One of the hardest things to cope with as a highly sensitive person is the intensity of our feelings. Whether those feelings are absorbed from the people around us, or we feel overwhelmed by too much sensory stimulation, the result is that we can feel overcome by emotion. In fact, these feelings can be the very thing that leads us to fulfil our. When sensitive people feel overwhelmed by too much noise or or being around negative people, our first instinct is to want to retreat from the world. We seek an escape from the demands that life places on our sensitive nervous system. Many sensitive people find refuge in solitude or in. A walk in the quiet of the countryside can be enormously restorative. Unfortunately, not only do these tactics seldom work, but they tend to exacerbate the intensity of our feelings, causing us to feel the that so many HSPs struggle to overcome. Instead of turning away from our sensitivity and the feelings that come with it, we need to embrace them. Feelings, both good and bad, are energy, which is why sensitive people often succumb to feelings of anxiety. Instead of trying to suppress that energy, however, we can use it to benefit ourselves and others. It is drive, otherwise known as perseverance or. It is the unfailing to keep moving toward your goals, despite the obstacles. To keep pursuing your goals takes energy and HSPs have a regular source of energy every day. We just have to learn how to channel it. Highly sensitive people also have the advantage of possessing high standards and a low tolerance for boredom. We also tend to be creative, imaginative, individualistic and we can understand complex ideas, situations and people. All of these qualities promote our sense of drive and help to motivate us to focus on reaching our goals. Because HSPs are often creative, finding an outlet for that means that we can release all that energy we absorb, as well as bring and joy into the world in a way that can benefit and inspire others through our work. At the same time, by pursuing creative endeavors we are giving ourselves a regular dose of meaning in our lives that boosts our self-esteem and alleviates the anxiety caused by the flood of emotions. So many highly sensitive people struggle not only with the intensity of their feelings when they become overwhelmed, but also by the challenge to find meaning in their lives. There doesn't seem to be anyone who can help us for now. It's so new many look at me so stooped when I say anything about HSP, I just keep it to myself. I understand embracing these traits but how is that possible as a newbie to the meaning of it? I did find out about EFT some years ago and David Childerley helped me with his EFT system. He has free videos on youtube concerning many issues but none on HSP. If you are interested in EFT, I have one set he gave me for HSPs but you have to understand the basis of EFT to understand and appreciate how simple it is. You can find him on Facebook as well. I currently run a Meet-Up group for HSPs check to see if there is one in your area- www. I will agree, I was very pleased with where this article was going, but then wondered, what's next? With that said, I think I came across this article for a reason. I have a youtube page on how to help HSPs and I provide the how to's. All of my videos are posted on my blog on my website above. It's a place to start. I'd love to connect if you are opening to talking via phone or Skype. I don't like groups because of 'group think', which in my opinion steers us to think for others and not for ourselves as individuals. I'm not completely against people but being around extroverted HSPs is not my idea of coping with being this way. And this way is not a bad way either, it's just not accepted with all the terms associated with being this way, like 'self absorbed' or a 'misfit'. It's not your group, it's the fact that introverted HSPs don't want to be around people who will make them uncomfortable. It's not that I don't want to sit there, but I'd rather learn about the group's vibes HSP traits by observing in my little space introvert and then decide if I want to share. Some blame the HSP traits as the reason someone is introverted or even in some cases, and I'm heading there pretty fast, into the misanthrope phase of life. Not all HSPs want to share their terrifying responses to the overwhelming reactions of HSP traits. FB is a great place to find highly sensitive persons's groups. Some are so full they are closed so someone is out there talking about it. I also read and try to get my hands on as much material as I can so I can understand. I like to think educating ourselves solo can be very healing. The first one is a close look at all the different viewpoints through an Introvert's, Extrovert's, and HSP's in different settings. I hope this book helps you understand there may be some who want to go to your group but simply can't. It's nothing personal either. The second one, in my opinion, is more cantankerous but insightful. Both books helped me see I was a forced extrovert. My whole life has been off because I fought with my human nature, which was one of a loner. I forced myself to be more extroverted because of my upbringing and societal negative connotations associated with being an introvert. I now relish time alone and am very protective of it. I hope someone in your group finds comfort from these, if they choose to read them, just as I did. Setting boundaries to ensure I receive this time has been a very important task in my week. Despite being introverted I am also a High Sensation Seeking HSP, which means I enjoy