Welcome to our HSP meetup in Hampshire. We look forward to welcoming new and old members who would like information on the Highly Sensitive Nervous System and to meet others like themselves!

The meetup lasts for a couple of hours with a break in the middle for tea/coffee and cake etc. Facilitated gently so that you can relax as much as possible and enjoy the time together with other HSPs. This is an information meeting, with opportunity to share ideas and tips on living life to the full as an HSP, run in a supportive atmosphere but not a therapy group. If you would like to come along, do call Barbara on[masked] for more information and to get directions.

£5 per person on the day. Please RSVP so I know how much cake will be needed :)

Would you like to volunteer to run a monthly HSP Meetup for the National Centre for High Sensitivity? Running an HSP Meetup can be great fun and it provides an opportunity to commune and enjoy the company of your fellow sensitive souls. If you have been in touch with me before about running a Meetup, please do so again in case your name has slipped through the net.

As many of you know, the NCHS supports HSPs around the UK to create HSP Meetups in their area. We are woefully short of HSP-friendly opportunities to commune and I often get emails from HSPs asking if there is a Meetup in their area. So often, I have to say no.

If you would consider learning how to facilitate one of our Meetups, do get in touch. You need to fulfil the following criteria:

- attend our training and make time for the online facilitator support meetings that are there to help you
- be prepared to run 12 x monthly Meetups (1.5 hours) for us on a voluntary basis
- have access and willingness to use email and learn to use online Meetup facilities
- be in a good enough place emotionally and physically to create a reliable and positive environment for others to meet for one year
- have known about the trait for some time and have read Dr Elaine Aron’s work
- must be patient*, kind, tolerant and non-judgmental
- willing to assist in getting news about your Meetup out there where people can spot it
- happy to reply or return calls from prospective Meetup members seeking information, or concerned HSPs seeking reassurance about the environment they are coming to
- not restricted by strict boundary issues that might prevent you or any HSP from attending the Meetup
- willing to run the HSP Meetup as trained and not as ‘group therapy’

If you can offer the above, we will help by:

- training you in the basics and principles of running one of our HSP Meetups in a professional and relaxed manner
- offering scheduled online group meetings where you and fellow facilitators can ask questions and get support
- paying for venue, tea and coffee costs
- collecting contributions from Meetup members online
- advertising your Meetup on our site
- providing ideas or materials to facilitate learning about the HSP trait where required

Sometimes facilitators like to work in pairs, both for mutual support and so that holidays or sickness can be covered. We are happy to train individuals or pairs. Whilst venues need to be agreed beforehand, we do encourage facilitators to meet outdoors occasionally, since being in nature is so beneficial for sensitive people.

*NB: You will also need patience when you set up a new Meetup; it can take some time not only for HSPs to hear about a new Meetup, but it also takes time for them to pluck up courage to get in contact, sometimes months. If you are easily disappointed or frustrated, running one of our Meetups may not be ideal for you :). Numbers can be very small to start with, but Meetups do grow in size if you bear with the (slow) HSP process. We limit Meetup size to 12 maximum, with an ideal number being 4-8.

Our trainer Barbara is based in Andover, Hampshire, but some training is provided elsewhere in the UK if we have enough training participants in that larger region. Barbara has been facilitating HSP Meetups for ten years and the original Meetup is still going.

Thank you for reading this far :). If you have any questions, please email Barbara at [masked].

There are times when many of us feel a sense of disconnect or a feeling that there is something ‘missing’, especially when the world feels very turbulent and chaotic. As highly sensitive people we have a deep sense of awareness around change and we feel personal and global losses more deeply. We may long for a simple life, where community and connection are valued and where we can experience ourselves as whole and complete, without the need to strive for more status, more money or more success.

Psychotherapist, Francis Weller explains that we live in a ‘flatline’ society where we don’t acknowledge our whole range of emotions. We tend to want to pursue happiness and positivity and if we feel any sense of loss or grief we hide these feelings for fear of being perceived as negative. These hidden feelings don’t simply disappear, ‘When our grief cannot be spoken, it falls into the shadow and re-arises in us as symptoms’. We can become exhausted or ill. We also mistakenly think that if we are feeling a sense of loss or sadness that we should hide away and wait till we feel better before facing the world. Weller states that in fact grief and loss needs to be processed within a community and that it is in sharing with others that we can move through painful feelings.

