Episode 10 Season 4: Twenty-One Ways to Protect Yourself as an HSP

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[00:01:09] Hello everyone and do, 10 to do a few crossover episodes each year

[00:01:22] And across over episode is when I release something as a regular YouTube video

[00:01:27] And as a podcast episode, I do put my podcast on the YouTube channel, but that's a different thing.

[00:01:34] Because those are podcast episodes, this one is both a YouTube video and a podcast episode.

[00:01:40] So keep that in mind, that saves me time allows me to get more people on each site

[00:01:46] And it allows me to get more work out in a quicker amount of time.

[00:01:50] So thank you so much for working with me.

[00:01:52] But this crossover episode is 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP or a highly sensitive person.

[00:02:00] So episode 10 is 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:02:05] Now you'll see some references to the YouTube video or to me clicking or to visuals.

[00:02:12] If you hear that, then that's just me talking about the YouTube video.

[00:02:16] So this isn't visual but keep in mind, keep in mind that for any of these crossover episodes

[00:02:22] If there are visuals involved, then you can go to the YouTube channel and look up the YouTube video

[00:02:28] Of the same name if it's a crossover and find that now this one doesn't have visuals.

[00:02:33] So you won't be missing anything, it's just my talking head, just my face.

[00:02:38] So if you'd like to see me talking and see what I look like when I talk and just hear me

[00:02:43] Where if you're more of a visual person, it might be helpful with the crossover episodes to also go and watch the YouTube video

[00:02:50] Instead of the podcast episode.

[00:02:53] So this is the same one as one of the YouTube videos but it hasn't dropped yet as a podcast until now.

[00:03:00] So it should already be on the YouTube channel.

[00:03:03] So check that out if you'd like to see it instead of just hear it.

[00:03:06] You can just look up the name and you'll find it.

[00:03:09] It's 21 ways to protect yourself as a HSP.

[00:03:12] So part in the sound quality, sometimes the sound quality of the videos is not as good as the audio

[00:03:19] Because I used my iPhone and I was recording in a place where there's a little background noise

[00:03:23] So I try to get all that out but sometimes it's not perfect.

[00:03:26] So thank you for bearing with me and let's go ahead and listen to the episode.

[00:03:31] Hello everyone and welcome to Christian Emotional Recovery, the YouTube channel.

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[00:05:26] Okay, let's go ahead and jump right into the episode.

[00:05:29] This one is 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:05:34] 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:05:38] So when I have done my podcast, the ones that people tend to respond to the most

[00:05:44] is the process of God healing you, the process of what an HSP is,

[00:05:50] which is a highly sensitive person and childhood emotional neglect.

[00:05:54] Those are by far have been the ones that people have viewed the most and asked for more

[00:05:59] resources on.

[00:06:00] So I'm going to try to create more resources and talks on those in particular.

[00:06:04] So I've got five sources that I'll be using in this talk and there's like I said 21 ways

[00:06:09] to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:06:12] And I listed this because there were several articles that had them listed and so this is what

[00:06:17] I added up when I counted them.

[00:06:19] I'm not going to go into like hardcore detail because this talk would go on forever

[00:06:23] about each one but I did want to go over several ways that you can protect yourself in different

[00:06:28] categories of how you can protect yourself in terms of actions and your emotions and boundaries

[00:06:35] and all those things.

[00:06:36] So first, I wanted to talk about what an HSP is.

[00:06:40] Then I'll give context in insights on HSPs, highly sensitive people, how they operate,

[00:06:45] the science behind that and what their gifts are and what makes them vulnerable.

[00:06:50] And I will list some ways then that you can protect yourself as an HSP, how to set boundaries,

[00:06:57] know your types of boundaries, practices to protect your emotions as an HSP and

[00:07:02] waste a protect yourself as a Christian HSP because I think Christianity for people that are

[00:07:08] in paths that are more empathetic, that are more introverted, that are more sensitive.

[00:07:13] That can make us even more vulnerable because people can exploit that or we can have the strong

[00:07:18] sense of moral obligation or moral just wanting to do the right thing and wanting to help

[00:07:26] people and feeling for people in a way that can actually put us in danger if we don't protect

[00:07:31] ourselves.

[00:07:32] And you can help people and still protect yourself, right?

[00:07:35] So let's look a little bit at an HSP.

[00:07:40] There are several articles here.

[00:07:43] I'm going to look at one that's from very well-mond, very well-mond to bear with me.

[00:07:47] I do read awful lot because my computer's here and I have my articles and my notes here

[00:07:51] to help me to give you this information today.

[00:07:54] So, an HSP, first like I said, we need to know a little bit about what an HSP is, the science

[00:08:01] behind it, how they operate and what their gifts are, right?

[00:08:04] So I'm in the very well-mond article, bear with me, you may hear some clicking as well.

[00:08:09] One other place you can go though to get information about what an HSP is, I've got a podcast episode.

[00:08:20] I forgot the exact title, but it's something like what is an HSP?

[00:08:24] And I will put that in the show notes.

[00:08:26] And if you want to know more about HSPs and highly sensitive people,

[00:08:30] and about your experience with this, click on that podcast episode and listen to it.

[00:08:36] Now we'll give you a foundation as well.

[00:08:39] So there's a part of the very well-mond article where it says,

[00:08:43] what causes high sensitivity.

[00:08:46] And it talks about what an HSP is and what causes high sensitivity.

[00:08:50] And it says, a highly sensitive person, this is very well-mond, this is by,

[00:08:55] to an article, Elizabeth Scott PhD, Elizabeth Scott PhD, and it's reviewed by Stephen Gams, MD.

[00:09:02] So a highly sensitive person in HSP is a neurodivergent individual

[00:09:07] who is thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system,

[00:09:10] sensitivity to physical, emotional, and social stimuli.

[00:09:14] So it's an actual scientific definition.

