Sometimes it’s hard enough to manage getting overwhelmed or triggered, but when there are multiple things are that causing us stress or triggering us, it really can be much harder to manage. I talk about some recent triggers that happened at the same time, and how I managed (very imperfectly, and the negative, fearful, and judgmental thoughts that came up). The use of self-compassion is SO important especially when we are having human experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS

Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are deep thinkers and deep feelers. This means we are likely to respond more to things than others do.
There is nothing wrong with having a strong emotional reaction to something
We can learn tools to master how we choose to respond (which is different than the reaction that we have)
When we find ourselves having a strong emotional reaction, it’s really important to name what’s going on
This doesn’t mean we have to DO anything. The practice of observing what’s happening; identifying it, and stating what’s going on (naming it), is the first step
To me, the word reaction is what happens automatically. I don’t have control over my initial reaction. It’s what happens internally. I don’t have to DO anything about my initial reaction
What I do after I have a reaction is what I call my response. I have time to feel my feels, think about my reaction, and then I choose how I want to respond
Often we have expectations that we’re not even aware of. Then when something unexpected happens, we find ourselves upset, frustrated, disappointed, and we don’t understand why we’re feeling this way.
When this happens, it’s not uncommon for us to go into self-blame—there’s something wrong with me; I shouldn’t be feeling this way.
We also tend to negate our experience because we’re having strong feelings
Often when we’re having uncomfortable feelings, the mind wants to make up stories to match our intense feelings, and this often begins what I call circling the drain. This is NOT a helpful place that we go
We often judge our feelings, and THAT’S what makes us feel badly!
When we can just allow our feelings to be, and curiously observe them, they are not as strong and powerful.
When we judge our feelings, we feel worse, and we tend to stay in those uncomfortable feelings longer, and we continue to make up stories in our head to justify the uncomfortable feelings
We can look with curiosity—what happened? What came up for you? What were your expectations?
When we don’t name our feelings, the feelings can feel bigger than we are—that can be scary and overwhelming
We are bigger than our feelings
Feelings are just feelings—they come and go
We may still be having feelings; that’s ok. The goal is NOT to get rid of the feelings. It’s to observe them; feel them; name them and honor them
We CAN tolerate uncomfortable feelings
We can also predispose that when we engage in certain activities, we may feel disappointed, frustrated, low energy etc. This helps to “prepare” us for feelings that may come up
I’ve found it really helpful to “set the bar really low” so that no matter what happens, we experience success
Many HSPs tend to have really high expectations, so we often feel frustrated and angry with ourselves due to perceived failure, when in fact, we just have really unrealistic expectations
When you find yourself reacting, you can get really curious and think about how is it you think you’re “supposed” to be feeling, or how you want to be feeling
It’s important to allow yourself a LOT of grace for where you’re at
It’s temporary; you will feel differently later on. It’s just a blip on the radar
When we fight the feelings/reactions/responses we’re having, it causes US more suffering
It can be messy, uncomfortable and it takes a lot of practice to learn to be with our feelings, but there are so many gifts on the other side of the discomfort
The more we practice, the more we get mastery over being with our feelings and moving through them

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young is a Life Coach in California. Patricia works with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) helping them understand their HSP traits, and turning their perceived shortcomings into superpowers. Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer. Patricia works globally online with HSPS providing coaching. We meet over a private platform (similar to Skype), and you can have coaching from the privacy of your own home—when the kids are at school or are napping; from work; in your pajamas, or when you just can’t face sitting in traffic or going out. Patricia also facilitates online specialty groups for HSPs.

LINKS

Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com

Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/

Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/

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Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber

e-mail-- [email protected]

Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive

Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

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