Understanding your HSP Trait, Part 4: Sensory Sensitivity
Sensory sensitivity manifests in unique ways in each highly sensitive person. If you recognize how it shows up in you, you can take better care of yourself. In the first article of this four-part series about the highly sensitive trait, I explored deep processing.... Read more
Repeating the same story over and over? There may be a good reason.
If you—or someone close to you—keeps repeating the same story over and over, you can choose to go deeper and find out what’s underneath. When I start describing a recent event to a friend and they stop me and say, “You already told me about this,” boy, do I feel... Read more
Understanding your HSP Trait, Part 3: Emotional intensity
Where does our HSP emotional intensity come from? And how can we keep ourselves emotionally regulated? Dr. Elaine Aron, who first described the trait of high sensitivity, has identified four aspects of the trait that are shared by all HSPs: deep processing,... Read more
How to melt your shame by being with it
Even if you’ve learned to be painfully hard on yourself, you can melt your shame with awareness and presence. If you’ve ever told yourself you were “too sensitive,” you know how painful that is. To reject a trait you were born with is to reject your very being.... Read more
Understanding Your HSP Trait, Part 2: Overarousal
Overarousal is the central challenge for HSPs. The causes are both external and internal, and managing both is essential for your well-being. In the first article of this four-part series, I explored deep processing— the first of four characteristics shared by highly... Read more
My mind is like a chainsaw
If you are highly sensitive, you need to learn to manage your mind. Your mental health and happiness depend upon it. I have a chainsaw for a brain. It’s truly a mixed bag. Chainsaws are indispensable when you need to cut through a lot of material and do it fast. We... Read more
HSPs may be too nice to bite. But we can hiss.
Can you be too nice? Yes. In an effort to be nice, HSPs can stop being honest with ourselves and others. This creates trouble in our relationships. In a recent session, I shared with my spiritual director a challenging situation I was struggling to deal with. In... Read more
3 things every HSP should know about subtle trauma
If you are highly sensitive, you’ll benefit from an understanding of subtle trauma. Once you recognize the signs, you can seek support if you need it. I found myself thinking about trauma responses last week after my partner caught a possum in our Havahart trap. The... Read more
Rest and downtime are essential to emotional healing. Here’s why.
The better you understand the process of emotional healing, the more effectively you can support yourself in moving through old pain. Wouldn’t it be lovely if emotional healing were rational and linear? Then we could uncover an old painful belief, analyze it, discard... Read moreGet your FREE guide to sensitive anxiety
(plus bi-weekly Sustainably Sensitive newsletter)
I respect your privacy
