As an HSP, also in my 60s, I continue to struggle with absorbing the energy of those around me, whether engaged or not engaged. I've used the tool of envisioning myself in a translucent bubble in which I can interact with others, but their energies can't penetrate into my personal space - sometimes it's been helpful, but I'm curious about other folks' experiences with creating such boundaries for themselves, as I end up feeling exhausted and internally disoriented, especially in larger social situations, leading me to want to avoid them....
I have other plans for tomorrow so I won't be able to attend but plan to listen to the rebroadcast. I don't if you'll have another one later or if I could just do my question here and get an answer later. I am a 70 you're old infp. Since high school until last few years, I've tried very hard to be extrovert. I've been partially successful. I've made a lot of friends. However, I've always struggled in my life. The things I want to do I just am unable to complete them. My jobs I've always had trouble doing. I want to write and do art but have trouble even just sitting down and doing that. I lost my car 3 years ago and even though I've got a lot of options for getting a new one, I just can't seem to bring myself to do it. Never had much of long term relationship with the opposite sex,--I always find ways to sabotage it. Because of my Catholic Church teaching, I was taught to pick up my cross and follow Christ, to always sacrifice. As a result, I went out to do a lot of things and I don't think I ever really took the time I needed to fully recharge before going off to doing something else. I was thinking about just sacrificing for Christ thinking he would take care of me. Trying to recharge now but I'm having a very hard time getting the amount of down time I need. I have a few friends who are very extrovert and call me a lot. Have a very hard time not answering the phone. Okay, this is background. The big question again is could perhaps my long-term lack of getting sufficient down time explain my inability to accomplish the things I want to accomplish? Have other introverts who tried to be extroverts for a long time experienced this? If you like, I can wait till the next time you do this. But I just had to get this out since I'm in the mood. I might not have this opportunity again. Thank you so much for this opportunity! Oh and if you already answered this question, if you could just direct me to the answer that would be great. Thanks again!
Bear: Just curious how we can help preserve and teach, the ancient,poetic, philosophical wisdom from all walks of life we come to love for further generations to come and not being forgotten dust on the bookshelf... And how can we add to such profundity...
Oh and creating daydreaming rest time within the work place and schools, day dreaming class?...
I'm new to the community and excited about your gathering tomorrow. Thank you so much for hosting 🙏
There is a lot of emphasis on authenticity right now, especially in professional spaces. What are your thoughts on balancing authenticity with discernment - knowing what to share, what not to share, and how to respond to pressure for more openness than feels natural?
Hi Susan, I'll be attending for the first time as I recently joined your community. I'm excited to be a part of the Just Us Sunday morning chat. No question yet. Eager to actively listen.
I would appreciate your thoughts about how people like us can thrive in an AI-driven future. What are you doing personally to navigate this uncertain future? Besides curiosity and resilience, are there virtues that you commend to us?
This is out of curiosity. When you were researching for your book Quiet, did you look into autism or neurodivergence? Before reading the book, I went straight to the index, as I do with most books, to see if there were any interesting subjects or people you were writing about. I was looking specifically for those keywords and didn't find them. Slightly disappointed, I read the book anyway and enjoyed it. I have noticed that a few neurodivergent folk have gravitated towards The Quiet Life, so clearly there is a connection there. Given your academic background and your introversion, did you ever consider that you might be a wee bit on the ASD side?
This post on the School of Life Facebook page resonated with me and I’d love to discuss or hear your comments: “The hardest part is not logistics, but clarifying what we deeply and privately want.” I am relearning inward listening in my 60s.
Hi Susan, Thank you for hosting this event. I am looking forward to attending.
I do have a question for you. I identify as an HSP, and an Empath; I also feel like your book, Bittersweet, was written for me! I am a bit of an outsider in my thinking and feeling among my family and friend group. They don't really understand me still. I am 65 years old! After all these years, should I even bother to try to explain what an HSP or emotional empath is and what it feels like to be one? If so, how? They wouldn't give it much thought or effort to learn on their own. Or is it better to just let it be. I just listened to another book* on the subject, and kept thinking how I wish my husband and my adult sons were listening too. To understand me, and perhaps even empathize with me about how difficult it has been at times walking in my shoes with all these strong emotions. Thank you.
* Stop Letting Everything Affect You by Daniel Chidiac (read by the author with a beautiful Australian accent!)
I am 64 years old, I am a HSP, as well, but now, in therapy, and after my daughter has been diagnosed with ASS, the chance is big that I fall too within the autism spectrum. HSP and ASS are very close to each other. Where I struggle the most is within my own family. Sometimes
it seems we don’t understand each other, or we think differently about what has being said, which gives discussions. Do we as HRV or ASS persons always be the one to conform and/or apologize, or can we expect the other tries to cope with how we react/are…?
Hello Ivan, Excellent question. As I too have always been the one to apologize. It has always just seemed the easiest road to take. Although now, I am beginning to wonder why. Maybe Susan can help us.
For me, I want to know why some kids who almost at age six or seven years old at a party even though they know each other, they love to be alone or one to one not more and other ones they love grouping?