There are many levels of grief and loss; from the changes in season, the loss of a friendship, job or pet, the death of a loved one or the suffering across the world. This workshop gives us the opportunity to share our worries and to offer support to others. We find that through sharing our stories, we gain a sense of shared identity and that through acknowledging our pain we give ourselves the freedom to fully experience our joy. We can experience a more vivid and conscious life by being with our perceived negative feelings. Creativity and simple rituals are a key part of each session. Routines and structures keep us grounded and creativity offers us an alternative way to share in our full range of feelings.

How does it work?

- Each session will follow a format eg. a grounding/ connecting activity to begin, followed by sharing of losses and a simple ritual. One person speaks at a time. Followed by a gentle creative activity such as painting or movement which is optional
- Each person needs to be in safe place and able to contribute to the group eg. they have engaged in personal development of some kind whether through therapy, a spiritual path, coaching or other methods. The group is not a therapy group but there will be therapeutic elements. Everyone is responsible for their own wellbeing
- Everyone is welcome to these sessions whether you wish to take part in an active way or perhaps observe quietly. You may wish to share small losses or more significant ones, each person can take part in their own way
- Attention will be paid to keeping the group safe and creating a nurturing experience

Please email Bridget through Meetup if you have any questions or would like to know more.

Welcome to our Online HSP Meetup, a bi-monthly online meeting of Highly Sensitive people. Join Ildiko for an open conversation via video link exploring aspects of HSP living. Ponder questions, find out some facts, discuss what it means to be highly sensitive and get to know others at various places along the path towards thriving and enjoying the sensitive life. A friendly, facilitated, gentle and informative atmosphere will be created so that it's easy to be present. Join in discussions if you like, or just listen and ponder, it's up to you.

The meeting will begin with some information around High Sensitivity, followed by discussion, questions and conversation. Topics open for exploration through the year might include:

Facts about Sensory Processing Sensitivity
Acting and reacting
Boundaries
The difference between avoidance and protection
Friends, family and partners
Challenges and joys of work
Healing past wounds
Sensitivity as an asset
Self worth and confidence
Anxiety, stress, relaxation
Creativity, balance and process
Nutrition, sleep and environment
Everyday spirituality or connectedness

If you would like to attend online, simply RSVP here. Nearer the time you will receive access information for the video meeting by email via this meetup site (make sure email messages are switched on in your profile). You can prepare ahead of time by creating a free account at Zoom (https://www.zoom.us/?zcid=1378&gclid=CjwKEAjwh_bLBRDehaSMyJSCj1gSJAB-GWBDdfuj-5wbzhvjcSCeGlboziwiO6EKI2NA8In8638LcBoCxi3w_wcB). Remember, we have no control over your internet connection, so do make sure it's up and working properly before we start. You can get directions about how to join a Zoom online meeting at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting . If you have any questions, email Barbara through this site.

See you in our HSP Meetup 😊

Welcome :). If you are a highly sensitive person and a therapist, psychologist, or professional in a related support field and would like information on Sensory Processing Sensitivity and to meet professionals like yourself, join this gently facilitated Meetup supported by the National Centre for High Sensitivity. Those in training or working as volunteers are also welcome if you have experience or self-awareness that will enable you to be a full participant. If you are a client of a group member, please check with them if it's appropriate for you to join them here. You can evaluate whether you are highly sensitive by taking the self-test on Dr Elaine Aron's website at hsperson.com and you will find it helpful to read her book 'The Highly Sensitive Person' before attending so that you can make the most of the opportunity for discussion with your peers.

Ildiko will facilitate exploration of topics related to this trait and professional aspects relevant to your practice and sensitivity, as a person and therapist. This is an information sharing and peer support group rather than a therapy, training or peer supervision group, however, you may find the discussions have poignant moments. You are welcome to join in discussions, or just to listen in if you prefer.

Over time, we are hoping that you will be able to form closer relationships with some of your Highly Sensitive peers through these meetups and would be able to expand your referal network for your clients. You would be also welcome to initiate forming peer support or supervision groups with your fellow HSP professionals.

If you have any questions about this Meetup, please contact Ildiko by email through this site. This Meetup is sponsored by Growing Unlimited on behalf of the National Centre for High Sensitivity (NCHS) and participants of this Meetup would get 10% off the Professional Training about Sensory Processing Sensitivity organised by the NCHS. (Valid for a year after this Meetup for any of the professional trainings organised in the UK by the NCHS). If you have any enquiries about other events and training for professionals, please call Barbara Allen on[masked] or message her through this site.

