I found this to be a real eye-opener. Watch:
As I listened to the questions she asks at the beginning, I could give a hearty “yes!” to all but the first. People don’t often label me as overly sensitive but I think that’s only because no one knows what’s going on inside of me. I am VERY good at appearing calm and in control. Perhaps it’s my first-born status but I internalize things to a huge degree.
Lately, I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed by the needs of others. These are people I love and care about deeply so when they are hurting or are upset, I literally experience those same emotions and feelings myself. I’ve often said that I’m an emotional sponge, especially where my family is concerned.
Watching this video confirmed what I already knew and has encouraged me to take some steps to protect myself and reduce my stress. Yesterday I did a little bit of yoga and I plan to make that a regular part of my routine from now on. I’m also looking into some meditation techniques. My blood pressure is way out of control, even with medication, so I simply must find a way to “chill out”.
So, can you relate to any of this? Do you have a favorite technique for dealing with stressful situations?
Yes – I can relate. This is me. I'm aware of it, thankfully. I've a good friend who is, too. A few years back, I did some work with an energy healer. She helped me identify that I was carrying around energy of victims of 9/11. I can't recall what was going on with me, but it totally made sense. She said I was a safe place for the energy of those victims to go and we did a release of it. It was pretty intense. With all the things happening in the world right now, it would make sense that you'd be feeling more sensitive right now. I won't watch the news of Japan quake or the stuff going on in Libya. It is too much for me.
As I'm sure you know I relate to this as well. Justin often has trouble understanding it but I just tell him I physically feel other's pain.
Deanna, I can relate to a lot of this. I've always chalked it up to being an introvert. I'm also sensitive to the moods of others, especially those who are close to me. I even feel the pain of animals – which is one of the reasons I'm a vegetarian. I also get sensory overload in some situations and have a strong desire to flee!
Yoga and/or meditation does help. I practice yoga regularly but need to get into the practice of meditation. I have found that I enjoy the quiet of Quaker meetings as opposed to the church we attend, which sometimes seems too busy for me. I've learned to take my journal with me to church services and when it seems too much is going on, I can tune out while I'm writing.
I hope you can find your happy place and get your blood pressure down.
Kat: That's very interesting. Even though I didn't know anyone killed in 9/11 I was terribly jumpy for months afterwards. David and I were at a conference in Dallas a couple of months after and there was a loud noise of some sort. I literally jumped in my chair. I glanced around the room and it didn't appear that anyone else was even fazed by it. I only watched about 10 minutes of the Japan quake when it first happened and then couldn't take any more. I have watched anything from Libya. I read enough headlines and blurbs on FB to keep me informed but I have to be careful not to get too caught up in it all.
Lisa: I know you understand and are much the same way. Your dad doesn't totally understand either but he does accept that I am this way.
Cherie: I picked up a book on meditation at the library book sale a couple of days ago and have been reading it. I really think that, along with the regular practice of yoga will help.
I definitely get what you are saying about Quaker services. I haven't attended any but having grown up in an Assembly of God church where I never felt comfortable, I can tell you that it was a relief to discover our quiet and reserved Presbyterian church as a young adult.