The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast with Julie Bjelland

The trait of high sensitivity is becoming more and more widely known in the world these days. We are beginning to understand the advantages as well as learning how to manage our challenges.  It is most encouraging to know that the trait is genetic and not caused through trauma or conditioning. It is naturally occurring and designed to give the human race an advantage. Our ability to process more deeply allows us to perceive and understand the world differently. It is understood that initially, nature gave us this ability to be aware of more in our surroundings to give us an evolutionary advantage for our survival.  As we have evolved, so has our ability to utilize these abilities in the world. We are able to see a wider picture of information around us, especially in our own natural area of purpose and competence.  This week we will look at the various areas of life that benefit greatly from our wider perspective such as schooling, the classroom and education, healthcare and wellbeing, and the corporate world of employees and managers. We also take a look at our role in leadership and supporting those in leadership. The range of our ability provides new ways of seeing things to continue to promote change and evolution. Empowering each of us to recognize our own area of interest and the role we can play at a personal level.   Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and creator of the High Sensory Coaching Program. Unique circumstances during Willow’s childhood led to the burying of his authentic self and complete misalignment to the work he was destined for. He began to carve his own path into understanding how people with sensory processing sensitivity can learn to use their genetic traits to their advantage. As an adult this led to a lifelong enquiry and practise into learning powerful energetic alignment techniques to re-engage with the authentic self. Willow believes that all people with the trait have the ability to tap into a unique skill that draws on a deeper sensory perception. Having successfully facilitated the development of seven figure businesses Willow’s practise has taken him all over the world. Speaking internationally, training in a broad range of fields and facilitating others for more than twenty years. http://highsensoryintelligence.com/ Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is an HSP psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, the author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her HSP Podcast ranks among the top 5% of the most shared and followed podcasts worldwide. Julie’s webinars. resources, online courses, and blog have helped millions of HSPs reduce the challenges of living with sensitivity in an overstimulating world. Her greatest joy is helping sensitive people discover their significant value and seeing them share their much-needed gifts with the world. Julie loves connecting in her community and warmly invites you to join this positive, inclusive, sensitive family. Explore her resources and learn how her brain training program reduces anxiety within the first two weeks at JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)

The notion of value can mean different things. Yet in the context of personal value, it can mean the difference between a life of struggle and one of meaning and abundance. As HSPs, the value we bring to the world is often connected to our ability to process more deeply. In other words, the way in which we see and perceive the world brings a valuable perspective to our respective arenas of interest. For example, if we work with people, the ability to see and feel more gives us a greater capacity to enthuse, guide and lead. If we work as therapists or coaches, our higher sensory awareness gives us a great advantage in perceiving what is in the way of someone’s well-being or potential. Our perspective is often where our value lies. Yet, for many of us, the sensitivities that make this possible were not recognized as an advantage during our early development and schooling. Therefore we can sometimes find ourselves walking a path that we are told to or believe we should walk because society dictates. The end result often leads us away from being able to recognize and actualize our value. Join us this week as we explore how all of us, as HSPs, can find our value by recognizing the area of life that matters most to us. The benefits of owning self-value are there for us all, bringing the opportunity of a life of purpose, worth, and significance. Willow's Offerings: Willow McIntosh is a leading high-sensory coach that trains HSPs to become coaches! You can train to become a High Sensory Coach through a coaching program exclusively created for HSPs. Learn more about Willow McIntosh’s Coaching Program here. Be sure to mention learning about it from Julie on The HSP Podcast. He has a special place in his heart for you. Julie's Offerings: My courses are currently 50% off and will help calm your sensitive nervous system, embrace your neurodiverse gifts, and learn how to harness your supercomputer brain.  Learn more at HSPcourses.com. Join us in the Sensitive Empowerment Community at SensitiveCommunity.com