Places are limited for this meeting so please RSVP early. In the meantime, if you have not already, please do read Dr Elaine Aron's book 'The Highly Sensitive Person'.

If you would like to attend online, simply RSVP here. Nearer the time you will receive access information for the video meeting by email via this meetup site (make sure email messages are switched on in your profile). You can prepare ahead of time by creating a free account at Zoom (https://www.zoom.us/?zcid=1378&gclid=CjwKEAjwh_bLBRDehaSMyJSCj1gSJAB-GWBDdfuj-5wbzhvjcSCeGlboziwiO6EKI2NA8In8638LcBoCxi3w_wcB). Remember, we have no control over your internet connection, so do make sure it's up and working properly before we start. Please also make sure that your webcam and microphone is working sufficiently. You can get directions about how to join a Zoom online meeting at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting . If you have any questions, email Ildiko through this site.

See you online in our HSP Meetup for Support Professionals 😊

Welcome to our HSP meetup in Hampshire. We look forward to welcoming new and old members who would like information on the Highly Sensitive Nervous System and to meet others like themselves!

The meetup lasts for a couple of hours with a break in the middle for tea/coffee and cake etc. Facilitated gently so that you can relax as much as possible and enjoy the time together with other HSPs. This is an information meeting, with opportunity to share ideas and tips on living life to the full as an HSP, run in a supportive atmosphere but not a therapy group. If you would like to come along, do call Barbara on[masked] for more information and to get directions.

£5 per person on the day. Please RSVP so I know how much cake will be needed :)

This is a support day for those who are, or are well on the way to being, HSP role-models and who already have responsibilities or an interest in the development of highly sensitive people. If you have known about the trait of high sensitivity for some time, have read about it and are on a conscious path to authentic HSP living, then this day is about you. It is about support for you as an individual, through group discussion and experience.

Topics that will likely surface over the series of day-events will include:

• What it means to be a role-model, ethics of learning while leading at the same time.

• The relationship between self-care and your work. Maintaining compassion for self in a non-HSP dominated world.

• Balancing earning in vocational work with the messages we receive about success.

• Examining your support network of like-minded colleagues, friends or family.

• The role of empowered HSPs in society.

• Other topics that may arise from your pre-event comments or as the day goes on.

There will be two or three of these events each year to join if you wish, so that you can progress your development as a role-model, hopefully with known others who are with you on the same path.

I look forward to spending a whole day with you, exploring what matters to you, supporting your dreams and intentions and above all, enjoying that special energy that surrounds us in a room full of sensitive people :)

Please bring a packed lunch :)

NB: Please do not attend if you want to receive a stack of documents, a certificate, or are thinking of this as a substitute for academic training. Whilst there is a lot to learn here, this day is about you. You need to attend with your personal head in the foreground and professional head in the background, even though the day will likely have a very positive effect on your professional path. You will find out why this is important by the end of the day.

Welcome to our Online HSP Meetup, a bi-monthly online meeting of Highly Sensitive people. Join Ildiko for an open conversation via video link exploring aspects of HSP living. Ponder questions, find out some facts, discuss what it means to be highly sensitive and get to know others at various places along the path towards thriving and enjoying the sensitive life. A friendly, facilitated, gentle and informative atmosphere will be created so that it's easy to be present. Join in discussions if you like, or just listen and ponder, it's up to you.

The meeting will begin with some information around High Sensitivity, followed by discussion, questions and conversation. Topics open for exploration through the year might include:

Facts about Sensory Processing Sensitivity
Acting and reacting
Boundaries
The difference between avoidance and protection
Friends, family and partners
Challenges and joys of work
Healing past wounds
Sensitivity as an asset
Self worth and confidence
Anxiety, stress, relaxation
Creativity, balance and process
Nutrition, sleep and environment
Everyday spirituality or connectedness

If you would like to attend online, simply RSVP here. Nearer the time you will receive access information for the video meeting by email via this meetup site (make sure email messages are switched on in your profile). You can prepare ahead of time by creating a free account at Zoom (https://www.zoom.us/?zcid=1378&gclid=CjwKEAjwh_bLBRDehaSMyJSCj1gSJAB-GWBDdfuj-5wbzhvjcSCeGlboziwiO6EKI2NA8In8638LcBoCxi3w_wcB). Remember, we have no control over your internet connection, so do make sure it's up and working properly before we start. You can get directions about how to join a Zoom online meeting at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting . If you have any questions, email Barbara through this site.

