Peter, an HSP, fell into despair – a hopelessness so marked that two counselors labeled him “clinically depressed.” He didn’t understand what was happening to him. As an HSP, he spent decades doing what most highly sensitive people do: absorbing the pain that surrounded him and responding empathically to the negative sensory input he was taking in. Unaware of the harm, his peace of mind began to suffer. Without appropriate self-care, his emotional health was declining. Read his story here.
We as HSPs are so busy caring for others, our communities, and the world, that we do not always look after ourselves properly. Without suitable emotional healing, we fail to be our optimum selves. One of the most important, and often overlooked means of self-care for the highly sensitive person is to maintain our fascination into the mysterious. It is critical to our overall health.
Peter completely lost his sense of awe and wonder. It was what he needed to restore his mind-set. While Peter’s case may be extreme, it should serve as a warning to the rest of us. Here are some ways in which you can maintain your sense of wonder so you don’t fall into the same trap that Peter did:
Explore an Area of Study That You Know Nothing About
Have you always had an interest in Scandinavian cooking? History of the American West? Belly dancing? Astrology? Origami? Bird watching? Kite building and flying? Whatever grabs your interest! Investigating a passion that you know nothing about is a good way to spark your curiosity.
Ask “What if” and “Why” Questions
Choosing a “what if” or “why” question to ponder is a great way to inspire amazement. You may even want to keep a journal of your wonderings. Here are a few to get you started:
- What if there were no sadness?
- What if you could find a cure for a disease?
- What if you could start your life over?
- Why is red the color you see?
- Why is it so important to have purpose in your life?
- Why don’t we use all our brain power?
Learn to Play Like a Child
A child’s job is to learn about the world around them. Their whole being is fascinated with the smallest of details about life. They go about their jobs with wild abandonment, without care of what people might think. In their play, they use creativity, develop imagination, and explore their emotions. As we grow, we forget how to play. Life becomes a litany of work and unfinished tasks. There is no greater way to spur on your own wonderment than to add play to your life.
Convert Dreams to Stories
Immediately upon waking, write down those crazy dreams that occupied your night. Later, take a look at your dreams and make up a story about them. Write your story down. Let your imagination loose. Take your story in any direction it wants to go. It doesn’t have to be good and you don’t have to show it to anyone. Let the stories trigger your amazement.
Investigate Phenomena that Science Cannot Explain
There are many experiences that science has yet to explain: consciousness, certain workings of the mind, near death experiences, the possibility of alien abduction and reincarnation, the existence of God. To delve into these topics requires you to expand your thought beyond what can be known at present. As you ponder these subjects, allow your mind to reach into that beyond.
These are only a few suggestions. There are many ways to keep your curiosity and awe at peak performance. Use whatever form of wonder inspiration you identify with to keep this important part of you alive and functioning.
I am curious in the ways you keep your wonder active. Please share in the comments below.
Copyright 2021, Monica Nelson
