01/10/2019
Tools for Empaths and Highly Sensitive People Empaths and Highly Sensitive People
As a teacher of interspecies communication and Bio dynamic Yoga, I find that a significant percentage of my clients and students resonate with what I share about the blessings and challenges of living as an empath & highly sensitive person. Although I emphasize that identifying as an empath or as a highly sensitive person is NOT necessary in order to become a skilled and proficient animal and interspecies communicator, I do find that this field seems to attract a perhaps greater-than-in-the-general-population percentage of folks who share these traits.
I continue to compile and share resources and tools that I’ve found helpful in my own life and practice. I’ve shared some of these in my previous posts:
Resources for Empaths and Highly Sensitive People :
In this post, I’m going to share some practical, physical tools that I use on a regular basis that have become staples of my self-care as an empath and highly sensitive person.
I find that I am really easily overstimulated, especially when I am traveling or out in the world for extended periods of time. Sounds, smells, and too much energetic activity can quickly leave me feeling drained and exhausted. These things help me to stay balanced and not have to live inside a bubble–at least not all the time. 🙂 I hope that you will find some of these to be helpful!
1. Noise Cancelling Headphones. Oh my…these have been a game-changer for me, particularly when I travel. I’ve tried various kinds of headphones over the years…most were uncomfortable, hurt my ears, gave me a headache, or stopped working properly when I needed them the most. Then I found these Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3. I love them. They are not inexpensive, but for me, they are a sanity-saver.
I use them in airports, waiting rooms, and really anytime I need to dim the noise of the world and lower the input. I often use them with my favorite white noise app, or with a recording of whale song, ocean waves, or some of my favorite calming music.
2. Weighted Blanket. When I first saw these, I dismissed them as a gimmick. Then I started reading more and more reports from folks with sensitive nervous systems about how amazingly helpful they are, and so I decided to try one. Wow. I could feel the effects in my body immediately…a sense of deep calm, release, and balancing. I chose this Weighted Evolution Cooling Weighted Blanket because of its organic bamboo cover that is removable and washable (essential in my animal-filled household), and because of its filling of non-toxic, micro-glass beads. It’s kind of like a Thunder Shirt for humans. 🙂
3. Manduka Yoga Mats. My yoga and meditation practice is one of the most important ways that I connect with source energy, open to universal wisdom and love, and it also is one of the primary ways that I keep my nervous system healthy and in balance. Over the years, I’ve tried many yoga mats…and have found that the Manduka line of mats are really exceptional. The closed-cell technology is sustainably produced and non-toxic, and they don’t have a weird chemical smell. They are supportive, stay sticky, and allow me to practice in comfort both at home and when I travel. Manduka embraces a sustainable ethic both in their choice of materials and in their recycling program, and supports lots of fantastic causes with their Project: OM.
I use the Manduka PRO Mat in the extra-long size (I’m tall) for my home practice. It’s incredibly dense, heavy, and with fantastic comfort and cushioning. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee. For travel, I use the eKO Superlite Yoga and Pilates Travel Mat. It’s the best travel mat I’ve found. It’s light, folds up small and easily, and stays grippy. I’ve used it all over the world, indoors and out, for years, and it still looks like new.
A plus: cat hair does not seem to stick to these mats. As my cats, especially Milo, are fond of joining me in my practice, this is a great added benefit. 🙂
4. Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater Spray: This one is really simple…and I try to always have it around, whether I’m at home or traveling. Heritage Store products are based on the work of Edgar Cayce; this spray is made of rose essential oil and Vor-mag Water (water that has been vortexed and magnetized to raise the energy to a higher vibration that is believed to be more beneficial). I find the scent of rosewater to be very calming and balancing; I use the spray on my face and in my spaces whenever I feel a bit off-balance.
These are just a few tools that I’ve found to be helpful. As always, try what resonates for you and feels right…trust your own body, intuition, and knowing.
