Vibrant Days….
Flourishing with Sensory Processing Sensitivity
December 2014
Relate
I have never met Edward Pola or George Wyle but my gut tells me they weren’t highly sensitive. These men wrote the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I don’t know about you but I can’t sing (or even speak) that line without cringing. For those who disagree with me this section is not for you!
I’m doing what I can to enjoy the season and not get so overwhelmed that my bed is the only thing I desire. I’ve ordered gifts on-line and attempted to stay out of stores but come on, it still feels impossible. My brain wiring as a high sensation seeker (will reference this in an upcoming newsletter) is on full throttle. There is much begging for my attention and it’s not like I can go to the Apple store and purchase additional gigabytes for my brain. I do love the lights, most of the music (sorry Ed and George) and the sacred themes of advent and the birth of the Christ child. Yet there is something else competing for my attention. Christmas (for me) has a way of appearing in HD (high definition). It’s like I can’t experience it without reliving parts of the previous ones and that includes those I’ve deeply loved and now deeply miss. It can also include unmet longings from childhood. So, now we find ourselves carrying around lengthy to-do lists, crowded calendars and in addition to our already-full-lives add missing those who are not here combined with missing the idealism we embraced as kids and oh you know what I’m getting at: overwhelm! For those of us who are deep feelers this can be destabilizing. What’s the answer? I have no idea. “Less is more” is always helpful but for some of this the best we can do is create gentle holding environments to accompany these stirrings. I have found myself lighting more candles and spending a bit more time watching birds at the bird feeder. I find journaling about who I’m missing helps and sharing my inner world with a trusted companion. It may not be the most wonderful time of the year but it can be a season we make the most of as we realize the gifts of the soul and watch our sensitive selves connect to the deeper meanings of the season.
Watch
Ponder
The one and only Wendell Berry reading one of his epic poems:
Connect
This is powerful. Wonder if you will identify with the coach or runner more…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpA-FsKLA6A
In this together,
Candy