Dr. Judith Orloff encourages us to embrace our sensitivities and develop strategies to prevent empathy overload. — I’d been enthusiastically immersed in highly sensitive people (HSP) research for months when I asked a favorite yoga teacher if she was highly sensitive. After chatting, she shared Orloff’s “The Empath’s Survival Guide” book. I took Orloff’s 20-question self-assessment and checked every box (unless you consider San Francisco a “large…

Research shows about 50% of divorces are genetically determined; understanding your temperament helps. — Highly sensitive people (HSP) feel love relationships more intensely than most. Key HSP Researcher, Dr. Elaine Aron, helps us navigate intimacy in her book “The Highly-Sensitive Person in Love,” including her personal experiences. Over the last year, I’ve been immersed in understanding my high sensitivity and finding ways to support…

Gabrielle Roth inspires and empowers conscious movement in “Sweat Your Prayers.” — In the 1970s, Roth reignited a transcendent dance movement that started with ancient Greeks. Today, nearly every major city worldwide hosts ecstatic dancers who show up for numerous wellness benefits. Whether spiritual, emotional, physical, psychological, or social motivations, mindful movement brings people into their bodies and into psychological flow, according…

Julia Cameron’s 12-week program inspires millions to overcome fears and blocks. — I meet many talented, passionate people who feel stuck, scared, or overwhelmed in their artistic process. With Cameron’s book, we can gently engage in our healing work with recovery tools, hundreds of activities and exercises, and advice on starting supportive “creative clusters.” Cameron’s daily morning pages and weekly artist date…

Key HSP researcher empowers us to connect in safe, enjoyable ways. — A few months ago, I took copious notes on Dr. Elaine Aron’s social advice in “The Highly-Sensitive Person” book. Before understanding my sensitivity, I’ve often felt drained from interactions or scared of group dynamics without fully realizing why or knowing how to navigate. I began exploring highly sensitive people (HSP)…

Anas Qtiesh uses avid curiosity to embrace his neurodiversity. — Before his yoga passion sparked, Anas began intentional self-discovery work over three years ago. With bright lights, loud noises, crowded spaces, big emotions, and textured foods, Anas feels life more intensely than most. Gradually, he’s found ways to honor his unique experience. “I realized I’m not picky or quirky. There’s…

Understand the trait, heal deeper wounds, and know HSPs are great at inner work. — Dr. Elaine Aron says highly-sensitive people (HSP) with hard childhoods feel the impacts more than most. We’re also particularly equipped for healing journeys and tend to develop valuable gifts in the process. I’ve been doing HSP discovery work for almost a year, and Aron’s work (and initial assessment) has helped…

World-famous dance instructor explains how we can integrate masculine and feminine energies with conscious movement. — Though I’ve been dancing regularly for years, Gabrielle Roth inspired me to bring even more attention to this ongoing spiritual practice. I’ve become fascinated by layers of complexities and emotions stored in each body part. I recently wrote about the five rhythms — flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness —…

This small, beautiful text feels soothing and grounding, especially in difficult moments. — Over the last three years of healing from trauma, I’ve prioritized my recovery and inner work. Creating and recreating supportive boundaries feels essential for wellness and healthy intimacy. Pixie Lighthorse, or Cherie Dawn Carr, has played a powerful role in my boundaries practice. She’s written several books about self-healing. …