Each article expanded my topic expertise and empowered me to support others.

A year and a half ago, I discovered and resonated with the “highly sensitive person” (HSP) trait found in 15-20% of most species. Gradually, I explored HSP research, found Dr. Elaine Aron’s work, and began making big shifts to reframe my past and better support my present self.   

As an HSP living in a culture that values less sensitive behaviors, embracing the trait and rebuilding self-worth takes work. 

In April, I published my first HSP article: “High Sensitivity Is Becoming My New Superpower,” and owning these gifts felt really beautiful. I’ve been unraveling layers of old conditioning around being “too sensitive.” More than the benefits in my personal life, I know uplifting other HSPs creates positive ripple effects in our culture. 

Since then, I’ve written 15 HSP articles, exploring things like spirituality, yoga, individuation, work, romance, friendships, and trauma healing from a sensitive lens. I dove deeper into Aron’s work, especially her books: “The Highly Sensitive Person” and “The Highly Sensitive Person in Love.” I’ve also conducted several interviews to explore other HSP’s experiences.  

I continue seeing benefits in my life from finding tools to handle the complex stimulation in various environments. Seeing arousing elements more objectively helps me manage energy more calmly and compassionately. 

***

To celebrate the healing and self-improvement work I’ve done and all the wisdom and insights I’ve shared with you, here’s a list of all the HSP content I’ve published to date:

1. “How Yoga Supports Highly Sensitivity People”

For this post, I interviewed Jess Stephenson, a local HSP yoga teacher and pilates studio owner about her sensitive experiences. 

Additionally, I reference Rose van Ooijen, a psychologist and HSP yoga instructor, and her writing on high sensitivity (HS). Yoga helped her heal panic attacks and anxiety. She feels more confident in having tools to support her when she feels overwhelmed.

2. “Aron Shares Advice for HSPs Healing Trauma”

I dove deep into Aron’s sensitivity-focused trauma healing research findings. She breaks down the healing process into four main approaches: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, physical therapy, and the spiritual approach. 

I found a silver lining in her words about how HSPs are so well-equipped for inner work. Yes, we love therapy.

3. “Proven Tools to Design Loving, Sensitive Romance”

Understanding HS as a path to improve closer relationships feels like the most meaningful and rewarding work I could be doing. 

I met someone I’m in love with, and with Aron’s advice, I feel far more confident in the happiness and longevity of our partnership. Understanding your temperament makes a huge difference in relationship health.

4. “Aron Helps HSPs Thrive Socially”

After discovering narcissistic abuse from childhood, I poured into inner work and became relatively reclusive for about two years. I felt terrified to navigate the energy in groups. Exploring Aron’s advice really motivated and empowered me to socialize in a self-affirming way.

5. “How Loving High Sensitivity Heals Our World”

When your culture doesn’t appreciate your traits and your family doesn’t know how to support you, you end up needing a lot of self-worth work. That’s been my experience. 

HSP and empath traits share many overlaps and both offer beautiful benefits for our cultural well-being. I describe many of these unique gifts from personal experience and topic experts.

6. “Why High-Sensitivity Awareness Improves Romance”

Research shows about 50% of divorces are genetically determined; understanding your temperament helps. 

HSPs feel love more intensely than most, and the more we understand how to navigate our unique traits, the healthier and happier our love relationships can be.

7. “How I Started Loving My Emotions as an Empath”

Discovering my high-sensitivity and empath traits, and all the strengths involved, motivated me to seek calming strategies more intentionally. 

Empaths show up with many beautiful gifts that our world desperately needs. Rather than numbing the sensitivity, we can find tools to support ourselves. Dr. Judith Orloff, author of “The Empaths Survival Guide” shares strategies to prevent empathy overload.

8. “Here’s How I Became Friends With My Body” 

Writing this article felt easy because all the insights sort of fell out. I’ve spent the last 18 years trying to make sense of my body and finding ways to feel good in my own skin. 

Additionally, Medium editors curated this post, which led many more readers to find this powerful body love advice.

9. “One Dedicated Yogi Shares High-Sensitivity Insights”

I interviewed Anas Qtiesh, my partner, at the beginning of our relationship. His inner work journey inspired me, and I wanted to share those insights with you. 

He’s had a beautiful, winding journey in embracing his neurodiversity, and I’m so grateful for his process.

10. “High Sensitivity Is Becoming My New Superpower” 

My first HSP post felt great. I shared some initial discoveries about the trait and many baseline facts on what HS means. With 30 years of HSP research, understanding intense sensitivity still feels new in our culture and very important information to share and incorporate.

11. “Why Highly-Sensitive People Embrace Spirituality”

My craving for spiritual truths makes much more sense through a sensitivity lens. We’re really naturally inclined to do deep healing work, and that’s such a valuable gift in our world.

12. “Why Highly-Sensitive People Love Individuation”

Specifically, approaching spirituality from an individuation lens with Jungian psychology comes naturally to us. Things like vivid dreams give us close contact with our unconscious and draw us into imaginal and spiritual realms. This depth of self-understanding empowers us to flourish.

13. “Key HSP Researcher Empowers Us to Thrive at Work” 

Working in a less-sensitive environment can be really fucking intense. Aron shares tools and exercises for embracing our superpowers in a professional environment. 

Also, I loved this chapter in “The Highly Sensitive Person” book and regularly reference her advice. You have to really believe in the value sensitivity offers professionally before you can convince anyone else.

14. “10 Insights From My High Sensitivity Journey”

I’m not “too sensitive,” “too high maintenance,” or “from another planet.” I was born with significant access to sensory information, reflective processing, awareness, and appreciation for art and beauty. 

I wrote about the lifestyle adjustments that support me daily; gradually I’ve weaned off most numbing behaviors because I’ve created such a powerful and effective support system.

15. “Boundaries: Why I Love Pixie Lighthorse’s Guidance”

I wrote this post on a week when I really needed this advice myself. I adore Lighthorse’s work because she starts from a spiritual knowing of our sacredness and magnificence. From there, we can move to the feeling of self-worth and gradually the thinking and actions needed to protect ourselves and others in relationship. 

***

Mostly, accepting myself and honoring my gifts feels like such a blessing. I can look at situations, cultures, and environments more objectively without questioning my value in the equation. Those skills greatly expand my capacity to show up and contribute to the world. I get to be happy and productive, and I love that.  

If you’re highly sensitive (or suspect you are), I’d love to hear what’s resonating and any questions you have on the topic! 

Photo Credit: Anas Qtiesh