In a recent survey of 326 HSPs collected over five days between December 17-22, 2022 over 90% of HSPs have had thoughts of suicide. over 18% have attempted suicide almost 33% use alcohol or drugs to numb emotional pain. We can learn a lot from this survey on how to support and save HSP lives. Things that were named that make it hard to cope Overwhelming and intense emotions Sensory overload Absorbing the suffering of others and the world Feeling different and misunderstood Not understanding how to support their sensitivity 3 AREAS THAT HELP + RECOMMENDED RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THOSE NEEDS In the survey, HSPs also identified three main areas that helped them cope, which we can use to help others. Within each of the three areas, I have resources. Learning About the Trait of High Sensitivity Self-Care the HSP Way Supportive People 1. Learning about their trait of high sensitivity made them feel less alone in how they experienced the world opened up a window to understanding themselves. helped explain why they experienced the world the way they did helped them understand why they always felt different from those around them. It also helped them understand, accept, and honor that their self-care needs look different than most. These factors improved wellness, self-esteem, self-compassion, and coping ability. 2. Self-Care the HSP Way HSPs reported that when they started being consistent about specific types of self-care that reduced sensory overload and supported the sensitive nervous system, their mental and physical health improved, offering greater resiliency and coping skills. 3. Supportive People Those that reported having supportive people around them named it as one of the key factors in improving wellness and mental health. Immediate Resources If you know someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, let them know they are not alone and that there is immediate help available 24 hours a day.  They can call, text, or chat at 988, and you will be connected to trained counselors in the United States at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, always available 24 hours a day, free and confidential. Internationally, you can find suicide hotlines in your country at the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Resources to Support Highly Sensitive People's Mental Health Learn more about high sensitivity and self-care tools that work, and join our Sensitive Empowerment Community for daily support! Everything can be found at HSPresources.com

Willow shares: The depth of our relationship with the natural world is often a very important part of who we are as HSPs. Yet for many of us religion and spirituality become tricky areas. Usually because we have been having a powerful spiritual relationship with the world around us ever since we were little. Oftentimes we are told or taught as young people that our world view is supposed to fit into a particular genre or existing framework. From all of my work with HSPs over the years, the connection we have at a deeper level with the world, is a big part of who we are. The part of us that feels into the truth of things. A deeper experience of reality, both within ourselves and the natural world. Feeling safe to explore this part of who we are, brings a great gift with it. It helps us to understand that our deeper experience of the true nature of things is very much aligned with our purpose and place in the world. That in fact the ability we have to commune with nature, ourselves and others at a deep level, is what gives us our ability to serve in a deep and meaningful way. We are often referred to as the 'Spiritual Leaders', the 'Guardians of the Inner World' and the 'Spiritual Advisors'. Owning and knowing how to utilise this part of who we are is a wonderful act of self love and self acceptance. Join me this week as I open the discussion around our high sensory experience from a spiritual point of view. An opportunity to begin to normalise a very important part of who we are. A part that can bring great clarity and meaning to the work we are here to do for both ourselves and humanity. Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and creator of the High Sensory Coaching Program. Unique circumstances during Willow’s childhood lead to the burying of his authentic self and complete misalignment to the work he was destined for. He began to carve his own path into understanding how people with sensory processing sensitivity can learn to use their genetic traits to their advantage. As an adult this lead to a lifelong enquiry and practise into learning powerful energetic alignment techniques to re-engage with the authentic self. Willow believes that all people with the trait have the ability to tap into a unique skill that draws on a deeper sensory perception. Having successfully facilitated the development of seven figure businesses Willow’s practise has taken him all over the world. Speaking internationally, training in a broad range of fields and facilitating others for more than twenty years. http://highsensoryintelligence.com/ The HSP Podcast has been rated in the top 5% most followed and most shared globally! Thank you for sharing to help other HSPs! Check out more episodes at HSPpodcast.com

