 A Self Care Survival Guide for Sensitive People in Work Environments: My struggles with sensitivity have effected my ability to work. How I work, who I work with, and what I can do for work. It has felt limiting to say the least. I've had to learn- step by step- how to work with my sensitivity, not against it. How to nurture it, value it, and ultimately treasure it- even when it's a challenge and feels like it's holding me back. I'm different, I work differently, and as a result, my work is different than the rest of the world. I now understand this is something to celebrate! If you've been following my recent posts about being highly sensitive, you know that I'm passionate about offering you resources for taking care of yourself, working with your sensitivity, not against it, and realizing the gift that is your sensitivity. I believe that your sensitivity will lead you to your gifts, your dharmic purpose- but I'll be sharing more about that in the coming days. You already know that you have to treat yourself differently than the majority of the population. You have to eat differently, rest more, take care of your body more consciously. You probably already know that you need more alone time and that you may get frazzled more easily than others. These are very important considerations to be aware of for your daily life, but also for your work situations. My Survival Guide is below- a short list for self care in work environments, essentially. Here's how to thrive at work when you're extra sensitive: 1. Healthy Boundaries: If you're familiar with my work at all, you know that I speak about healthy boundaries rigorously. Healthy boundaries are different for everyone. But for sensitive types, boundaries are even more vital for well being. Boundaries keep in what nourishes, and keep out what is harmful and draining. Boundaries are a constant dance; I consider boundary work an ongoing process. But as we become more aware of our personal needs, what nourishes and what does not, boundaries become clearer and more accessible. The first step for healthy boundaries is the 3 Level Check In. It's an ideal tool for helping you clearly identify what is happening within your body, mind and emotions. You can't know what you need until you have a relationship with the felt senses. 2. Trust your differences: You are one of the "gifted and talented" as I call us. A select group of individuals who has high sensitivity, who require extra TLC, yet we are likely gifted with immense depth, awareness and experiences that might as well be an honorary title. Just because our culture doesn't honor sensitivity as a trait worth having, or a trait that is valued in our fast paced aggressive culture, doesn't mean that you aren't a valuable asset to your world, to your team, to your company or business. Play up your differences and start to honor them as the brilliance that makes you special. 3. Take Ample Pauses: Whether it's a fresh air break or a pause to breathe from your desk on the hour, it's vital that you step away, pause, or get up and move consistently and regularly. I suggest hourly pauses. Use the restroom, walk to a window, get some water. Get up from your chair, away from your computer, change your task. When you return, a fresh perspective, a new clarity, will be available to you. Make sure breath awareness is part of this "pause" and maybe a 3 Level Check In for extra good measure! 4. Take Alone Time: Though many sensitive types are extroverted by nature, the grande majority of us tend towards introversion- or at least we require longer bouts of alone time. Honor this and do as many projects alone as you can. If you have to do group work, see if tasks can be broken into individual projects that can be tackled away from the group. If your work requires constant socialization, take breaks as much as possible. Create a ritual in order to check in with yourself. I often go to the restroom for a moment of quiet and alone. Washing hands can be another ritual that can help you re-center. The water clears energy and if you've been touching a lot of people with your hands, a little soap and water can feel re-energizing. Make sure your schedule includes solid days where you can be quiet and inward- especially if the majority of your work requires a lot of external focus and extroversion. You need these days to recharge. Take them. 5. Do What You Love: This is especially important if you are not working in an environment or a job that fulfills you. It is essential to use all your spare time doing activities that bring you joy, recharge your batteries and inspire you. Get creative at home or perhaps take a new workshop. Walk in the woods, write poetry, dance, draw, journal, play with your animal companions, cook nourishing foods, do yoga. Whatever it is, fill your non-work moments with these types of self care joy! You not only deserve it, you require it for your well being. Consider this to be your part time job- or full time job! Do what you love, your life depends on it! 6. Less is More: If over-stimulation is an issue for you, then you will especially want to pay attention to keeping life, activities and relationships as under-stimulating as possible. Instead of thinking that there's something wrong with your life because it's not big, exciting and always moving, consider your needs for comfort, safety and security as your number one priority. Less can be more for highly sensitive types. We tend to need much less stimulation for our well being and need to keep our lives simple, as well as our relationships, in order to increase a sense of security and nourishment. Are you piling your plate too high and forcing yourself to comply? Only do the essentials in each day, then let self care be your number one priority. 