[00:09:18] Now, it says that they're neurodivergent, that's very controversial assumption.

[00:09:22] And I'm not going to say whether they are or they aren't.

[00:09:24] And there are people who are neurodivergent, but what I'm seeing a pattern in our culture,

[00:09:28] happening is that there are people who are genuinely in certain groups,

[00:09:33] and other people want to join that group and put themselves in that category.

[00:09:37] And sometimes I wonder if it might be overused a little bit,

[00:09:40] not to invalidate anybody's experiences.

[00:09:43] So I don't know if that's neurodivergent or not,

[00:09:46] but it is a different way that people operate.

[00:09:49] And there's a small percentage of people that are highly sensitive,

[00:09:52] and your central nervous system is more sensitive

[00:09:56] to physical, emotional, and social stimuli.

[00:09:58] So you have to protect yourself more, right?

[00:10:01] You have to protect yourself more, and it says,

[00:10:03] some refer to this as having sensory processing sensitivity

[00:10:07] or SPS for short. I've never heard that.

[00:10:10] I am not highly sensitive person, and one book that I would highly recommend

[00:10:14] is a book by Elaine Erin, A-R-O-N,

[00:10:17] and I can't remember what it is, but something about

[00:10:20] high sensitivity in a very noisy world.

[00:10:23] I can't remember the name of the book, but I will, is by Elaine Erin,

[00:10:26] and she's one of the authorities on high sensitivity,

[00:10:29] and she's one of the ones that brought out this term,

[00:10:31] and made it respected in the science world,

[00:10:33] and I'm going to link to her book in the show notes,

[00:10:36] so you can refer to it if you want to have a place

[00:10:39] to start in more detail on your own.

[00:10:41] So we're also sensitive to certain things.

[00:10:43] It says that's human nature, but an HSP is understood

[00:10:46] to be different in terms of their level of sensitivity.

[00:10:49] While highly sensitive people are sometimes negatively

[00:10:51] described as being too sensitive, ever heard that, sound familiar,

[00:10:55] it is a personality trait that brings both strengths and challenges.

[00:11:00] The term, highly sensitive person was first coined by psychologist Elaine Erin,

[00:11:05] and R-3 Erin, and that's A-R-O-N in the mid 90s.

[00:11:09] Elaine Erin published her book, The Highly Sensitive Person, in 1996,

[00:11:14] and interest in the concept has continued to grow since.

[00:11:17] So it's think it's the highly, I think that's the same book,

[00:11:19] the highly sensitive person, so how do you know if you're an HSP?

[00:11:23] How do you know if you're an HSP?

[00:11:25] Have you ever been talked to too sensitive?

[00:11:28] Shouldn't things so much, particularly people who strike you

[00:11:31] as to insensitive or who believe you should think a little more?

[00:11:35] You may be a highly sensitive person.

[00:11:38] I think some people process things on the opposite end.

[00:11:42] They need stimulation, they need loudness, they need bright colors,

[00:11:45] they need lots of light, they need social engagement.

[00:11:48] And if you have like neighbors and they play loud music

[00:11:51] and they've got large groups of people in their yard

[00:11:53] and you're highly sensitive and you like dark clouds

[00:11:55] and quiet and solitude, that can drive you nuts.

[00:11:59] So I think people need to be considered of each other.

[00:12:02] I think we need as highly sensitive people to tolerate

[00:12:05] that not everybody's like us and that they need some of that

[00:12:08] but people who are like that are the ones that tend to get

[00:12:12] have more advantage in our society.

[00:12:14] Like people are loud and obnoxious and that seems to be the glorified quality

[00:12:21] where people will try to sting or deliver somebody

[00:12:23] if they ask them to be quiet and they'll call them Karen.

[00:12:26] And I think that people can take that to an extreme.

[00:12:29] You need to keep it in your little thing, there are certain things you need to tolerate

[00:12:33] but at the same time speaking up for yourself does not make you a Karen

[00:12:37] so don't let somebody gaslight you into thinking that.

[00:12:40] So empathy is a spectrum like many qualities

[00:12:43] and can cause difficulty if too high or too low.

[00:12:47] While neither is automatically bad, high empathy can be exhausting

[00:12:51] with appropriate support and coping it's say us.

[00:12:55] Skills you can manage your skills, you can manage your empathy levels

[00:12:59] and care for yourself appropriately.

[00:13:01] So how do you know if you're an HP, it talks about that,

[00:13:05] it goes into more stuff.

[00:13:07] Avoid violent movies or TV shows.

[00:13:09] Some people with high sensitivity may have different sensitivities like

[00:13:13] one HSP can tolerate loud noise but they can't stand bright lights.

[00:13:17] Another person might be the other way around

[00:13:19] or some people that might be both.

[00:13:21] Being deeply moved by beauty, that's an advantage.

[00:13:24] A lot of times HSP is a great artist in musicians,

[00:13:27] they can inspire it, great writers because they have that.

[00:13:31] They're a team to those parts of human existence right?

[00:13:34] Being overwhelmed by sensory stimuli like noisy crowds, bright lights are

[00:13:38] uncomfortable clothing.

[00:13:39] I hate going to things where they're a large crowd generally.

[00:13:42] I hate them.

[00:13:43] I hate them.

[00:13:44] Think parts.

[00:13:45] I used to love them but I hate them now.

[00:13:47] There's just noise, it's loud, it's hot, it's crowded and those are all the things that I hate.

[00:13:52] I like quiet, solitude in just a few people are just me, right?

[00:13:56] So feeling a need for downtime, not just a preference especially when you have

[00:14:01] Hectic Days needing a retreat to a dark quiet room.

[00:14:04] Me, get it, I get it.

[00:14:06] Having a rich and complex inner life, that's another advantage.

[00:14:09] Complete with deep thoughts and strong feelings that go with them.

