Highly Sensitive Soul
Your sensitivity is your greatest gift.
What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) actually has a genetic advantage in society! We have 3 unique genes and feel it all... which helps us to survive! However, when we don't have the tools it can be quite overwhelming - If you or your child are Highly Sensitive, you know what I mean.
Did you know about 20% of us are considered highly sensitive people?
There appears to be significant overlap amongst Highly Sensitive People and diagnosis of anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, ODD, and OCD. We also see those who have experienced trauma or this has been passed down through generations, have expressions of Highly Sensitive traits. While a diagnosis may help you get some additional support, at the root of all of these is a tendency to have an over-active nervous system... and there are many natural tools to help nourish the nervous system. Even having an understanding of the biology can be empowering! This is what my work focuses on.
A Little Biology to Support HSPs
We are constantly scanning our environment to determine if we are in a safe space or not, and to respond appropriately. At a high level, our sensory nerves (part of our Craniosacral system) send information to parts of our brain, that determine if we need to respond with parasympathetic (rest, digest, socialize) response, or sympathetic (get ready for action!) response. Harmones are sent through our blood stream to respond, and neurotransmitters via our Vagus Nerve (10th Craniosacral nerve) to our various organs. The Vagus Nerve also brings information back to our brain to continue the interplay of how to respond to our internal environment.
What Does This Mean for HSPs?
In short, we can become overwhelmed easily by our environments as have a gift for noticing detail and feeling it all, including others. This becomes amplified when we don't have the tools to nourish our parasympathetic system, live in a world or have a lifestyle that is not conducive to our wellbeing, or have other demands on our system that reduce our capacity. That being said, if we are able to create routines and lifestyles that support us, we can tap into our many, many gifts! As Highly Sensitive Souls, we are usually highly creative and intuitive, and often visionaries or healers. We can be sensitive and inwards, or may be quite expressive and appear to be extroverts!
The world in which we live can be especially hard for highly sensitive people with all the information coming at us and a norm of being 'on' 24/7 - this is why Highly Sensitive Souls tend to burnout at a higher rate. Being a Highly Sensitive parent really tests this!
My Story as a Highly Sensitive Person and Parent
As a child, I was often described as 'too sensitive.' I was fortunate to have been taught breathwork and meditation by my mother, and to have found yoga at 7 years (in my Gran's 70's Yoga book!). I combined the two and realized that I could release emotions or sensations quite easily and quickly, to come back to a more 'balanced state.' Over the years I learned more about the nervous system and explored more Somatic tools rooted in science and discovered intuitive ones. A big aha for me in my twenties, was learning to decipher what energy was mine and what belonged to others... because we do absorb it all if we are not careful!
A Highly Sensitive child often seems wise beyond their years, which means parents may have high expectations or even lean on these souls - Parentification. I understand both sides of this intimately. Although these souls are wise beyond their years, they also embody an innocence that is their light. As their parents, we need to honour their light, and help them learn tools to stay connected to their gloWithin.
As a highly sensitive person myself, with two highly sensitive children, I know it’s not always easy to parent these souls. It can feel overwhelming with all the stimulation (mess, noise, demands) and our energies get intertwined and amplify each other if we are not aware... but there are simple tools and tweaks we can make, so it is more peaceful for everyone. Balancing our energies, taking care of ourselves, and leading by example are key!
Tools for the Highly Sensitive Person
Part of my practice to stay centred is meditation every morning and bringing awareness to my whole energy in my body. Mini check-ins throughout the day are also key to notice my breath, sensations, emotions, and let go! I also make time for just me, my walks, runs, swims, yoga and moving! Making sure I treat myself in some way every day – massaging pure essential oils into my skin, dancing, making a nourishing smoothie, soothing music, and regular massage, craniosacral or energy healing work.
Sometimes though, this is not enough… and you just need to say ‘no’ or hand it off to others. I think as a parent, many of us struggle with this, and moms in particular. On some level many of us feel we must to do it all… but in reality, this is not possible. We are not superhuman and super mom doesn’t really exist. It’s about choices, and aligning your choices with your values.
Highly Sensitive Person Quiz!
Not sure if you or your child are HSP? Please complete the form below and you will receive the quiz in your inbox! I will follow up with some tools specific for your needs. You are also welcome to check out the Highly Sensitive Soul (HSS) course on the gloWithin App!
Learn More!
Below are more tools you can access for support to empower yourself as a parent and in-turn your children.
- gloWithin app – explore various courses to support you and empower children
- 'I Am' Kids Yoga Cards – empower the children in your life physically, emotionally + socially
Youtube – so many tools for the entire family!
Highly Sensitive Summit – learn from amazing science-based and intuitive practitioners
Please reach out if you have any questions – I always love to hear from you!
Katie
ps. Please share with anyone you feel would benefit!