See you in our HSP Meetup 😊

Welcome to our HSP meetup in Hampshire. We look forward to welcoming new and old members who would like information on the Highly Sensitive Nervous System and to meet others like themselves!

The meetup lasts for a couple of hours with a break in the middle for tea/coffee and cake etc. Facilitated gently so that you can relax as much as possible and enjoy the time together with other HSPs. This is an information meeting, with opportunity to share ideas and tips on living life to the full as an HSP, run in a supportive atmosphere but not a therapy group. If you would like to come along, do call Barbara on[masked] for more information and to get directions.

£5 per person on the day. Please RSVP so I know how much cake will be needed :)

Welcome to our HSP meetup in Leeds. We look forward to welcoming new members who would like information on the Highly Sensitive Nervous System and to meet others like themselves!

The meetup lasts for a couple of hours with a break in the middle for tea/coffee and cake etc. Facilitated gently so that you can relax as much as possible and enjoy the time together with other HSPs. This is an information meeting, with opportunity to share ideas and tips on living life to the full as an HSP, run in a supportive atmosphere but not a therapy group. If you would like to come along, do call Barbara on[masked] for more information and to get directions.

£10 per person. Please RSVP so I know how much cake will be needed :)

Hello everyone 😊

Following on from my email recently about creating a membership fee to help with putting on services and events through the National Centre for High Sensitivity, here is a place to pay your annual membership fee of £10 per year :).  To pay, simply click 'RSVP' here on this event and the site will take you through the payment process automatically.

See below for the exceptions to needing to pay your fee this year - if you are in any of these categories, please email me so that I can update you as paid and keep you on the Membership list.  Use this site to pay - no problem if you don't have a PayPal account, you can also use your card at PayPal too :)

EXCEPTIONS
Some of you may belong to more than one of the three Meetup.com sites I organize, (Growing a unlimited Hampshire; Positively Sensitive Reading; National Centre for High Sensitivity) if so, you only need to pay once, that will mean your membership to any of the others remains free of charge.
If you have recently made a donation of £10 or more to the 'Plans and Can You Help' event, you also do not have to pay the membership for this year 2015 :)
If your financial circumstances are exceptionally dire and cannot afford the £10 annual charge, please email me and I will see what I can do - I don't want anyone to miss out if they really can't afford this, however I am guessing the fee will be affordable for the vast majority.

IMPORTANT: The cut off date for payment for current members is 12th of June 2015. After that, the next payment will be 12th June 2016. Members who haven't subscribed by[masked] will be removed from the list or you can remove yourself beforehand. But don't worry, you can join again later if you would like to. I do hope that you will stay with us and enjoy the events and discussions board coming up over the next few months :)

If you have any questions, please email me and I will do my best to help 😊

Hello everyone 😊. Thank you so much for your support this last year.

Your Annual Membership Fees help support admin, events and our Newsletter (www.hspsensitive.com/contact-us/) through the National Centre for High Sensitivity, here is a place to pay your annual membership fee of £10 per year :). If you have recently joined, you should by now have and paid 84p for each month up to May, and now, simply pay the full fee £10 as per normal - this will cover you for the next 12 months from June 2019. Contact me if you have any queries about payments. See below for exceptions **.

To pay, simply click 'RSVP' here on this event and the site will take you through the PayPal payment process automatically. If you would like to pay by direct banking, please email Barbara for details. If you won't be subscribing to our Meetup this year from June 2019, please remove yourself from the membership list by 10th June. Don't worry, you can re-join any time :)

**EXCEPTIONS
Some of you may belong to more than one of the three Meetup.com sites I organize, (Growing Unlimited Hampshire; Positively Sensitive Reading; National Centre for High Sensitivity) - if so, you only need to pay once - that will mean your annual membership to any of the others remains free of charge for the year.
If you voluntarily facilitate one of our NCHS Meetups.
If your financial circumstances are exceptionally dire and cannot afford the £10 annual charge, please email me and I will see what I can do - I don't want anyone to miss out if they really can't afford this, however I am guessing the fee will be affordable for the vast majority.

If you are in any of these categories, please email me so that I can update you as paid and keep you on the Membership list.