[00:14:13] Most HSP Christians have a very active spiritual life and do a lot of spiritual practice.

[00:14:20] But the errands also develop highly sensitive personality test or personality questionnaire to help you identify yourself if you're an HSP.

[00:14:28] So that is linked in the very well-mind article in the section on how do you know if you're an HSP.

[00:14:34] So if you want to take that test, you can also Google it and you can probably find TAS there.

[00:14:38] There are about 20% of the population according to this article and it's less common to be highly sensitive and society tends to be built around those who notice a little less and are affected a little less deeply.

[00:14:51] That's what I was talking about, like people will take the side of the person, like if there's a conflict because of that in an environment, they'll take the side of the person that's less sensitive.

[00:15:00] And I don't get there because that person can adapt a lot easier.

[00:15:04] I'll have to do as turn their music down a little bit. They can put on headphones, they can play their music loud inside their house.

[00:15:09] You know there are ways they can adapt that are a minor inconvenience for them and it might completely destroy that other person they have to deal with that because it might trigger PTSD symptoms you get what I'm saying.

[00:15:21] So culture tends to cater to less sensitive people unfortunately.

[00:15:27] And extrovert. There's nothing wrong with being less sensitive, there's nothing wrong with being an extrovert.

[00:15:31] But I'm glad that culture is starting to understand some of these other types more.

[00:15:37] What causes high sensitivity? Well it depends on factors such as evolution, environment, genetics and early childhood experiences.

[00:15:44] High sensitivity it says exists in at least 100 other species aside from humans.

[00:15:49] Research suggests the high sensitivity is an evolutionary trait that increases the likelihood of survival because HSPs are on the lookout for potential predators and dangerous situations.

[00:16:01] So that is a trait that has been created in a small version of the population so that we can protect ourselves from back in the day, segur to tiger.

[00:16:11] It would be the first one to hear it. We would be the first one to see something lurking in the dark.

[00:16:17] And so that is actually something that can keep a whole tribe alive or a whole group or pack of animals alive when the one that sensitive detects it and alerts the other to the danger or whatever.

[00:16:29] So if you experience trauma as a child, you may be more likely to become an HSP as an adult as a whale.

[00:16:34] So that's another thing. It is because you're in fight or flight, you're more aware of things or hypervigilant if you're hypervigilant and then if you have a natural sensitivity like I do then that just kind of doubles it and you're you can have issues with the dreamnals and high cortisol and over stimulation.

[00:16:51] And that's why we talk about vague, the vagus nerve and vague or nerve stimulation to kind of regulate and be in that core place of being a healthy introvert and empath where you're not a restimulated.

[00:17:04] So there's a lot of factors but it is something that is respected in science because there's a lot of scientific research that proves it.

[00:17:13] Similar conditions and traits introversion sensory processing disorder autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

[00:17:21] So there's some things that can overlap and or be mixed up with it. That doesn't mean you have any of those or that you are any of those. It doesn't mean you're not.

[00:17:29] So every situation is different and it's not good or bad. It's just it is what it is. And every condition or tendency comes with its own sets of strengths and challenges.

[00:17:41] And so it's not about well I'm autistic, so I'm not as good as you know you have unique gifts but unique challenges that you need to integrate and deal with.

[00:17:51] And that's okay if you're an introvert we live in a society where intro extroverts are glorified and introverts are only I don't want to say they're considered inferior but we cater to extroverts.

[00:18:02] And I think that's wrong. I mean I think introverts are just as good as extroverts and they have gifts that extroverts don't have God made us all different for a reason.

[00:18:12] There's a wide variety of people because God wounded us to have unique gifts so we can help each other. We're like pieces of a puzzle and we work together we are a whole right.

[00:18:22] That's why the sensitive people and animals alerting people to dangers a good thing that's why our sensitive souls that create the art and the music and the books that we love.

[00:18:33] The people that have insights into human nature, the healers, the lovers, the activists, those people we need them and those are the highly sensitive people that have special gifts.

[00:18:44] So it can be confused with other things and it does overlap with other things too.

[00:18:49] In fact, being an HSP, advantages and challenges you might avoid situations that you that leave you feeling overwhelmed. That's a disadvantage.

[00:18:57] You might be highly touched by beauty or emotionality. That can be a good thing if you don't let it you know you just want to keep that balanced of course.

[00:19:06] You may be particularly close in terms of your relationships. It is piece field deeply so they get very close to people that are safe.

[00:19:15] So that's why you have to protect your energy from people that are toxic and unhealthy because you're more vulnerable.

[00:19:20] But when you have those deep trusting relationships, those bonds are so powerful and so healing.

[00:19:27] So you may also be grateful for the life you have.

[00:19:30] I like since people appreciate things like fun, wine, a good meal, a beautiful song or a level that most people can't access.

[00:19:36] So just daily life, I mean when I'm healthy because I have so many health problems, I just go around so thankful for the even though I don't like bright blacks in the sky.

[00:19:47] There's also something about it. I'm grateful for and rain and food and grass and trees and birds and air and just everything, you know.

[00:19:57] And so if you're an HSP, you probably understand that.

[00:20:01] HSP is not throughout well with hectic schedules, high expectations that are constantly coming from others, conflicts or social comparison.

[00:20:09] I don't like any of those things. Those things in of themselves are not bad, but HSP's tend to not like those things. They tend to not like those things.

[00:20:18] So I could keep going on, but you know, I want to talk about ways to integrate being an HSP in ways to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:20:29] So a little bit about that, like I said, bear with me, I'm looking at my notes here. I've got a lot of notes for this one.

[00:20:36] So how do you protect yourself in terms of being an HSP? First, I want to talk a little bit about a little bit more about how HSP's operate.

[00:20:47] And then we'll talk about ways you can protect yourself. So there's an article called 12 self-care coping skills.

[00:20:54] 12 self-care coping skills for empaths or highly sensitive people to prevent burnout.

