I’ve been immersing in highly-sensitive people (HSP) research lately and feel fascinated by the recurring link to spirituality. Prominent HSP researcher Dr. Elaine Aron says we shine in the “wise advisor” role.
Aron found most HSPs feel a deep connection to spirituality, but not as much with structured religion. Many enjoy daily meditation practices or some way to connect with their inner world.
We’re naturally fascinated by our inner lives and have a lower tolerance for stimulation. Plus, for HSPs who had difficult childhoods, we likely turned to spirituality for comfort.
“HSPs have just the right personalities for inner work and healing. Your keen intuition helps you uncover the most important hidden factors. You have greater access to your unconscious,” writes Aron.
As I read her work, many past experiences make way more sense. I began exploring meditation and yoga ten years ago and deepened both over the last few years. These practices feel essential to my morning routine now.
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I interviewed another HSP, Elizabeth Reber, about her connection with spirituality.
“Spirituality is a grounded practice I can go to no matter what’s happening in my life. My spiritual practice doesn’t have anything to do with organized religion. It’s a journey of connectedness with myself and others,” shared Reber.
Reber has many creative outlets and views creativity and spirituality as directly connected.
I also interviewed HSP and yoga teacher Jess Stephenson about her hopes for the world.
“I wish all people had a safe place to experience whatever it is that they’re feeling and experiencing in and through their bodies,” said Stephenson
She used to avoid stillness and had a journey with coping mechanisms. As someone who “feels feelings really big,” she felt scared of intense depressive feelings.
Meditation and yoga, especially yin yoga, have been essential parts of her awakening journey. I enjoy her yin class regularly and feel safe feeling my feelings there.
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Aron also says HSPs are more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression in adulthood if they grow up in dysfunctional families. That fact feels validating and inspires me to prioritize my spiritual practices, like essential self-care.
“Difficult childhoods are chosen by souls destined for spiritual life. It keeps them working on their inner life while others are settling down into a more ordinary existence,” shared a participant in Aron’s research.
Aron’s words for HSPs with difficult childhoods inspired me:
“You must have great patience with yourself throughout your life. You will heal but in your own way and with some qualities you could not have gained had there been no problems. You will be more conscious, more complex, and more understanding of others.”
Aron’s book, “The Highly Sensitive Person,” feels very empowering. I highly recommend it.
If you think you’re highly sensitive, start with Aron’s self-assessment. If that resonates, spend time exploring the traits. Exploring research and chatting with others about their HSP experiences feels like the best way to heal the past and create a more empowering perspective for the future.
Photo Credit: Unsplash, by Sasha Freemind
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I publish inspiring, empowering content on self-actualization topics once a week. I include insights from personal experience, research, expert advice, and others’ stories. I use my professional journalism and research background to keep posts concise, empathic, and trustworthy.
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