7. Quality Not Quantity: Humans are communal creatures. And even though as a sensitive type, we tend to need more alone time, we still need quality connection to be healthy and well rounded. The type and quantity of connection we need will vary from person to person, but I suggest adding quality and meaningful connection to your self care regimen. Stay out of frivolity in your relationships- both personal and professional. Gossip and talking about people will not be fulfilling, it will be a drain of energy in the long run. Find people that you can talk about ideas and dreams with. If they can converse on those levels, they're likely worth keeping around. If the group dynamics at work seem to always fall into petty surface chit chat, be the one who provokes more intelligent conversation. Speak about books, movies, culture, activities and projects you are working on etc. Be the uplifter and keep it positive. 8. Do the Obvious: Make sure you are eating well and eat your meals at regular times. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch should be your main meal of the day, so make it count and have it be relaxed. Keep a good schedule- one that is more in tune with Nature. Get plenty of sleep- 8 hours is ideal, but some sensitive types actually need more. Exercise daily. Move your body, move your breath, every day! Life will improve with this one tip alone! Have you had a massage lately? An acupuncture tune up? Seen your chiropractor? Consulted with an Ayurvedic doctor? Call in support when you need some extra TLC. 9. Don't Take It On: This is another boundary reminder. Don't take on what is not yours. Don't be a therapist, coach, parent, healer or self help guru for anyone and everyone. Don't try to fix others or be the savior. Don't even think about fixing others. It's not your job (unless it is your job, and then it's only your job during certain hours of the day. And healthy boundaries will be extra important for you!) Let go of any attachments you have to "make others feel better". They are right where they are, just like you are right where you are. Your sensitivity doesn't need to be 24/7 empathy. Learn to create healthy energetic boundaries and tend to you own needs. This is ultimately the most compassionate use of your energy. 10. Contain Yourself: Since sensitive types tend to feel more, we tend to have more to feel, and deeper experiences as a result. This can mean that we are more expressive, or less expressive (we bottle it up inside). There's a risk of sharing too much, too little, or sharing our feelings inappropriately. (Displaced aggression? Crying for "no reason"? Withdrawing or self isolating?) This is why we as sensitive types must be working directly with our 3 Levels of Awareness, to navigate what we are feeling and what our needs are. When we can identify our needs, we have a better chance of doing something that will be helpful for ourselves. We also don't get to take out our sensitivity on others and we need to be able to self care when we are having an extra rough day- which may be more often than others. Make sure you are attending to the previous suggestions especially on these days. And don't forget to communicate with others that you are having is a particularly challenging day. They will likely appreciate the communication more than withdrawal or lack of communication- even if they don't fully understand the reason. Be sure you have ongoing support for yourself. I suggest a trustworthy therapist, counselor or coach for helping you work through your emotional challenges, getting your needs met in healthy ways and finding new resources for yourself. This relationship can often be the missing level of support in our lives and can take the burden off our other relationships. Helpful Resources for Sensitivity Are you sensitive? Here's how to tell. Needing extra tips about being a sensitive person? Find mine here. And use this creative ritual for some extra reminders. For those of us who are sensitive, a 3 level check in can help us immensely. Find out more about this simple awareness trick. Struggling to read your own chart? Need some basics? Use my Jyotish Basics MP3 for guidance. Please share these resources with your sensitive friends! I help sensitive women become the leaders of their lives.
