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Hello, Genevieve and Mary Louise, I've just been writing down a few thoughts and one of them was about finding the confidence to engage as myself in non HSP company. I find I need to watch my arousal levels when people say things I really disagree with and to sit quietly with them until I'm calm. Otherwise I react strongly and completely fail to make my point. I want to learn to stop avoiding such encounters because I've become able to sit quietly and disengage while remaining physically present. When I'm calm I can say my piece in a constructive and succinct way that gets through to non HSPs who are disinclined to listen to anyone other than themselves. That disengagement is very hard because I get so drawn in to all the vibes of the others in the group.

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Kristina, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with such honesty and clarity. Yes, disengagement sounds like it will be hard because you're so tuned into other people's energies. However, the fact that you already have this high level of awareness and are able to notice your arousal levels around certain people and your automatic reactions already means you are moving closer to being in that calm place. In those moments it can also help to pause and take a deep breath as this helps us to drop from the logical mind into the body and heart. When we can speak from our heart rather than from the head (and put our ego aside), then we are speaking from a place of truth and can never be wrong. So many helpful points for us all to continue pondering and reflecting on. I'm looking forward to this HSP community continuing to share and learn from one another in the new year. Wishing you a confident and calm 2022!

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Hi Genevieve I loved this article as it enabled me to reflect on my own habits to let go of this year. I feel that speaking authentically is one that I am still working on. To speak authentically I must not be in the middle of a reaction, so I realise its difficult for me to be authentic when Im reacting. I did a lot of reacting this year, so at least not speaking when Im reacting would be a good start! Thanks for your reflections, and wishing you an authentic and empowered 2022

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MaryLouise thank you for such a thoughtful reflection. This is a really important point about not being in the middle of a reaction to be able to speak authentically. We all get reactive because a past pattern is being reactivated within our bodies -- we are then so far from being our usual calm, considered, authentic selves. I like your point about not speaking and finding ways to create some space between yourself and your reaction. Looking forward to delving deeper into some of these areas in the new year. Also wishing you an authentic 2022!

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