[00:20:59] That's a long title. So I won't repeat it. And it's from a website called courageous and mindful courageous and mindful. I was trying to find an author.

[00:21:09] By Heather Tim, M.A. L. PC, Heather Tim, T.I.M. M is the writer. And this is on courageous and mindful.

[00:21:18] And so HSP's and empaths are not exactly the same thing, but I think they're closely related enough that the insights that you get and there's so much overlap like, are almost the same thing.

[00:21:28] But it says if you're an empath or highly sensitive person, it can seem like a world around you is constantly invading your personal bubble.

[00:21:35] And without proper care, the world can wear you down and burn you out. And this person has some strategies to help you protect yourself. I'm not going to go over there's right now.

[00:21:44] But what is an empath? But so in paths, I think this is a word that gets thrown around and used a lot.

[00:21:50] And I've actually heard people call themselves one that very clearly were not. Have heard narcissists call themselves an empath.

[00:21:57] I can't even say anything. I can't even say anything. I can't even say anything.

[00:22:04] But empaths can be described as an emotional sponge. They're very sensitive and two of people who can feel another person's emotions or the emotions in a room.

[00:22:14] And the opposite are the opposite of narcissists. Specifically, these are folks that can put themselves in another person's shoes to understand their feelings and experiences better.

[00:22:24] So it's a special gift that God gave some of us because even the Bible says when your friend or your neighbor is joyful, celebrate with them when they're sad, more with them.

[00:22:36] And that's something that empaths do very well naturally.

[00:22:41] But in empathy, the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling more than the average person, meaning that an empath takes this to the next level from what the average person feels.

[00:22:53] Not that regular people can't feel empathy. Of course they can. And we know that full blown narcissists have no empathy.

[00:23:00] And then empaths can have very high levels of empathy. And I used to think, I used to think that there was no way you could have too much empathy.

[00:23:08] And I do think that you can now. I think that you can have so much empathy that it can actually cripple you.

[00:23:15] And it can cause you to enmesh with other people, meaning there's no boundaries. It's not healthy. And that's where you burn yourself out and you let people run over you and you let people abuse you.

[00:23:27] And you can have so much feeling for somebody that you drown in that. If you look at the news, there's always somebody who's dying. There's always somebody who's suffering.

[00:23:36] And if you were to just dwell on that and try to help every single person that exists, which you can't do, you would just completely collapse in exhaustion and overwhelm.

[00:23:49] And so there is a certain level of calllessness that you have to have. That's not the right word, but you have to set a boundary. You can't feel everything all the time. You can't help everybody.

[00:24:00] The best place to start is right where you're at and help the people in your own community.

[00:24:04] Help the people that are right here around you, or help people in an issue where you feel a really strong conviction.

[00:24:12] Or that's why I do this work because I want to help people like you and like me who have been mistreated and run over and abused and neglected.

[00:24:21] And I want to help you to get the life that you deserve. I want you to be able to not suffer and that's why I focus on this.

[00:24:29] And it doesn't mean that if there's a need, you don't help somebody in some other area, but focusing on one area is one way that she can protect yourself, but still help people.

[00:24:39] Focus on the people in your own community and the people that are around you here and now.

[00:24:45] So empathy is on a spectrum. It's where you can relate to others emotions without taking on their emotions. So that's the balance. That's why I said, you want to feel for them that you don't want to take it on.

[00:24:57] It's kind of like when I talk about processing your emotions in the acorn meditations.

[00:25:03] You feel the emotion, but you don't enmesh with it. You don't drown in it. You don't let it possess you or controlling. That makes sense.

[00:25:11] So empathy is the same way with somebody you can feel with them and feel for them without drowning in that or just letting it take you over.

[00:25:19] And so you have to have filters. You have to have filters.

[00:25:23] So basically the science behind an empath there is science here too. It's not just made up.

[00:25:31] So what are mirror neurons? They've done research where empaths or HSPs have people with high empathy traits on tests.

[00:25:41] They have what are called more mirror neurons and mirror neurons create mimicry where you mimic.

[00:25:47] And it says if you ever held an infant and smelled them, you may have noticed that they smell back in return.

[00:25:53] The same is true. If you stuck your tongue out of them and they in turn stuck out their tongue to you. And of course the classic young, you young, you get the idea.

[00:26:01] Unless you're a sociopath. It says mirror neurons can be activated and create mimicry.

[00:26:07] For example, in the empath has mirror neurons that are more easily activated and cue areas of the empaths brain to light up with a stronger response.

[00:26:15] And I would add here in brackets than the average person.

[00:26:19] Meaning the same motor and sensory areas of the empaths brain light up as the person's brain that they are observing.

[00:26:27] Very interesting, right? However this is done on a spectrum. The average non-narsist, not psychopath, not sociopath person feels empathy

[00:26:35] and is a form of attenuation, meaning they feel it to a degree.

[00:26:39] But for an empath, these areas may light up more intensely which takes the empath to the next level.

[00:26:45] So you can do brain scans and see the proof that some people have this attimate more than others in their actual brain.

[00:26:53] So then it just gives examples of how somebody might feel empathy. If somebody stops their toe in your like,

[00:27:02] oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. You're like, that's so scary. I know what it feels like to stub my toe and just say,

[00:27:07] all kinds of things I shouldn't. And then you feel the other person's pain. You know, sometimes it can be kind of funny but then they're sad, horrible situations too, right?

[00:27:17] But attenuation makes it possible to empathize with another person's distress but not become overwhelmed by it and render you just as helpless,

[00:27:26] unless of course you're an empath. At which point you feel the other person's distress to a much higher degree and main fact,

[00:27:31] feel a sense of helplessness. But there are ways that you can sort of protect yourself and pull back from that and still feel this

[00:27:40] sense of empathy. And so it just keeps going with different examples of this empathy and how it lights up the brain and how impacts have more of it than others.