Climate anxiety and eco-grief are on the rise. Yet the terms are so new that you may not even know that’s what you’re experiencing. According to Dr. Stowe, Executive Director of the Harvard Environmental Economics Program, the most important impact we, as individuals, can have on climate change is by increasing "climate conversations." So let's talk about it! What I am sharing is non-political, non-judgmental, and not pressuring you to do anything. Quite the opposite. This podcast is for highly sensitive people who feel overwhelmed at the thought of the climate crisis, experience grief, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and/or other complex emotions. You may also feel stuck and unsure where to start or don't believe that you can make a difference. That’s ok because we hurt where we care. Acknowledging fear and grief is our starting point. Once we accept our discomfort, we can learn tools to manage it. Once we understand the science of what motivates us, we can gain clarity on what we truly care about and what we do best. And once we meet others with similar interests and values, we can move forward with accountability, support and have fun along the way.  Most importantly, let's give ourselves permission to take a deep breath. Therein lies the source of positive change, for ourselves, for those around us, and for our planet. I'm Alex, an ICF-accredited (ACC) climate resilience coach with a Master’s in Organizational Psychology. As a coach and someone with High Sensory Sensitivity (HSS), I am here to provide a sanctuary for other sensitive, shy, or introverted women who deeply care about climate change so that they, and the planet, can thrive. Using strengths-based approaches like Positive Psychology and Appreciative Inquiry, I support women who feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless, guilty or don't know where to start to make a difference. Through powerful questions, deep listening and empathy, I help them discover their strengths, get clarity on what they really want for a meaningful life and sustainable future, and share practical tools so that they can learn to coach themselves and build hope, resilience, and a strong sense of confidence that they too, can make a positive difference - no matter how small. thequietactivists.com For more information about this podcast, and the courses and community mentioned in this episode visit SensitiveConnection.com

This interview is part of the Empaths, Sensitives & Intuitives Summit, a free online event. For more information, please visit https://evolvedempathsummit.com. This recording is a copyright of The Shift Network. All rights reserved. I'll discuss the three steps to conscious wellness for Highly Sensitive People and Empaths. Learn about high sensitivity, understand brain differences making you more susceptible to anxiety, and how to regulate your sensitive nervous system. Live consciously, guided by your body cues and intuition, doing what's right for you, and self-care the HSP way. Spending time with other Highly Sensitive People and Empaths transforms your life, helping you to normalize your experience and see your value. In this session, you’ll: Feel understood and validated in how you experience the world as a highly sensitive person (HSP) Learn why HSPs need to practice a different type of self-care than most of the population, what works, and what doesn't Understand your incredible gifts that come with sensitivity and how you are needed in the world Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and host of The HSP Podcast. Her Sensitive Empowerment Community, online courses, blog, and free webinars have helped thousands of highly sensitive people (HSPs) worldwide reduce their challenges, access their gifts, and discover their significant value. Julie loves connecting in her community and warmly invites you to join this positive, safe, inclusive, and welcoming space. Take her free sensitivity quiz, get a letter to give to your medical and mental health team, learn how her brain training program reduces anxiety quickly, and find all her resources JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)

Big life changes (even positive ones!) can turn our worlds upside down. For HSPs, being able to put many routines on autopilot can save precious energy and processing time. So how can we better navigate the big changes that interrupt our finely honed routines? This event addresses why change impacts HSPs so much, and how we can better prepare for expected changes and bounce back sooner from unexpected ones. Several tools are offered for maneuvering effectively through change using openness, curiosity, and lightness. Gracie King has a background in psychology and counseling and is now on a mission as a Positive Psychology Wellness Coach to serve and lift up HSPs who've struggled with recurring depression and exhaustion, accompanying them on their journey toward healing, belonging, and thriving. Learn how to work with her at Vibrant HSP. You can also join Gracie's group, Spiral Up, within Julie Bjelland's Sensitive Empowerment Community to connect deeply with others who are navigating depression, feel supported around your healing and growth journey, and learn new tools to strengthen and elevate your health and wellbeing.

As HSPs we actually have an advantage when it comes to discovering our purpose. Our ability to process the world at a deeper level allows us particular abilities. These abilities are intended and why the trait naturally occurs in 20% of the population. The way in which we each process the world from a sensory point of view is unique to each of us, yet it is happening for a reason. A reason that is linked to areas of life we each care deeply about. By exploring what matters to us most and considering how we have had particular callings since we were children, helps us to see how our sensory perception is actually designed to serves them. It is through this inquiry that we can begin to reveal innate areas of competence and how we can serve the world in a way that is deeply fulfilling. This in turn is how we can each find our area of interest and how this begins to reveal our purpose. Join us this week as we open the discussion around this exciting topic! I recommend Willow McIntosh’s Coaching Program here. Explore more episodes, get resources to thrive, and join our Sensitive Empowerment Community at SensitiveConnection.com Join our next live podcast in the Sensitive Empowerment Community Take Julie's Brain Training Course Explore all our episodes at HSPpodcast.com Find everything at SensitiveConnection.com HSP Practitioners Directory

