The world can be a cruel place for a highly sensitive person. Especially now, narcissists and energy vampires seem to be coming out in droves. They are all around. Escape from their presence is the preferred way to go. Your go-to response should be leaving abusive relationships, finding another job, turning off the media’s rhetoric of hate (Bdelygmia), or otherwise putting distance between you and the aggressor.
But if you can’t do that, or you can’t do that right now, you need an alternate approach. A strategy that allows you a mental disconnect if you cannot have a physical one. Here are three strategies that I use:
One: Practice Love
I want to be clear to start with here. I am not suggesting that you condone what is inappropriate behavior. Cruelty is never acceptable. But there is little to no hope that someone who is cruel on a regular basis will see their behavior as wrong. You gain nothing by responding with cruelty of your own. It only fuels their response and increases their anger.
As an HSP, you have an advantage. You can sense their moods, understand their motives, and intuit their triggers. What fires their rage? Using that knowledge, avoid setting them off. A calm, yet strong voice of reason works to still their emotion and keep the situation from escalating. If the situation is beyond that and the former doesn’t work, be silent. Cruelty cannot get a stranglehold in the face of a loving response.
Two: Look for the Lesson
Whatever happens in life has a reason for doing so. We live our lives in relationship for a reason, and that reason is that we grow through those interactions. Patience, endurance, and love are only a few of the general lessons you can learn. A specific event happens as it does for a specific reason. It’s your job to understand why. Your extensive ability to process those intents on a deeper level will give you the advantage and help you grow through it.
Three: Turn to Gratitude
There is always someone who is worse off than you. And here’s the kicker – it’s that person who is being cruel. Cruelty arises from hate. How sad it is to be in a frame of mind that all you can see and feel is animosity, acrimony, and antagonism. You know how negative emotions like that make you feel within your heart. Be grateful for the peace of mind that gives you freedom from the torture of a hate-filled mind.
Remind yourself of the joys you experience. Give thanks for your peace. Write in your gratitude journal all that is good in your life. Restore your soul.
If you are having trouble being grateful, sit quietly and do the Hawaiian prayer of forgiveness, Ho’oponopono. After clearing your mind in meditation, repeat “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” Continue the chant for five minutes, or longer if you like. This transformative prayer works wonders in restoring your soul’s balance and resetting your mind.
Cruelty is all too prevalent in today’s lifestyle. Fight it with love and gratitude. You may feel like you are losing the cruelty battle, but in the end, you are winning the war.
Copyright 2021, Monica Nelson