going on adventures, meeting people, and being out in the world. I do love people, despite being very shy for many years, not having a voice in groups, and often feeling left out. From my understanding shyness and introversion are not the same thing. I believe I am comfortable leading and being a part of HSP groups because I have had lots of practice. The group I host for HSPs was made specifically so that HSPs can have a space to feel understood by others who experience the world in a similar way. In the groups I host the intention is to provide a safe space for each person to share their unique thoughts and experiences. All perspectives and opinions are welcome for open discussion. This, in my experience, allows for an expansion of awareness between people who think in differing ways. That is the fascinating thing about sharing stories, perspectives, and life experiences in a group setting…especially with a group of HSPs. It is important to remember we are not victims — but we do need a space to share our inner world without judgment. Of course, no one would force you or others to join a group for open discussion — it is a free will choice. All of the people who come to the group are looking for authentic, deep connections, to feel understood simply by being exactly who they are, and to feel validated for the way they experience life. In a talking circle they are always allowed to pass and simply be an observer. Thank you for responding to my post, I do understand the bravery it takes to step out in the world, especially after many years of not being understood or accepted by the world. Also thank you for sharing those books. Have you read The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron? No words needed, just letting you know that was not my intent. Thank you for your kind response under the circumstances. I'm very glad for HSPs that go to you and you are present with a positive intent. How long have you been aware of HSPs? I, myself, have just found out about them 2 years ago and realized a lot in my life resembled it, and accepted the fact I am undoubtedly an HSP, about a year ago. I'm still new but simply put, I don't feel represented because I know I'm of the minority group of HSPs. All the research I come across doesn't explain where I'm coming from on the spectrum. I have read Elaine Aron's work and have 3 of her books. Why would I want to go into a setting where I'll absorb other's emotions and my HSP traits will be triggered? I don't feel I'm missing out on anything and it works for me. If I'm with others, it's their thoughts, and more pronounced are their non-verbal cues that tell me more than they'd ever want to have in the open. For me, if a person's visit with me could be as enjoyable as creating art in my favorite medium, conversation optional, I'd do it in a heartbeat. HSP traits the difficult ones in public don't get triggered when I create art. There is no judgement and no one is trying to make me be someone I'm not for their gain. I spend more time on inner reflection, meditation and stretches to get me through those quiet times most would want to use to meet new people or busy themselves with someone else's life and then complain to me about it later. I used to view the world the way you do but over an accumulation of decades with my traits, my responses to external stimuli, my life and set of circumstances, this is what works for me. The only regret I have is that I wouldn't let myself see this years ago. I used to think on the positive, giving even the most painful and disappointing people in my life's journey the benefit of the doubt. I constantly tried to treat others the way I never would allow myself to treat myself, with ultimate kindness no matter what was done or said. If I had listened to myself instead of groups and others not living my life, I would have saved myself years of anguish of trying to live more like everyone else, needing others around them for fear that without them they may parish. For me, meeting new people equates to meeting new disappointments. They could be the nicest person in the world, bending over backwards for those in need, but because of my introversion and HSP traits birthed in my experiences, there will always be something that will happen and I'll think them rude or even egotistical because of something they did unintentionally, or even worse, intentionally. This again, works for me and I know I'm not the majority. I hope it's not too much sharing this different perspective with you so that if you run into someone in your group or you are put in a spot to have to view someone else's baggage this way, it won't be new to you. Again, I'm not saying you haven't experienced a lot, but if you know of someone in this situation, it could help. I'd say my turning point into feeling like a misanthrope in a socially-needy world was this article. It's from Psych Central. Unfortunately the person is no longer on the site. I wanted to thank her for the wonderfully brave comments on people because I've felt this way for years, probably as early as 8 years old. My HSP traits and my awareness of the HSP within myself was about a year ago. It shed new light on why I don't care to be around others. I tried to explain this all to my husband. He just thought I could get over it I guess. Once he read this article, he realized a new me. He finally saw me and said he had no idea it was like that for me. He wasn't aware of how I felt but this author's words made things so crystal clear for both of us. I guess I'm trying to reach out to see if someone can help me to understand more too.
