High Sensitivity, Meditation, and Mindfulness

This essay was originally published in my September 2024 newsletter.

My Journey with Anxiety

As a child I was very anxious and a bit of an introvert. For so long I felt there was nothing I could do to be anything other than that. It felt like it was just who I was. I was also a kid with big feelings so sometimes the anxiety was hard to bear.

When you’re a sensitive kid in a home environment that doesn’t know how to deal with big feelings, lots gets repressed. But repression only works for so long and eventually anxious and/or depressed feelings bubble up.

My personal therapy has helped me see that my anxieties are parts of me that had been scared for a long time. Scared to show feelings, scared of being too much, scared of pushing away the people who loved and cared for me.

I used to shy away from and avoid difficult feelings. And it’s hard to build relationships if you’re not present with your feelings. Because you’re never fully there with the person you’re relating to.

And now I understand that moving closer to — instead of avoiding — my overwhelmed, frightened, and anxious parts is a necessary part of personal growth.

To do that I needed tools to help me slow down, listen, to turn inward. That’s where mindfulness and meditation come in. 

When you can slow down and get curious about what’s happening inside you, then you can work with and honor all your feelings. You can learn about your parts. And meet your sensitivities, and your fears, and all your feelings, with compassion and care.

The practice has been an important part of my continued development as a sensitive woman. And that’s why we explore, talk about, and practice mindfulness and meditation in my Sacred Support Circles for Sensitive Women. Each meeting we take some time to turn inward and listen.

Together we’ll practice. Whether this is your first time practicing, or you’re a veteran, we’re exploring our inner world so that we can feel more connected to ourselves and each other.

I hope you’ll join us. The energy of sensitive women gathering is one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I want you to feel it too.

Kelly Hanlin McCormick is another great resource for utilizing meditation for stress and anxiety.