I am on a mission to help sensitive souls (like you) clarify your inner truth and inner wisdom. To connect with your powerful purpose and innate leadership skills. We need you now more than ever! Every week I offer two free Dharma Coaching sessions to sensitive, gifted women who are ready for life change. Is this you? Email me to see if I have any openings: [email protected]
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 The two week eclipse portal closes with a powerful Cancer full Moon and total solar eclipse. Emotions are bigger than normal, inner waves more extreme, and lunar intelligence at peak levels. This waxing cycle has brought challenges to the surface for re-evaluation. Your shadows have been intensifying parts of yourself that need greater awareness. It's time for an upgrade and a change in direction. Are you ready to pivot? The challenges surfacing are likely not new issues emerging, but rather old parts of yourself that have been ignored. Without intensification they likely won't get the attention that is required for transformation and healing. Now that your pain and discomfort has your focused attention, what needs to shift? Have you been paying attention to your shadow parts? What do you need to shift or change in your approach? What does your pain tell you about your deeper needs? On Sunday the 20th, the full Moon arrives at 22:16 MT while Moon is transiting its own sign, Cancer, and Pushya nakshatra. The lunar eclipse will already be under way. This total lunar eclipse begins at 19:36 PM and will complete at 00:48 MT on the 21st. The maximum eclipse occurs at 22:12 MT. This particular eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and the Arctic. From a Vedic perspective, it is not advised to be outside during an eclipse or to look directly at the eclipse. Wear a head covering if you have to be outside so you don't absorb the shadow. Ideally, this is a time for spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting and fasting. Set intentions and honor the sensitivity of this time. It is also widely recognized that during and between eclipses, starting new endeavors will not bring positive results. No new projects, relationships or activities should start in the eclipse portal. Notice what needs are arriving, then take action after the eclipse portal closes. Best to lay low, attend to spiritual pursuits, get extra rest and work with your inner shadow very consciously during this cycle. At the time of the full Moon, multiple planets give their gaze to the Moon. North shadow node, Rahu, conjuncts Moon- causing intensification of the emotional body as well as confusion, uncertainty and shadowed intelligence. Making big decisions leading up to the eclipse (and even days afterward) is not ideal. Jupiter, Mercury, Ketu and Sun give their drishti to the Moon at the time of the full Moon and eclipse. Moon energy is expansive yet distracted. Take time to ground, go slow and simplify your steps. This is not a time to push, force or take risks. In the days following the eclipse, you will likely notice a release, purging and clearing taking place. Expect some break through or new awareness to emerge. The clouds will part, the veil will lift, and the shadow will lessen. This is an important time to pay attention to needs that are surfacing and refocus. It's time for a life upgrade! Where are you playing small, or allowing victim behavior to disempower you? Release the lack, uncertainty and resistance to change. What steps can you take to move closer to your dreams, goals and desires? Pushya nakshatra is notorious for bringing the nourishment. The coming cycle can support you with gains- if you make space for them. Your willingness to clear and purge your shadows and wounds, will allow you to hold the new and invite in more of what you need. Wisdom, guidance, universal support and abundance comes with Pushya nakshatra. It is a benevolent star that allows for needs to be met. However, effort and alignment are required. Remember that needs can not be met if you do not know what they are. It's time to expand and ask for your big desires! Clarify needs, ask for your needs to be met, and be prepared to receive them. Your willingness to get clear will determine your capacity to attract, align and be more fully nourished. In the coming cycle, gains and growth present themselves. Say yes to expansion, increase and resources that support and strengthen your deep sense of nourishment. It's ok to ask for more of what you need. You are enough and you deserve the nourishment of life! Wondering what to focus on in 2019? Read my Sidereal Horoscopes. Creative Ritual PART #1 1) If I could do anything I wanted without the fear of failure what would it be? 2) What is stopping me right now from taking the first step? 3) How can I overcome what is stopping me? PART #2 Where do you want to be six months from now?! Step 1: Write down your vision. Journal it into your full awareness. Step 2: Create your vision. Draw, paint or collage your vision into form. Give it a title. Step 3: Harvest your vision. If your image could speak to you, what would it say?! Step 4: Make your vision a reality. What steps need to take place for your vision to become a reality six months from now?! What action step can you take today?! Are You Ready for More?! I am on a mission to help sensitive souls (like you) clarify your inner truth and inner wisdom. To connect with your powerful purpose and innate leadership skills. We need you now more than ever! Every week I offer two *free* dharma coaching sessions to action takers who are ready for deep life change. Is this you?! Send me a message to see if I have any openings: [email protected]  The January new Moon comes with a partial solar eclipse, opening a two week eclipse portal that will end on January 20th with a full lunar eclipse. This Sagittarius new Moon mirrors and magnifies the challenges taking place in this spiritual fire sign right now. Currently Sun and Mercury are in tight conjunction with the restrictive and oppressive Saturn energy- all transiting Sagittarius. Physical, spiritual and mental bodies are feeling the pressure and stress- causing fear, anxiety and forcing simplicity and pruning away of