Empowering Practices for the Highly Sensitive is an important and useful book for those of us who identify as ’empaths’ or HSPs (highly sensitive persons). This is not about naval-gazing narcissism, but about those of us who are so sensitive that we literally hurt if we feel others are hurting – to animals or people, and also even to our beautiful planet. If you support MPs who cut disabled benefits or view Trump as someone to admire, then you’re not likely an empath. But if the thought of torture, war, abused animals or children or old people makes you want to cry, then you are likely are.
This book includes 30 progressive exercises to help protect your energy field, so you are not drained by the ‘bullying nature’ of much of the rest of the world. As an empath, you’re likely always told that you’re ‘too sensitive’. But in fact, your sensitivity is likely your strength, because without people like you, the whole world (mostly based on getting what each person wants at the expense of others) would go to hell in a handcart. If we want a kind just world with world peace, we need to still retain sensitivity, yet still have some kind of ‘mental health protection’ so you don’t get eaten up by the people to exploit you!
This book shows how to protect yourself from ‘energy vampires’ and has useful tips (like not watching nonstop horrible news programs) and shows how to embrace your kind sensitive nature, while still practicing enough self-care to not be overwhelmed by the world. Focusing on emotional balance, the author is a Reiki healer, dedicated to guiding sensitive people through techniques to help them thrive, so they can help others.
There are many HSP nowadays, walking around on our planet, many granted the permission to reincarnate during these times of transformation on Planet Earth. Sensitive people are sensitive because they feel energies, so they have to deal somehow with these energies. The book contains a lot of heart, goodwill and love. Read from the heart, understand it with intuition and give it time.
Understanding Highly Sensitive Souls
If you feel that your emotions fun so deep that you can’t cope, you’re likely an HSP (highly sensitive person). Only around 15% to 20% of us are, so often you feel like nobody understands you – it’s because around 80% of the world don’t. Being an HSP does not just mean you cry at sad films. It goes much deeper than that:
You literally FEEL everything – the pain of a creature or grieving person. You can’t watch the news or even an upsetting TV ad, as it will throw you for the rest of the day. You can actually experience trauma, from feeling the pain of others, not just for yourself.
Signs of a highly-sensitive person include:
- Having to avoid violent news and TV shows
- Adoring all creatures (but especially animals!)
- Very artistic nature (either doing or reading/admiring)
- Loves peace & quiet, needs alone time to recharge
- Dislikes crowds, noise, bright lights
- Very spiritual often
- Wants to know ‘why we are here’
If you put HSPs in a quiet place where they can spend time in prayer and meditation, and be around animals and kind people – they will thrive. But if they end up surrounded by bullying people who force them to live a life out of alignment with their values, they will suffer. So rather than ‘try to change’, it helps to find out your true self, then go for that kind of life!
Often HSPs have trouble ‘fitting in with modern life, due to three reasons:
Emotional overwhelm. When things get too much, HSPs often go off to retreat on their own, which makes other people think they are unfriendly.
Environmental sensitivity. Again if the place is too noisy or distracting, they will go off on their own, or spend time alone at home.
Interpersonal issues. HSPs tend to process emotions alone. They also can have issues with other humans, who often don’t understand their heightened emotional responses, which is why most thrive around animals.
A good example of an HSP is someone who gets upset around people who shout or bully (most people can just move on). Many HSPs are vegan, as they can’t understand why people would support hurting animals to eat them, which can make them feel like society outcasts.
Daily Habits to Nurture Sensitivity
- Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a lifeline for soothing anxious minds. Even a few minutes of mindfulness meditations can help calm the storm within.
- Setting boundaries is crucial. It’s not about shutting others out but about protecting your peace. HSPs unlikely are ever going to be ‘assertive’. By saying yes (when you mean no) tends to bring more problems.
- Self-care is essential for HSPs. Enjoy quiet walks in nature and treat yourself kindly, in a world that increasingly isn’t kind to anyone.
- Understanding your emotions is the first step to managing them. Once you know your an HSP, life tends to get easier. You will no longer blame yourself for ‘not being tough enough’. But realise that sensitivity is a gift to inspire. The world needs a little more kindness.
- Find other HSPs! This can be a balm for the soul, knowing that others share your kindness and wisdom. Read Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul (you can make a difference without shouting and screaming).
- Create a soothing sanctuary. HSPs love to retreat home with comfy chairs and soothing colours. For soothing gardens, read how to create gardens safe for pets. Avoid facing indoor foliage to outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