As an HSP, also in my 60s, I continue to struggle with absorbing the energy of those around me, whether engaged or not engaged. I've used the tool of envisioning myself in a translucent bubble in which I can interact with others, but their energies can't penetrate into my personal space - sometimes it's been helpful, but I'm curious about other folks' experiences with creating such boundaries for themselves, as I end up feeling exhausted and internally disoriented, especially in larger social situations, leading me to want to avoid them....
I have other plans for tomorrow so I won't be able to attend but plan to listen to the rebroadcast. I don't if you'll have another one later or if I could just do my question here and get an answer later. I am a 70 you're old infp. Since high school until last few years, I've tried very hard to be extrovert. I've been partially successful. I've made a lot of friends. However, I've always struggled in my life. The things I want to do I just am unable to complete them. My jobs I've always had trouble doing. I want to write and do art but have trouble even just sitting down and doing that. I lost my car 3 years ago and even though I've got a lot of options for getting a new one, I just can't seem to bring myself to do it. Never had much of long term relationship with the opposite sex,--I always find ways to sabotage it. Because of my Catholic Church teaching, I was taught to pick up my cross and follow Christ, to always sacrifice. As a result, I went out to do a lot of things and I don't think I ever really took the time I needed to fully recharge before going off to doing something else. I was thinking about just sacrificing for Christ thinking he would take care of me. Trying to recharge now but I'm having a very hard time getting the amount of down time I need. I have a few friends who are very extrovert and call me a lot. Have a very hard time not answering the phone. Okay, this is background. The big question again is could perhaps my long-term lack of getting sufficient down time explain my inability to accomplish the things I want to accomplish? Have other introverts who tried to be extroverts for a long time experienced this? If you like, I can wait till the next time you do this. But I just had to get this out since I'm in the mood. I might not have this opportunity again. Thank you so much for this opportunity! Oh and if you already answered this question, if you could just direct me to the answer that would be great. Thanks again!
Hmmm got any questions Bear?
Bear: Just curious how we can help preserve and teach, the ancient,poetic, philosophical wisdom from all walks of life we come to love for further generations to come and not being forgotten dust on the bookshelf... And how can we add to such profundity...
Oh and creating daydreaming rest time within the work place and schools, day dreaming class?...
Hi Susan,
I'm new to the community and excited about your gathering tomorrow. Thank you so much for hosting 🙏
There is a lot of emphasis on authenticity right now, especially in professional spaces. What are your thoughts on balancing authenticity with discernment - knowing what to share, what not to share, and how to respond to pressure for more openness than feels natural?
Hi Susan, I'll be attending for the first time as I recently joined your community. I'm excited to be a part of the Just Us Sunday morning chat. No question yet. Eager to actively listen.
I would appreciate your thoughts about how people like us can thrive in an AI-driven future. What are you doing personally to navigate this uncertain future? Besides curiosity and resilience, are there virtues that you commend to us?
This is out of curiosity. When you were researching for your book Quiet, did you look into autism or neurodivergence? Before reading the book, I went straight to the index, as I do with most books, to see if there were any interesting subjects or people you were writing about. I was looking specifically for those keywords and didn't find them. Slightly disappointed, I read the book anyway and enjoyed it. I have noticed that a few neurodivergent folk have gravitated towards The Quiet Life, so clearly there is a connection there. Given your academic background and your introversion, did you ever consider that you might be a wee bit on the ASD side?
This post on the School of Life Facebook page resonated with me and I’d love to discuss or hear your comments: “The hardest part is not logistics, but clarifying what we deeply and privately want.” I am relearning inward listening in my 60s.
Hi Susan, Thank you for hosting this event. I am looking forward to attending.
I do have a question for you. I identify as an HSP, and an Empath; I also feel like your book, Bittersweet, was written for me! I am a bit of an outsider in my thinking and feeling among my family and friend group. They don't really understand me still. I am 65 years old! After all these years, should I even bother to try to explain what an HSP or emotional empath is and what it feels like to be one? If so, how? They wouldn't give it much thought or effort to learn on their own. Or is it better to just let it be. I just listened to another book* on the subject, and kept thinking how I wish my husband and my adult sons were listening too. To understand me, and perhaps even empathize with me about how difficult it has been at times walking in my shoes with all these strong emotions. Thank you.
* Stop Letting Everything Affect You by Daniel Chidiac (read by the author with a beautiful Australian accent!)
I am 64 years old, I am a HSP, as well, but now, in therapy, and after my daughter has been diagnosed with ASS, the chance is big that I fall too within the autism spectrum. HSP and ASS are very close to each other. Where I struggle the most is within my own family. Sometimes
it seems we don’t understand each other, or we think differently about what has being said, which gives discussions. Do we as HRV or ASS persons always be the one to conform and/or apologize, or can we expect the other tries to cope with how we react/are…?
Hello Ivan, Excellent question. As I too have always been the one to apologize. It has always just seemed the easiest road to take. Although now, I am beginning to wonder why. Maybe Susan can help us.
For me, I want to know why some kids who almost at age six or seven years old at a party even though they know each other, they love to be alone or one to one not more and other ones they love grouping?
I see and notice that.
Is that ok or not?