[00:27:49] And even cognitive empathy is the ability to understand how a person feels emotionally and what they might be thinking.

[00:27:55] For an empath, this ability comes easier and as a result, it makes them better communicators because they can use this information to reach the other person.

[00:28:05] So, empaths when they find the right people and you find the right safe people, you can actually have better relationships and more deep relationships than an average person.

[00:28:14] Emotional empathy or affective that's AFFECT, the empathy is the ability to pick on effective states of others. I feel your pain is used to build emotional connection with other people.

[00:28:28] So, if you're next to somebody and that says they start to cry when you're experiencing most likely impact you in male, emotional response from you.

[00:28:38] So you will start to feel with that other person's feels in a lot of ways.

[00:28:42] Compassionate empathy and understanding others and their feelings. The impacts kryptonite is...

[00:28:50] So, this is where the kicker comes in. No surprise here but the impacts kryptonite are those that struggle with personality disorders more specifically narcissistic personalities disorder at the very least those with high narcissistic traits.

[00:29:04] Narcissism, sorry, narcissism exists on a spectrum but the hallmark criteria of the narcissist are lack of empathy and inflated sense of self-importance in a sense of entitlement and the key need for admiration.

[00:29:19] You would think that these hallmark criteria would repel most people but narcissists can also be very charismatic and charming to get the idea. Here is where the hook comes in.

[00:29:31] So, narcissists don't have to help the self-worth and self-esteem.

[00:29:35] So, they're constantly seeking praise and instead they project their sense of worthlessness and shame onto others because the impact is driven by they need to help others because they attempt other people.

[00:29:45] Because they have those mirror neurons that reflect back whatever that person is showing them.

[00:29:51] They try to heal the wounded narcissists with love and compassion but they end up taking on those characteristics and they end up absorbing all that toxic energy.

[00:29:58] So, what ends up happening is the impact has a good, unless they have good boundaries.

[00:30:03] They will absorb the narcissist's feelings of worthless and shame and the narcissist will project them onto them so it's a double wami and treat them like they're worthless and give them shame.

[00:30:16] So, they know how to manipulate and gain and impact love by providing what feels like loving connection.

[00:30:22] And then it's like they do this bait and switch works just this constantly feast and fame and love bombing, hoovering, love bombing is where they're just like so wonderful.

[00:30:35] And there's such connection but it's just like this care is, it's like if you meet somebody in two weeks you're like we're getting married.

[00:30:42] You're like what?

[00:30:43] That's probably a narcissist and an empath and because they love bombing, they pull you into a quick that by the time you realize how they are, you're already invested and it's dangerous.

[00:30:53] So, what is just occurred as an empathsist to self-worth as now become contingent on healing the wounded narcissists.

[00:30:59] If they can overcome the challenge of making a person who is not capable of love, love them, the empath is truly worthy of love.

[00:31:06] And it doesn't work folks, the ever with a narcissist it never, ever works.

[00:31:11] The only thing you can do is set boundaries and or get the hell away from them, pardon my language but that's what you have to do.

[00:31:18] And that is where protecting your self comes in.

[00:31:21] And everything is not narcissism. They're the world is chaotic. The world is unpredictable and so just your environment.

[00:31:29] There are specific ways as an empath and as an HSP, a highly sensitive person that you can protect yourself.

[00:31:36] And so I just wanted to give you some context on how HSP's operate the science behind it what the gifts are and what makes them vulnerable.

[00:31:44] So how do you set boundaries? I'm going to go through these kind of fast.

[00:31:47] There's an article here about setting boundaries as an HSP, pardon the clicking. Like I said, I'm looking at four or five articles here.

[00:31:56] This one is called the Art of Boundary Setting for a highly sensitive person and it's by Joseph Nuvie, how Nuvie.

[00:32:04] And it's in a article, I mean it's in a website called Highly Sensitive Refuge.

[00:32:09] I've been to this website, it's a really good website. There's a lot of good resources there if you're an HSP check it out.

[00:32:15] So it's highly sensitive refuge.com I'll put it in the show notes.

[00:32:20] And this one is the Art of Boundary Setting for the Highly Sensitive person and this is where the 21 ways to protect yourself come in.

[00:32:26] And some of those are about boundary setting.

[00:32:29] So in this article, I'm going to read a section called what are boundaries and why your boundaries import it in the article and four tips for setting boundaries.

[00:32:38] So what are boundaries? You probably know a little bit about that. We have some, I have some resources on that.

[00:32:45] I will put those in the show notes as well and may have a YouTube video of it. I'm not sure but I think I have a podcast on it.

[00:32:52] So what are boundaries?

[00:32:54] Boundaries of the limits we set for ourselves in order to protect our physical emotional and mental well being says this article.

[00:33:01] They are behaviors that are and are not acceptable to us. It helps to think of them as invisible lines that separate us from others and help us feel safe, respected and in control.

[00:33:14] As for types of boundaries, they can be physical such as personal space, emotional such as not allowing others to make us feel guilty or responsible for their emotions or mental such as not allowing others to manipulate our control list.

[00:33:27] So why are boundaries especially important for highly sensitive people? They're important for everybody.

[00:33:32] But for highly sensitive people it says, there's so empathetic and caring this can make it challenging for you to set boundaries.

[00:33:40] You may be a people pleaser and feel guilty to say no to people. I get people contacting me all the time talking about and saying what do I do.

[00:33:47] And I'll give them resources on boundary setting. You can set boundaries and still love people and still be kind of people and still help people.

[00:33:53] We're called by God to do that. And so as HSPs we probably have even a strong or sense of obligation where we can feel guilty and that is no.

[00:34:03] Don't lay in anybody manipulate you with fear obligation and guilt. Again, I have a podcast coming out on that called coming out of the fog.