Sarah McCrum has a most intuitive and insightful perspective about money, how money is seen, how it is valued and how it is used.  Her enlightened approach has helped so many people make a real difference in their lives, both personally and professionally. So much of what is possible for us to accomplish is unwittingly blocked by our own ingrained beliefs, our misalignment with receiving and our focus on worry and limitation. There is a way forward through all of these challenges. In this refreshing presentation, Sarah will cover the following: How to make money your friend What money really is and how it really works Asking for what you want in a way that works How to relax about money Becoming open and receptive to money The new energy of money for business models A glimpse into the future of money Sarah McCrum is an author, educator and business innovator. She's the Founder of Liberate Humanity, which is a place for learning and sharing the skills for liberation of the human spirit. Sarah has spent more than 20 years teaching and coaching business owners and their families. She's the creator of the innovative program, Thank You Money, based on the principles of her book, Love Money, Money Loves You. Over 10,000 people have completed courses with Sarah, building a relationship with money that's founded in love, abundance, generosity and nature. You can connect with Sarah and learn more about her work by visiting liberatehumanity.com Sarah has a special offer of listening to a relaxation music video and if you like this presentation you can sign up for the first four chapters of Sarah's book, "Love Money, Money Loves You." Please visit lovemoneyebook.com About Our Host Andrea Weber is the founder of Expansive Happiness®, an inspirational site designed to help those with environmental sensitivities lead happy and fulfilling lives through constructive sensitivity management. On the website, you can find many more resources, sign up for regular communications, take the free Environmental Sensitivity Quiz and enrol in the Self-Empowered Sensitivity Management Program.

Conscious living means paying attention to what supports our mind, body, and soul to help us live fulfilling, healthy lives. As sensitive people, we are exposed to and more affected by stress, environmental concerns, the energy of the people around us, and what we eat! Overwhelm, anxiety, brain fog, low energy and mood, skin problems, pain, chronic health conditions, etc., can all improve when we make conscious choices about what is right for us and what isn’t. Sometimes that means we do things out of the box, too, and we want to encourage and support you to pave your own path that works for you. Mind Manage stress, set boundaries, and live consciously. What supports you and what doesn’t? Lowering your stress will have a significant impact on your health. Body Food is medicine, and it’s even more true for HSPs! What we put in our body, what is absorbed in our skin (the largest organ), and what we are exposed to daily in our environment can all significantly impact our health and well-being. Are you eating whole, healthy foods?  Processed foods aren’t good for anyone, especially HSPs!  What products are you using on your skin and cleaning with around your home? Are they natural or filled with chemicals that might be hurting you? -Your body gives you cues about your wellness. With increased insula activation, you are even more conscious of how your body reacts.  Pay attention. Slow down and listen. Soul Living in a meaningful way, doing work, hobbies, volunteering, etc. that fulfill you is especially important for HSPs. Spend time every day in nature. It’s a reset button for us and incredibly good for our wellness! Trust your flow and know that what works for you might be different than others. Spend time with nature every day. Take time to yourself every day. Slow down and pay attention. Pay attention, be conscious, and be intentional. When you eat something, how do you feel after? Set boundaries when you are around people that make you feel icky. Is the energy of your home positive or chaotic? Are there things you can do to improve it? Are you overgiving to others and under-giving to yourself? Honor what makes you feel your best. Surround yourself with people who support your well-being We’ve covered so many topics supporting your wellness we encourage you to explore the episodes at HSPpodcast.com and join our Sensitive Empowerment Community and see how good it feels to be surrounded by kind-hearted HSPs living consciously. Recommended Groups to Join in the Community Spiral Up Group- Overcoming Depression: 💗 Healing, Belonging, & Thriving Design Your Life Group- Celebrates conscious living by encouraging you to create a life that lights you up ✨ Every little bit helps. There is no such thing as perfection. Start with areas in your life that feel doable. Working on our inner selves with a guide can be so helpful too. Find an HSP coach, healer, or therapist on our HSP Practitioners Directory. Join our Sensitive Empowerment Community, explore more episodes and resources for highly sensitive people, including the sensitivity quiz, letter to give your medical and mental health providers, an HSP Practitioners Directory, Julie's courses, and more at www.JulieBjelland.com Learn more about Willow's Coaching Program to help you share your gifts with the world.