Why the Earth Created You
I’ve always known I was sensitive. As a kid I often felt deeply affected by things others seemed to take in stride. Like sleepovers. I still remember how hard they were. Long after everyone else had fallen sleep I would be lying immobile in my sleeping bag, staring at the ceiling and praying for dawn, my nervous system fizzling like a set of birthday sparklers.
For a long time, I thought this sensitivity was a flaw in me. It seemed like it separated me from others.
Then I started interacting with the natural world and I realized that my sensitivity wasn’t what set me apart, it was what made me a part of nature. Among the trees and creeks, my sensitivity was celebrated. And I learned a truth that would change my life…
Nature intentionally creates sensitive people, because, as sensitives, we have an invaluable gift to bring to the world.
If you identify as sensitive or empathic and have struggled with feeling out-of-place in this world, this new video is for you. Drop in to learn why the Earth specifically created you.
As we tip into the autumn season here, I can feel the sensitivity of the Earth rising to the surface. The leaves fall with the slightest ruffle of the wind. The apples bruise where they touch the ground. The colors of the marigolds heighten, glowing bright as firelight before the coming of the frost.
The psyche, too, becomes more sensitive, attuned to the spirit behind things. Turning like a weather vane towards subtlety and meaning.
Autumn asks you to celebrate your sensitivity. To see it for what it is— a conduit to the Otherworld, a gateway to perceive the hidden nature of things, and an initiation into the magic within.
If you’re a sensitive who is looking for more Earth-held support on your journey, cozy up with a copy of my book Mirrors in the Earth this fall.
And if you want to go even deeper, download the Earth Mirror Meditations as a companion for the journey. Created for sensitive-hearted people everywhere, these mirrors will show you just how much the Earth cherishes you (exactly as you are).
I identify as a HSP. Unfortunately, throughout my early development years this was not looked upon as a “good” thing. Family culture and outside culture really drove it into me that I needed to have a thick skin, and quite frankly, the thick skin I developed as a youngster did help me through a lot of tough times. It has not been easy though, to drop that thickness and allow sensitivity back in to my being. I’m getting there and I really appreciated this post and video, as well as Elaine Aron’s work and documentary. I’ve stopped thinking of myself as flawed because of my sensitive nature.
We absorb so much as sensitive people. As I’m getting older, I find I don’t deal with all the synthetic (human made and unnatural) input as well as I did when I was younger. Things such as the sounds of TV, crowded places, engines, and pollution smells, are so supremely irritating. If I don’t find quiet time in a garden, at the CSA farm, or just listening to the crickets at night, I become a crazy and crabby old lady! This experience has given me new insight to the idea of a hag, who is portrayed as that crabby old lady who lives alone in the woods.
Honestly I resonate more and more and MORE with the hag who lives alone in the woods. haha. Highly sensitive people are my people. Let’s all go out and enjoy cricket music and starlight quietly with some tea and subtle joy. 🙂
I have always been sensitive to all things, and as a kid and young adult was often told I’m “too sensitive “. I thought it was problematic and even annoying for others. Once I learned about HSP about 15 years ago I finally felt seen and it helped me understand myself so much better. I now know how to care for myself when feeling too stimulated or overwhelmed. I feel it’s gifts immensely, and proudly claim to be highly sensitive! My son is also HSP and thankfully I can teach him about his special gift as he grows, rather than him learning so much later in life as I did, or feeling confused or overwhelmed or even shamed by it.
Hey Rachel! Thank you for sharing this transformation that you’ve gone through. What a gift to yourself and your son to have integrated this discovery about being an HSP. I imagine that a lot of folks in our audience will resonate with not always having seen this gift as a gift! So glad to have you here, and to receive this story of healing <3
Thank you so much for this Asia. I’ve never thought of being highly sensitive as a gift from the earth. I will say being a child being in nature was too much I shut it out for a long time. It’s only been in my 30’s that I feel the relationship and reciprocity blooming. All the elements speak to me, but the trees especially. I can walk into a forest or cathedral and see the trees relationships with each other and different roles they have. Some carry the history (remember) and some offer healing and comfort. Some don’t want to be touched and others are ok with it. Going on a walk and taking all this in is so normal to me now and I’m so grateful for it 🙂
Hey Amber, thank you so much for sharing your experience; I really love the way you described this emerging moment for you—”relationship and reciprocity blooming.” I imagine that what you shared may inspire hope for others reading who are ready to experience their blooming after a period of self-preservation. Thank you for being here, and sharing the medicine of your renewed connection!
Growing up as a sensitive as a first wave Indigo, was the toughest experience. I remember it feeling like my whole being was just raw, exposed nerves, particularly in crowded places. The discomfort of being hyper alert, seemed to go on for decades along with the feeling of being the odd one out, Yet, thankfully I was blessed with being an Nature girl and it was and still is my balm. Birds and I have a special connection as I do with most animals in life and dreamworld. Plant Diva’s and Energy Spirit’s I am fortunate to say, connect with me too and that is the magic and beauty of our gift. But the most surprising development out of it all is that now I am older, calmer, and less bothered, I have found myself being sought after and respected for my wisdom. So, there truly is always a silver lining.
Hi Jhanene! So many of us resonate with your description of being in crowded spaces as highly sensitive people. It’s amazing how that sensitivity naturally drives us to seek out spaces in nature where we can explore our sensitivities through connection and wonder. Thank you for sharing the magic and beauty of your wisdom on this path. <3
I love how you explained HSP’s, it’s hard to explain it to people who aren’t in a nutshell. A few weeks ago before the small birds left to fly to seasonal destinations I had the cutest bird fly in the oak tree I was walking towards to go in my house. I said hello cutie. Instead of flying away it went down the branch under with it’s head tilted from one side to the other looking at me. It was silent when it flew off. My thought was, that’s strange,no sound. I looked at the bird feeder & saw it was empty. Chirping commenced when I put food in it. Love nature’s communications.
Hi Dawn! Thank you for sharing your beautiful connection with your bird friends. I can see it so clearly in my mind and it makes me laugh. So many times we think we’re on our own when the reality is that nature is constantly communicating with us! Thank you for sharing your gifts and your communication with the natural world. <3
i believe that what we call “highly sensitive people” have always been here, and have important roles in communicating with everything that exists, other humans included. but i think we are especially needed now, in a time when so many have grown up cut off from nature, and when we are seeing the breakdown of so many toxic systems and ways of being in the world. what we see/feel/sense is incredibly important going forward, for humanity and for all living beings.
We couldn’t agree more! Nature has a way of creating exactly what is needed on earth. Highly sensitive people have gifts that will allow more people to see the wonders and the beauty of a reciprocal healing relationship with the earth. Thank you for being here and for sharing your gifts!
Yes! All my life I’ve felt like an outcast because of my high sensitivity. But lately, through reading your book I’ve now come to see what a gift it is to be a highly sensitive person. It opens me up so much more to the wonders of this world and I’ve begun to communicate even more with the Earth, plants, stones, animals, universe-receiving messages and sending my own messages of love and gratitude and I do feel that there is a beautiful connection there. I am so grateful to be an HSP. Thank you.
Hi Zorya! Thank you for sharing and embracing your gifts as an HSP!! So many of us here have had similar experiences that made us think there was something wrong with being sensitive. Thankfully, we’re taking back our power and owning the gifts we’re meant to share with the world. We’re honored to be walking this path with you. Wishing you even more connection with the earth, plants, stones and animals! <3 <3 <3