[00:34:11] Fear obligation and guilt is coming out of fog. And narcissists will take that quality in you that is a gift that is about loving other people and they won't exploit it.

[00:34:21] Don't let them do it. Don't let them do it. It says, or you may be feel responsible for other feelings. You are not responsible for anybody else's feelings.

[00:34:31] Now, if you do something that hurts somebody, you should apologize but you are not responsible for somebody else's feelings automatically.

[00:34:39] And then, however, it is important to remember that setting boundaries is not selfish. It is a necessary part of self care without having any any in place. You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, drained and taken advantage of.

[00:34:52] You can't do God's work because you're not functional. So you have to set boundaries in order to be able to be your best and to help and to serve. That's the irony.

[00:35:02] By setting boundaries, you are able to protect your energy and maintain healthy relationship.

[00:35:07] So four tips for setting boundaries for the highly sensitive person that you're some of the ways that I was talking about to protect yourself.

[00:35:13] Know your limits and like what makes you feel like what makes you feel overwhelmed.

[00:35:17] Start to study when you start to get overwhelmed and ask yourself, have I had enough? Can I do this anymore?

[00:35:24] And so the first tip is setting boundaries is knowing your limits. Understanding what drains your energy, what makes you feel overwhelmed and what is or is not acceptable to you.

[00:35:34] Take some time, maybe an adjourn to reflect on what you need in order to feel safe, respected and in control.

[00:35:41] Writing them down in journaling helps to there's a link here so there may be some techniques in this highly sensitive refuge boundary setting article.

[00:35:49] In number one of tips to set boundaries that might help you.

[00:35:52] Communicate your boundaries to others. Practice does make perfect.

[00:35:56] So when you first do this, you will be terrified especially if somebody that's bullied you or pushed you around and keep in mind not everybody who you feel pushed around by is necessarily bad or narcissists.

[00:36:06] They might not know that you are overwhelmed or that you need space.

[00:36:11] They might be a good person so keep that in mind just because you're overwhelmed by somebody doesn't think they're bad or maybe it's a child or somebody who's special needs.

[00:36:19] And you need help and you need space. And with people that can do this, you may need them to say no I can't do that for you not right now I'm sorry.

[00:36:30] So practice is scary but you get better at it and it starts to feel more natural. It really does.

[00:36:37] I've struggled with this myself and I've gotten better about speaking up about my needs. I struggle with it, especially with people who can be more difficult, but I have learned to get a lot better at this.

[00:36:48] So once you know your limits is important to communicate your boundaries to others it says this can be intimidating especially if you're not used to sending boundaries.

[00:36:56] However, it is important to be clear and direct in your communication you can do it in a loving way use I statements such as I feel overwhelmed when I have too many commitments.

[00:37:07] You're genuinely expressing how you feel what you need and with more practice it does get easier so you're not saying you're doing this and you're doing that. That's how you're going to get a reaction but if you say I feel I in this way then that is a better way to communicate your boundaries and a way that's kind and in a way where somebody is more likely to understand.

[00:37:26] Keep in mind in narcissists sometimes they'll understand but more times they're not going to understand that you have to set your boundaries anyway.

[00:37:34] And with people that are good and maybe they just don't realize it a lot of times they're like oh my gosh I'm so sorry and you're like no no no no no but you just need to tell them you know stand up for yourself and practice being assertive assertiveness is the ability to express your thoughts feelings and needs in a direct and respectful way. It's a form of standing up for yourself.

[00:37:53] Did Jesus sit back and just I don't want to hurt their feelings or did he speak out and say what he needed to say. He didn't say any more or any less than that he was loving and kind about it. He was direct and with the Pharisees but he was not nice he would just tell them straight up.

[00:38:12] How dare you know and I'm not saying we should do that but I'm just saying that Jesus there's nothing wrong with being assertive Jesus was without sin.

[00:38:21] Then that proves that being assertive and setting boundaries and being a straightforward is not a sin. So it's important to practice assertiveness when setting boundaries because it allows you to be clear and direct without being aggressive or passive.

[00:38:35] So if you don't want to go to the movie for any night you need to say so you know respect others boundaries too when they're physical emotional or mental. So this goes both ways.

[00:38:45] It's about respecting other people's boundaries recognizing them if you start to see somebody that seems like they're overwhelmed as an impact and tune into that ask them are you okay.

[00:38:54] Do you need us to maybe table this and do this later be considerate of other people even if they're not speaking up and maybe just check in with them because that can be very helpful.

[00:39:06] It's good in relationships where you care about people because people may not always be consciously aware of it or maybe they're scared to say something too.

[00:39:13] And so it might not be you it could just be they have that struggle with that same thing. So you know if somebody seems to be struggling you know just pulling aside privately and ask them are you okay.

[00:39:24] Are we okay is everything cool do you need anything because that's about other people's boundaries too.

[00:39:30] It's important to respect the boundaries of others this includes not crossing their physical emotional or mental boundaries. It also means being understanding if they need to set boundaries with you.

[00:39:40] So don't take it too personally it's things I've had it staying when somebody set boundaries with me but if I know they love me I know that at them and not me and I don't have to take that personally and then I got over it very quickly.

[00:39:52] It gets better with time as you learn to work with this when you realize people's intentions are not bad when you know that person.

[00:39:59] Just think about how much you appreciate it when others respect and honor your boundaries it says and do the same here.

[00:40:06] So different types of boundaries these are other ways you can protect yourself physical boundaries is one of the ones I mentioned earlier setting physical boundaries is highly important for highly sensitive people.

[00:40:18] It involves creating limits on how much time you spend with others setting physical limits on personal space and touch.

[00:40:24] For example if you don't feel comfortable with someone wanting to shake your hand or hug you you might say I don't feel comfortable with physical touch please don't hug me.

[00:40:31] You can smile at them or you know the kind that you can be honest about it.