IMPORTANT: The cut off date for payment for current members is 10th of June 2019. After that, the next payment will be in June 2020. I do hope that you will stay with us and enjoy the events and discussions board coming up over the next few months :)

If you have any questions, please email me and I will do my best to help 😊

Welcome :). If you are a highly sensitive person and a therapist, psychologist, or professional in a related support field and would like information on Sensory Processing Sensitivity and to meet professionals like yourself, join this gently facilitated Meetup supported by the National Centre for High Sensitivity. Those in training or working as volunteers are also welcome if you have experience or self-awareness that will enable you to be a full participant. If you are a client of a group member, please check with them if it's appropriate for you to join them here. You can evaluate whether you are highly sensitive by taking the self-test on Dr Elaine Aron's website at hsperson.com and you will find it helpful to read her book 'The Highly Sensitive Person' before attending so that you can make the most of the opportunity for discussion with your peers.

Ildiko will facilitate exploration of topics related to this trait and professional aspects relevant to your practice and sensitivity, as a person and therapist. This is an information sharing and peer support group rather than a therapy, training or peer supervision group, however, you may find the discussions have poignant moments. You are welcome to join in discussions, or just to listen in if you prefer.

Over time, we are hoping that you will be able to form closer relationships with some of your Highly Sensitive peers through these meetups and would be able to expand your referal network for your clients. You would be also welcome to initiate forming peer support or supervision groups with your fellow HSP professionals.

If you have any questions about this Meetup, please contact Ildiko by email through this site. This Meetup is sponsored by Growing Unlimited on behalf of the National Centre for High Sensitivity (NCHS) and participants of this Meetup would get 10% off the Professional Training about Sensory Processing Sensitivity organised by the NCHS. (Valid for a year after this Meetup for any of the professional trainings organised in the UK by the NCHS). If you have any enquiries about other events and training for professionals, please call Barbara Allen on[masked] or message her through this site.

Places are limited for this meeting so please RSVP early. In the meantime, if you have not already, please do read Dr Elaine Aron's book 'The Highly Sensitive Person'.

If you would like to attend online, simply RSVP here. Nearer the time you will receive access information for the video meeting by email via this meetup site (make sure email messages are switched on in your profile). You can prepare ahead of time by creating a free account at Zoom (https://www.zoom.us/?zcid=1378&gclid=CjwKEAjwh_bLBRDehaSMyJSCj1gSJAB-GWBDdfuj-5wbzhvjcSCeGlboziwiO6EKI2NA8In8638LcBoCxi3w_wcB). Remember, we have no control over your internet connection, so do make sure it's up and working properly before we start. Please also make sure that your webcam and microphone is working sufficiently. You can get directions about how to join a Zoom online meeting at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting . If you have any questions, email Ildiko through this site.

See you online in our HSP Meetup for Support Professionals 😊

Hello everyone 😊

Your Annual Membership Fees help support admin, events and our Newsletter (www.hspsensitive.com/contact-us/) through the National Centre for High Sensitivity, here is a place to pay your annual membership fee of £10 per year :). If you have recently joined and paid a £10 joining fee in the last few months, please subtract 84p for every full month already paid for and pay what's left. Next year (2017), simply pay the full fee as per normal. To pay, simply click 'RSVP' here on this event and the site will take you through the PayPal payment process automatically. If you would like to pay by direct banking, please email Barbara for details. If you won't be subscribing to our Meetup this year from June 2017, please remove yourself from the membership list by 10th June. Don't worry, you can re-join any time :)

See below for the exceptions to needing to pay your fee this year - if you are in any of these categories, please email me so that I can update you as paid and keep you on the Membership list.

EXCEPTIONS
Some of you may belong to more than one of the three Meetup.com sites I organize, (Growing Unlimited Hampshire; Positively Sensitive Reading; National Centre for High Sensitivity) - if so, you only need to pay once - that will mean your annual membership to any of the others remains free of charge for the year.
If you voluntarily facilitate one of our NCHS Meetups.
If your financial circumstances are exceptionally dire and cannot afford the £10 annual charge, please email me and I will see what I can do - I don't want anyone to miss out if they really can't afford this, however I am guessing the fee will be affordable for the vast majority.