excess. As Moon transits Sagittarius and marks the emptying of the past cycle, she amplifies the intensity happening in the fiery, focused sign of Sagittarius which is often connected with dharmic pursuits. Are you on your dharmic path or off? Where are you feeling the pressure in your life? A reminder that wherever Saturn is putting pressure on you, he is asking for simplicity and alignment with natural cycles and rhythms. Where do you need to make some adjustments? There is no denying that this new year begins with layers of challenging planetary dynamics and the eclipse portal adds to the intensity. Eclipses always come in pairs. In between eclipses is a two week period of shadow work and challenges with our natal karma. This is a time period to be alert and aware of what challenges are surfacing and attend to release, transformation and liberation. Eclipses, and the cycle between eclipses, is not a time to start new projects or be reckless in actions and choices. These are spiritual time periods meant to support moksha and awakening- however often through intensity, upheaval and change. Individual themes for the eclipse cycle ahead can be seen from Sagittarius in your natal chart. Notice the house and themes that are offered from this part of your chart. These themes will be magnified and intensify as we move through the shadow work of this eclipse cycle. This new Moon occurs on the 5th at 18:27 MT with a partial solar eclipse beginning at 16:34 MT. The eclipse will end at 20:48 MT, while the maximum eclipse will be at 18:41 MT. This eclipse will not be visible for North America, only for northeast Asia. From a Vedic perspective, it is not advised to be outside during an eclipse or to look directly at the eclipse. Wear a head covering if you have to be outside so you don't absorb the shadow. Ideally, this is a time for spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting and fasting. Set intentions and honor the sensitivity of this time. It is also widely recognized that during and between eclipses, starting new endeavors will not bring positive results. No new projects, relationships or activities should start in the eclipse portal. Notice what needs are arriving, then take action after the eclipse portal closes. Best to lay low, attend to spiritual pursuits, get extra rest and work with your inner shadow very consciously during this cycle. In the waxing cycle ahead, focus on your path and purpose. Sagittarius loves a one-pointed focus that has value, insight, spiritual purpose and powerful intentions for the greater good. Are you in alignment with your higher purpose or playing small and feeling insignificant? It's time to step up and play bigger- especially on the level of spirit. Align, awaken and co-create with nature, the ancestors and the spiritual realms. Allow spiritual wisdom and insights to influence you. Material pursuits and ego driven actions won't be supported right now. If you're having challenges and progress feels slow, it's time to make some adjustments. Spiritual and dharmic endeavors will be supported at this time but materialistic desires won't be. New Moon in PurvaAshada nakshatra welcomes transformation in the body and allows the inner waters to purify, release and clarify. Movement, yoga, dance, creativity and pleasurable activities will allow the emotional body to move from stagnation to fluidity. Are you supporting your emotional body intelligence or bypassing it? Emotions are connected to your inner waters. This is also your connection to creativity, nourishment, life force energy and wealth on all levels of life. Apas is the ruling deity of the constellation PurvaAshada. As the goddess of water, she supports purification on every level of life- either through gentleness or force. Water can be soft, misty rain, or forceful waves and stormy hurricanes. She can be immense flooding or a trickling stream. Without water, however, there is no life. Consider what needs purification and cleansing in your life. Where are you feeling the stagnation of your inner waters? How can you support the water of life to flow more freely in your body and life? Wondering what to expect in 2019? Read my new year horoscopes! Creative RitualThis Creative Ritual will also help you work directly with your challenges- emotion or otherwise. Take your challenge into a creative process and see what develops! Step #1 Movement Exploration. What emotion are you feeling? Is it anger, depression, frustration, chaos, uncertainty? Start dancing this emotion. What does it feel like in your body? Do the "dance of anger" for example. What emerges as you do your anger dance?! Remember to let sounds out! Move and develop your dance for at least minutes. When you feel a sense of closure, ask yourself these questions: I sense, I feel, I imagine. Step #2 Create an image of your emotion. What does it feel like? Put it on paper using colors, textures and shapes. Create an image that expresses your experience with this emotion and whatever emerged in your dance. Spend at least 5 to 20 minutes creating this image. I suggest using paints or craypas and a large piece of paper. Title your image. In your journal or on the back of the drawing answer this question: If your image could speak what would it say? Step #3 Harvesting. Answer these baseline statements and questions in your journal once you have completed the previous steps. I am___ I want___ I need___ What am I opening to? What am I closing to? Recycle this process whenever strong emotions emerge. Remember they arrive to give you important messages. Listen carefully and honor them with deeper listening. What is the emotion telling you? What do you need for deeper nourishment in your life? Listen to my Podcast "How to Befriend Your Emotional Body" Are You A Sensitive Soul?! I am on a mission to help sensitive souls (like you) clarify your inner truth and inner wisdom. To connect with your powerful purpose and innate leadership skills. We need you now more than ever! Every week I offer two *free* dharma coaching sessions to action takers who are ready for deep life change. Is this you?! Send me a message to see if I have any openings: [email protected] |
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