We Can Surmount This Together!

Here's A Few Ideas to Help Us Self Care & Feel Empowered.

First and foremost: Believe in yourself! We can do hard things, and we're strong.

Being a HSP is a blessing because we're so tuned in. We see clearly and can process deeply, so let's use those gifts. We must self care so it isn't a curse where we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed too often.

Remember that everything is temporary, and this too shall pass.

Find ways to reclaim your power, whether it's leaked, been stolen, or you've given it away. This may sound daunting so let's talk about it. I can help.

Make time every day to breathe and move. Be intentional with your time and space. A Mindfulness Practice is very helpful for us HSPs because we are naturally self aware and tuned in, so being intentional with it is the next step.

Learn healthy boundaries. Say no when you mean it, because a no to someone else is a yes to yourself. Let's talk.

Spend time in nature. Go for a walk, bike ride, swim, or whatever you like, and breathe deeply with your body as you commune with nature.

Make your living space pleasant for yourself. Eat nourishing foods. Drink fresh, filtered water.

Create meaningful rituals and do them regularly, perhaps on the moon cycles of the first quarter, new moon, & full moon.

Meet your neighbors and plan a neighborhood garden, picnic, BBQ, and get to know each other and learn how to support each other.

Plant your own garden with foods that you will enjoy and will nurture you.

Take a class at the Parks and Recreation Center.

Volunteer with your local political office or other community service.

Call your senators daily to leave messages reminding them that they work for us and to encourage them to fight authoritarianism.

Find JOY! Having fun and finding joy is a revolutionary act in an evironment of control and callousness.

Surround yourself with intelligent, kind, conscious people who are willing to listen to you and respect your needs and wishes.

Share your ideas because they're important and insightful.

Turn off the media. Check in and be aware of how much time you are spending scrolling. Get your important information only from objective and reliable sources.

I know you have ideas too and I'd love to hear them. You inspire me.

Call me, or contact me to talk about your ideas and learn how I can help you feel calm, confident, and empowered to be your authentic self even in this hectic world today.

Warmly,

Janis ❤️

925-302-9900

janis@janismckinstry.com