IMPORTANT: The cut off date for payment for current members is 10th of June 2017. After that, the next payment will be in June 2018. I do hope that you will stay with us and enjoy the events and discussions board coming up over the next few months :)

If you have any questions, please email me and I will do my best to help 😊

I’m delighted to announce a new HSP-friendly art workshop presented by long-time Meetup member HSP Bridget Woodward. Here is her description: “In this workshop, we will practise some simple art journaling techniques using watercolour, drawing and collage. We will experience gentle movement, creative exercises, mindfulness and guided visualisation and then move into using art as a means of self-discovery. This workshop is about exploring the creative, intuitive parts of ourselves, celebrating our awareness of subtleties and diving into a visual world. As HSPs we can tend to get stuck on over-thinking and art offers us a chance to communicate in a more natural and organic way. We will be curious about the process and be open to making wonderfully imperfect art.

The event will be suitable for all, there will be a focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment with time for reflection, sharing of experiences and of course, tea and cake.

All materials are provided. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.”

"In the creative process, as in falling in love, we contact our sweetness, longing and powerful intention, and profound thoughtfulness" Joseph
Zinker.

Bridget is kindly donating part of her fee to the National
Centre for High Sensitivity, CIC. Thank you so much Bridget :)

A supportive, empowering weekend for highly sensitive people wishing to explore the challenges and joys of the highly sensitive trait, led by Barbara Allen (UK) and Annet de Zwart (NL). Both Barbara and Annet have worked nationally and internationally as facilitators and received advanced training from Dr Elaine Aron. They have many years of training and experience in supporting individuals and groups to discover the magic in being born sensitive. RSVP to show interest only. Opportunity to sign up and details of the fees and venue will be posted later.

DAY ONE - Over-stimulation - Understanding and meeting the challenge authentically.

DAY TWO - Empowerment - looking at the strengths of HSPs and how we can grow, reframe and maintain our sensitivity as a positive force.

Barbara and Annet’s bios to follow....

Welcome to our Online HSP Meetup, a bi-monthly online meeting of Highly Sensitive people. Join Ildiko for an open conversation via video link exploring aspects of HSP living. Ponder questions, find out some facts, discuss what it means to be highly sensitive and get to know others at various places along the path towards thriving and enjoying the sensitive life. A friendly, facilitated, gentle and informative atmosphere will be created so that it's easy to be present. Join in discussions if you like, or just listen and ponder, it's up to you.

The meeting will begin with some information around High Sensitivity, followed by discussion, questions and conversation. Topics open for exploration through the year might include:

Facts about Sensory Processing Sensitivity
Acting and reacting
Boundaries
The difference between avoidance and protection
Friends, family and partners
Challenges and joys of work
Healing past wounds
Sensitivity as an asset
Self worth and confidence
Anxiety, stress, relaxation
Creativity, balance and process
Nutrition, sleep and environment
Everyday spirituality or connectedness

If you would like to attend online, simply RSVP here. Nearer the time you will receive access information for the video meeting by email via this meetup site (make sure email messages are switched on in your profile). You can prepare ahead of time by creating a free account at Zoom (https://www.zoom.us/?zcid=1378&gclid=CjwKEAjwh_bLBRDehaSMyJSCj1gSJAB-GWBDdfuj-5wbzhvjcSCeGlboziwiO6EKI2NA8In8638LcBoCxi3w_wcB). Remember, we have no control over your internet connection, so do make sure it's up and working properly before we start. You can get directions about how to join a Zoom online meeting at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting . If you have any questions, email Barbara through this site.

See you in our HSP Meetup 😊

There are times when many of us feel a sense of disconnect or a feeling that there is something ‘missing’, especially when the world feels very turbulent and chaotic. As highly sensitive people we have a deep sense of awareness around change and we feel personal and global losses more deeply. We may long for a simple life, where community and connection are valued and where we can experience ourselves as whole and complete, without the need to strive for more status, more money or more success.

Psychotherapist, Francis Weller explains that we live in a ‘flatline’ society where we don’t acknowledge our whole range of emotions. We tend to want to pursue happiness and positivity and if we feel any sense of loss or grief we hide these feelings for fear of being perceived as negative. These hidden feelings don’t simply disappear, ‘When our grief cannot be spoken, it falls into the shadow and re-arises in us as symptoms’. We can become exhausted or ill. We also mistakenly think that if we are feeling a sense of loss or sadness that we should hide away and wait till we feel better before facing the world. Weller states that in fact grief and loss needs to be processed within a community and that it is in sharing with others that we can move through painful feelings.