[00:40:37] It sets a clear boundary maybe somebody is standing too close to you you may move back a bit or something like that.

[00:40:44] But setting limits with how much time you spend with others like I can only meet for an hour.

[00:40:48] It's also in pit port and have a physical space you can retreat to when you need time alone or time to read charge like your sanctuary a calm soothing place with your favorite pillows blanket soft lighting and so on and to communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully.

[00:41:02] So that's physical boundaries emotional boundaries these are the ones we have to sit with narcissists especially.

[00:41:09] I'm that is setting emotional boundaries might involve not allowing others to make you feel responsible for their emotions are not allowing yourself to fill overwhelmed by the emotions of others.

[00:41:18] That's where you have to pull back you don't miss that's not selfish that's actually healthy and emeshment can actually be debilitating and toxic so that is not the kind of Christian love that we're called half.

[00:41:31] The kind of recall to have is to feel for other people but still set that boundary where we don't get into it so much that we get lost okay.

[00:41:41] So if you say for example I understand that you're upset but it is not my responsibility to fix your problems or I'm here to support you but it's ultimately your responsibility to manage your emotions of course we're talking about adults not children with children we have to teach them these things and we have to empathize and mirror we can still not get emesh like if they're throwing a tantrum.

[00:42:00] You can just be calm and set a boundary and empathize reflect what they're going through without giving into their tantrum that's hard right.

[00:42:12] And it's some adults do that narcissists are still still like like two year olds when they throw a tantrum and you might have to deal with them differently because that they're an adult and that's when you would say your feelings are not my responsibility.

[00:42:25] Whereas with a child you might have to God them more right. So if you've got a friend who's emotionally immature and they're trying to grow yeah you can help them but only if they're showing signs and actions that they're actually trying to do that not trying to use you right and make you responsible for how they feel.

[00:42:45] So mental boundaries is another one mental boundaries are another important aspect of self care for how they sensitive people setting mental boundaries involves being aware of protecting your thoughts and beliefs.

[00:42:57] It is about being control of your thoughts emotions and beliefs and not letting others dictate how you should think or feel.

[00:43:05] One way to set mental boundaries is by asserting being assertive and having direct communication.

[00:43:10] For example when you say something like I appreciate your opinion but I continue to hold my own beliefs about this and we're not be coerced into thinking otherwise it's one thing to respect somebody's opinion

[00:43:20] But if they're trying to shove their opinion down your throat yeah you can set a boundary right.

[00:43:25] I could be saying something like I'm going to take a break from this conversation and process my thoughts before responding.

[00:43:30] What an narcissist or just somebody who's ever very often do is they'll take the like try to just ran through your boundary.

[00:43:38] They'll try to just push through and you have to set that boundary and be firm with it and stick with it and you will feel so vulnerable that do not give in.

[00:43:48] Do not let them cross your boundary hold the line with those kind of people always hold the line with those kind of people.

[00:43:54] And they will try to get an answer out of you if they're trying to all get you to something and get you to commit to something you don't want to do.

[00:44:03] A phrase I've learned even when I'm flustered is I'll get back to you let me get back to you and that okay.

[00:44:09] I'll get back to you let me get back to you with that on cave okay and that tends to neutralize the conversation and it gives you time to think about it where you can process it when they're not in your face when you're calm.

[00:44:20] And that's a way you can set up boundary time boundaries is the fourth and last one.

[00:44:25] So we have physical emotional mental and time boundaries time boundaries involve creating boundaries around the amount of time you spend with others as well as the amount of time you have for yourself.

[00:44:38] It's necessary for HSPs to help them rejuvenate because they can get over one by social interactions work and activities.

[00:44:45] For example, you might tell someone anytime for myself and will not be available for social activities every night of the week or on certain nights or days of the week.

[00:44:54] That allows you to create a balance between your social life for self-care and self-reflection or maybe you've already done three social engagements that week and somebody.

[00:45:02] So like hey, you've gotta go to this thing and you say no it's okay. You can say no it's like Sunday night your burnt out you need to relax and maybe you need to just fetch in front of the TV and binge Netflix.

[00:45:15] So you do that or you need to spend the day and you spend your time with God or in worship on Sunday morning whatever that is for you and church or online church or your quiet time and then you take a nap and eat a good meal and then you clean up and you watch TV and take a nap.

[00:45:29] Everybody needs that and HSPs need to especially but everybody needs it, right.

[00:45:39] So that was some of the things about boundary setting in relationships and how to protect yourself as an HSPs specially in setting boundaries.

[00:45:47] So those were some of the 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:45:52] So the list here that covers some other ones and there are a bunch here follow me but I'm just going to go straight on through these to help you to understand a little bit more about protecting yourself.

[00:46:05] The last one is ways to protect yourself as a Christian HSP and we'll get there in just a little bit so bear with me, I know this one's kind of long.

[00:46:13] So what are some ways to protect yourself emotionally five ways to protect your emotions I'm just going to go over these very quickly first five ways to protect yourself as your emotions and then ways to protect yourself as a Christian HSP okay.

[00:46:29] So there's an article here in highly sensitive refuge against the same resource highly sensitive refuge but a different article five ways to protect your emotions as an HSP by KC Hayes by KC Hayes and it talks about these ways and one of them is get out in nature aside from coming your over stimulated HSP sensitive it's good for you.

[00:46:51] And so you know that could be going for a walk sitting outside and listening to the birds going to a park going hiking going kayaking going to the beach or the mountains it might be sitting outside for five minutes all the way to a week long vacation so there's just getting the outside and immersing yourself in nature is calming and soothing and healing.

[00:47:12] Number two, sage or space it helps clean you of uncomfortable lingering emotions now I know this one is controversial rooted in ancient indigenous and Native American traditions if you don't feel comfortable with this if you don't want to do this then don't do it but some people find sage burning.

