As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) myself, I get you! Even in my very young life, I was a deep thinker and feeler. There was no name for overstimulation for me at that time, but I certainly experienced it at home, at school, pretty much everywhere. Always the emotional one in my family, I was left feeling like I was too much. My sensory sensitivity showed up in my favorite clothes, usually soft to the touch, as well as my appreciation of the beautiful antique furniture, dishes, silver that filled my great aunt’s house.
One thing that helped was my connection to a sense of spirituality, as I took myself to Sunday School at the church across the street from my childhood home, despite my parents wanting nothing to do with spirituality or religion. Honoring of all religions, but not a member of any particular one, I still find my connection to something larger than myself and spiritual practices to be a significant resource.
I also learned that I could find some respite in my back yard, which was full of trees. I could also find the quiet I needed with my aunt, who was on the Board of the local animal shelter. We would often go to the shelter to spend time with the animals there, or hang out at her house, where there were always cats and dogs. It was with those animals that I discovered my innate empathy for all living things.
As an adult, I’ve come to recognize my sensitivity in perceiving my environment, picking up on the energy in a room as soon as I walked in. My life has also included years of not understanding why I felt overstimulated so much of the time and trying to push through burn out and emotional fatigue. I was passionate about making a difference but struggling with being “out in the world.”
Light bulbs went off when I discovered Elaine Aron’s work on HSPs. It felt like someone finally got me. It still took me years to really figure out how to navigate life in a way that truly worked for me. Ultimately, it meant I left South Florida, where I felt the stark intensity of the flat terrain, high population and heat.
The Smoky Mountains around Georgia and North Carolina called me from the first time I visited them in my 20s. A friend even helped me compile a list of the reasons I should move to the mountains! Finally, the door opened and I moved to Western North Carolina in 2021. There’s nothing like living in a forest where the deer rest at the end of your driveway and baby foxes play on your neighbor’s porch!
That seemed to be the last piece falling into place. One of the skills I teach is the practice of going inward for rest and connection, so that you are then ready to take that inspiration and energy back out into the world. My mountain home provides the perfect space for me to do that.
The mountains also feed another side of me, as a High Sensation Seeker (HSS). It provides opportunities for novelty, for pushing my physical limits, for adventure that has been well thought out. I love seeking out new trails to hike. The trails offer a peaceful connection with nature while also pushing me physically with elevation gains, navigating tree roots and rocks, and more.
As a therapist, I have worked with so many HSPs. They are creative, intuitive, insightful, compassionate human beings who are a delight to work with. Through my own personal experience and theirs, I have recognized the need for a space for retreat and quiet inner work on a regular basis, as well as learning the skills needed to live as a Highly Sensitive Person in a world that does not always support our trait.
That is the purpose of Adventurous Spirit Sensitive Heart. I offer spaces for HSPs to come together to learn more about effectively living with their trait, as well as to create experiences of rest and going inward before taking that wisdom back out into the world.
To support this work, in addition to being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am an Advanced Certified Labyrinth Facilitator and a SoulCollage® Facilitator. The labyrinth provides a mindful space for walking meditation, while SoulCollage® allows people to connect deeply with themselves, their communities and the world to gain insight and wisdom.
I’m so glad you are here. I invite you to check out the blog page for insights and tools for HSPs, as well as explore any upcoming events that call you. If you are struggling with understanding your HSP trait and finding ways to live a fulfilling, meaningful life, I also offer individual coaching by videoconference, as well as private intensives and retreats.