There are many levels of grief and loss; from the changes in season, the loss of a friendship, job or pet, the death of a loved one or the suffering across the world. This workshop gives us the opportunity to share our worries and to offer support to others. We find that through sharing our stories, we gain a sense of shared identity and that through acknowledging our pain we give ourselves the freedom to fully experience our joy. We can experience a more vivid and conscious life by being with our perceived negative feelings. Creativity and simple rituals are a key part of each session. Routines and structures keep us grounded and creativity offers us an alternative way to share in our full range of feelings.

How does it work?

- Each session will follow a format eg. a grounding/ connecting activity to begin, followed by sharing of losses and a simple ritual. One person speaks at a time. Followed by a gentle creative activity such as painting or movement which is optional
- Each person needs to be in safe place and able to contribute to the group eg. they have engaged in personal development of some kind whether through therapy, a spiritual path, coaching or other methods. The group is not a therapy group but there will be therapeutic elements. Everyone is responsible for their own wellbeing
- Everyone is welcome to these sessions whether you wish to take part in an active way or perhaps observe quietly. You may wish to share small losses or more significant ones, each person can take part in their own way
- Attention will be paid to keeping the group safe and creating a nurturing experience

Please email Bridget through Meetup if you have any questions or would like to know more.

I’m delighted to announce a new HSP-friendly art workshop presented by long-time Meetup member HSP Bridget Woodward. Here is her description: “In this workshop, we will practise some simple art journaling techniques using watercolour, drawing and collage. We will experience gentle movement, creative exercises, mindfulness and guided visualisation and then move into using art as a means of self-discovery. This workshop is about exploring the creative, intuitive parts of ourselves, celebrating our awareness of subtleties and diving into a visual world. As HSPs we can tend to get stuck on over-thinking and art offers us a chance to communicate in a more natural and organic way. We will be curious about the process and be open to making wonderfully imperfect art.

The event will be suitable for all, there will be a focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment with time for reflection, sharing of experiences and of course, tea and cake.

All materials are provided. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.”

"In the creative process, as in falling in love, we contact our sweetness, longing and powerful intention, and profound thoughtfulness" Joseph
Zinker.

Bridget is kindly donating part of her fee to the National
Centre for High Sensitivity, CIC. Thank you so much Bridget :)

There are times when many of us feel a sense of disconnect or a feeling that there is something ‘missing’, especially when the world feels very turbulent and chaotic. As highly sensitive people we have a deep sense of awareness around change and we feel personal and global losses more deeply. We may long for a simple life, where community and connection are valued and where we can experience ourselves as whole and complete, without the need to strive for more status, more money or more success.

Psychotherapist, Francis Weller explains that we live in a ‘flatline’ society where we don’t acknowledge our whole range of emotions. We tend to want to pursue happiness and positivity and if we feel any sense of loss or grief we hide these feelings for fear of being perceived as negative. These hidden feelings don’t simply disappear, ‘When our grief cannot be spoken, it falls into the shadow and re-arises in us as symptoms’. We can become exhausted or ill. We also mistakenly think that if we are feeling a sense of loss or sadness that we should hide away and wait till we feel better before facing the world. Weller states that in fact grief and loss needs to be processed within a community and that it is in sharing with others that we can move through painful feelings.

There are many levels of grief and loss; from the changes in season, the loss of a friendship, job or pet, the death of a loved one or the suffering across the world. This workshop gives us the opportunity to share our worries and to offer support to others. We find that through sharing our stories, we gain a sense of shared identity and that through acknowledging our pain we give ourselves the freedom to fully experience our joy. We can experience a more vivid and conscious life by being with our perceived negative feelings. Creativity and simple rituals are a key part of each session. Routines and structures keep us grounded and creativity offers us an alternative way to share in our full range of feelings.

How does it work?

- Each session will follow a format eg. a grounding/ connecting activity to begin, followed by sharing of losses and a simple ritual. One person speaks at a time. Followed by a gentle creative activity such as painting or movement which is optional
- Each person needs to be in safe place and able to contribute to the group eg. they have engaged in personal development of some kind whether through therapy, a spiritual path, coaching or other methods. The group is not a therapy group but there will be therapeutic elements. Everyone is responsible for their own wellbeing
- Everyone is welcome to these sessions whether you wish to take part in an active way or perhaps observe quietly. You may wish to share small losses or more significant ones, each person can take part in their own way
- Attention will be paid to keeping the group safe and creating a nurturing experience

Please email Bridget through Meetup if you have any questions or would like to know more.