“You are so sensitive!” Did you hear this all the time growing up? I did. And it was always said in a negative way. The message I got was “it’s not okay to be the way you are.” Well-intentioned parents will often tell their sensitive child to “toughen up” for fear that he doesn’t have the skills to survive in an often harsh world. They may perceive your child as moody, easily insulted, introverted, shy, or even mysterious. Feeling misunderstood by parents and others can lead to depression and emotional problems.
But what if your ‘sensitivity’ is just another word for untapped, unrecognized and misunderstood psychic gifts and abilities? Some signs are as follows:
Dreamer
have imaginary friends
Strong connection with nature and animals.
Highly sensitive to other people’s feelings, often ‘knowing’ how they feel without being told
See shadow figures or flashes of light.
Difficulty being around large groups of people.
Know that things will happen before they happen
Have dreams that come true
Hear sounds no one else hears
to be quiet
Being overly emotional or moody
Being easily influenced by your surroundings
Attraction for everything that has to do with the spiritual world (stones, astrology, psychics, angels, etc.)
This list is by no means complete. Psychic ability is like singing; everyone can sing, but some people are born with a more natural ability than others. With enough hard work and determination, anyone can develop her gifts. In my many years of practice, many people have asked me, “How can I open myself more to my intuition?” While I believe everyone’s journey is unique, here are some tips:
Always ask for spiritual protection. I always start any spiritual work with a prayer that clearly expresses my intentions. I ask my protectors to keep me safe and that I only communicate with angels of divine love and light, and those spirits that honor and respect my free will. You can phrase it however you want, but it’s important to know that not all spirits have your best interests at heart.
Practice being receptive. This is a case where less is more. The more we ‘try’ to be psychic, the less likely we are to succeed. That’s because being psychic is about being receptive. Set aside some time each day to dedicate yourself to developing your psychic muscles. Do everything you can to create a place that is totally yours: be in nature, light incense, candles, put on relaxing music, etc. Turn off your cell phone, close your eyes and calm your mind. You don’t have to sit solemnly in meditation: walking can be a meditation! Wait patiently and see if you get any messages. These messages come to you just like when you hear that ‘little voice’ that says, “Did you close the door?” “Did you turn off the coffee pot?” If you don’t get anything, just try again the next day. If you are more visual, close your eyes and imagine a television screen in front of you. Sit back and see if any images appear on the blank screen. They may appear for a few seconds, but with practice you will be able to retain these images longer and longer. Again, if you don’t get anything right away, let it go and try again later. The trick is to not try to MAKE it happen. Let it come to you.
Being around other like-minded people. The more you are surrounded by other people who are psychic and/or developing their soul abilities, the more it will cause your own to awaken. That is because in spiritual circles you will feel safe to do so. There is often a lot of judgment and hostility that comes from others who may find it scary or threatening. Be careful who you tell about your interest, especially at first, so they don’t shut you down and ruin your trust. Being empathetic, you will know when someone does not approve!
Know that you are already psychic! You just need to remember that you are.
Our society as a whole has a bias in favor of outgoing, aggressive and ruthless people. We reward people who stop at nothing to get what they want. We seek to emulate people who make their life decisions based on pure hard logic, without letting their emotions get in the way. Perhaps we see them as rising above their human nature, in which emotions and vulnerability are perceived as weakness. Our society values things of the mind and body, but not things of the spirit.
If we are to believe that society’s standards of success are correct, then people who are able to ‘compete’ at a high level and gain money, power and status should be among the happiest among us. But this is not always the case. The reason is that just because you are rich and powerful in the world, you are not rich and powerful spiritually. It is often the reverse ratio. It is because a balance has been lost and worldly things have been achieved at the expense of personal and spiritual growth. Certainly this is not always the case, but very often it is. On the other hand, we historically associate highly spiritually developed people with living in poverty or modest means. This duality is the result of body, mind and spirit splitting instead of integrating them.
If you can accept and respect who you are, stand up for your own truth, you are doing something very powerful in the world. You’re reminding people of who they really are without all the artificial frills. This can be intimidating to others who may not be ready to embrace their spiritual self.
Many sensitive people feel too different for the world. They feel like they don’t fit in. The truth is that they cannot find within themselves to conform. They may feel that something is wrong with them for being different, but they are unable to jump on the socially accepted bandwagon. Someone who feels lonely, outcast, weirdo, or whatever you’ve labeled them, is truly someone who stands out from the rest. Even if you feel like you’re behind the pack, on the sidelines, you’re still a leader. Whether the pack chooses to follow you is another matter. But standing tall and holding your light makes you a leader.
Accept your difference. Accept it and respect it. There is a great quote that addresses the feeling of isolation brought about by being different. It is necessary to learn “How to be who you are, when you are surrounded by what you are not”. See it as a fortress. Honor yourself as a brave soul who chose a more difficult life by following soul talents. This may not get the popular vote, but it is sorely needed in this world. In your own awakening, you are allowing others to do the same.