Are You Struggling for a Sense of Belonging?

Have you ever felt like you were alone in the world? Like you were an observer on the sidelines wondering why it felt so isolating to be seeing the world in a different light?

I sure have.

Being in crowds and social situations was often very uncomfortable for me, sometimes overwhelming. I would get rattled by too much stimulation or loud noises that got misdiagnosed as anxiety and depression when really, as I found out later in life, was because I was part of the 5% of the world’s population that was a “highly sensitive person”. Elaine Aron, Ted Zeff, Barrie Jaeger, and Kyra Mesich all talk about it in their writings, and I base much of my work on it. In fact most of my clients are “highly sensitive”. It’s the number one reason you may feel you don’t belong. So what is high sensitivity?

Some of the key identifiers for a Highly Sensitive Person are:

Deep sense of empathy
Tend to avoid conflict and crowds
Prone to suffer from anxiety and depression
Easily overstimulated and often need to withdraw into a quiet space
Often were made fun of in school, seen as very shy and introverted

Can you relate to any of this?

There is a positive side to being highly sensitive. There is an anonymous saying going around that suggests, “When you were born in a world you don’t fit in; it’s because you were born to help create one.” That’s right. You are here for a reason and a purpose to be the light for others. Not to try to “fit in”, rather to inspire a new way of being in the world.

To help others feel empowered by their gifts and unique ways of seeing and thinking about relationships (of all kinds), art and culture, nature and animals, and so on by simply being you. Being true to yourself and expressive in your views, embracing your insight, rather than being held back by fear and shame. This is authentic empowerment.

Whenever you feel isolated and/or vulnerable try this simple practice for conscious connection. It's a practical tool that takes very little time and can be done anywhere. Stand with your feet on the ground (or sit if standing is not an option for you), and place your hands over your heart. Allow your breath to flow observing your body’s response to this.

This practice guides you in realigning body, mind, and spirit and connects you with your soul essence. Continue for as long as you need to feel calm and centered and repeat anytime you need to feel grounded again.

© Copyright MMXVI Jennifer Regular