[00:47:30] It just is sort of a practice that helps them to kind of clear everything out okay so that if you don't want to do it like I said don't knock me that's what the articles talking about you don't have to do it but some people do find it helpful.

[00:47:43] Number three visualize a productive force to help calm your overwhelmed emotions so for us that's the presence of God.

[00:47:50] Despite it says many of us stay in home these days the time will come again when we find ourselves less than optimal social situations I guess this is written during covert.

[00:47:59] Since we overwhelmed do to multiple energies battling for attention or feeling drained after encounter with an energy vampire I have one of those in my life I know how that is and I have to completely block them from my life.

[00:48:11] I have to and they do not stop trying to push those boundaries and I have to keep strong with my boundaries but anyway.

[00:48:23] Visualization techniques are an effective tool for helping you to stay integrated visualizing calm do listening to meditations listening to stuff like that so that's another one you can do is visualize a protective force to calm you.

[00:48:40] You can put your picture sort of this bubble around them some people like I said you can picture God's literal physical presence of protection around you angels protecting you that God has sent.

[00:48:54] There's a lot of ways that you can do that but meditation visualization sitting in silence picturing the white glowing lights around it surrounding your being like rays from the sun I've done meditations like that sort of create the sort of space around you that just keep yourself and I give that credit to God.

[00:49:09] I see that as God's power. I see that as the power of the Holy Spirit and the number four you last grounding techniques like sitting still taking a deep breath measured breaths.

[00:49:19] One thing that I do is I do a lot of body scan meditations where I feel certain parts of my body I breathe into them, I release the tension and I go through every part of my body and I consciously feel myself breathing into that and I actually feel that.

[00:49:37] I feel that like I'm real, I know I'm there and grounding that's kind of what it is getting grounded in your body and mind as a powerful step when it comes to guarding your feelings and well-being.

[00:49:48] Grounding techniques pull us back to solid earth so a lot of times it's feeling the earth beneath your feet or beneath your body.

[00:49:55] When a stressful situation or emotional events and a spiraling such as receiving criticism at work or getting into an argument or partner.

[00:50:02] It's very strange, but it works. Putting taking a seat, playing both feet firmly on the floor to gain a sense of stability and support.

[00:50:10] Having some kind of anchor like God at night I sleep with this small pillow and I'll wrap myself and hug it.

[00:50:18] If you have a, if you're in a relationship, if you're married you might cut a with your partner that could be a grounding technique as well.

[00:50:27] You can do breathing techniques where you breathe, your heart rate is up, you breathe and you can't hold it for a couple of seconds and you go back down and you do that for a few breaths.

[00:50:39] Things like that. Those are good techniques. Engage in mindset work. Try not to try to find the root of what is depleting your emotions is number five.

[00:50:48] The most effective in protecting our emotions is realizing what our energy is being depleted in the first place.

[00:50:56] So being consciously aware of it and just kind of coming back to the asking questions journaling or just reflecting, taking some time to check in with yourself.

[00:51:04] Why do I feel anxious because I have important call on the calendar? Why did would I make that make me anxious?

[00:51:10] Because I want the call to go well and I'm afraid it won't. That's an example of how you might check in with yourself.

[00:51:15] I can make you more aware of it but being aware of it can actually help you to get a grip on it, right?

[00:51:21] So once you get a true root to your anxious energy, you can take steps to contribute to a positive outcome as best you can.

[00:51:28] For example, preparing well for the outcome of that meeting.

[00:51:33] I get nervous when I do these talks because I'm scared so many are going to cut grass or I'm scared that the equipment is going to fill. I'm scared I'm going to screw up, but I just have to go with it.

[00:51:41] Be aware of it and then go with it, right? So those are five ways to protect your emotions as an HSP.

[00:51:50] And so the last section that I wanted to cover was Christians are especially vulnerable as HSP because they're in a double way and me, so to speak of being sensitive to the needs of other people.

[00:52:04] You know that God commands us to love people and to help people.

[00:52:07] You also are attuned to that naturally so that can people can take advantage of that even when they don't mean to, they can take advantage of that.

[00:52:15] And so here are some things you can do to protect yourself. This is part of those 21 as a Christian HSP.

[00:52:22] Can cultivate a strong relationship with God. Pray regularly, spend time in prayer and seek guidance, strengthen comfort, reach scripture, especially verses they've emphasized God's love protection wisdom and healing.

[00:52:34] For example Psalm 91 which is one of my favorites and Matthew 11 28 through 30.

[00:52:40] Another one set boundaries, learn to say no, recognize your limits and do not over commit. It's actually a good Christian practice to do that because if you help everybody all the time,

[00:52:51] you're going to be drained and dead and then you can help nobody in the time. So you're actually being more efficient and helping more people to implement boundaries and self care.

[00:53:02] Okay, and it talks about that in Luke 516.

[00:53:11] Prioritize self care is another thing. Make time to rest and have renewal follow the principles of Sabbath risk. Exodus 28 through 11 talks about that.

[00:53:22] Number 3 support yourself with supportive community join a fake base group like a church or a club or a group in a Bible study or a support group.

[00:53:32] In small group or Bible study that offers mutual support and encouragement seek mentorship, find a trusted mentor or spiritual advisor, career understands your sensitivity and can offer wise counsel.

[00:53:42] That might even be taking an online program if you don't have access to people in person.

[00:53:47] Surround yourself with supportive community is number 4 3. Number 4 is practice emotional awareness and regulation as I was talking about a minute ago, check in with yourself.

[00:53:57] Signalage your emotions in your feelings be honest with yourself and God about how you're feeling about things. You Psalms as a model for expressing a wide range of feelings to God.

[00:54:09] I've heard people say that certain emotions just having them is a sin. They're not a sin, unless you have malicing you want to kill somebody or something but anger, shame, sadness, fear those are part of the natural range of human emotions that God gave us.

[00:54:24] Overwhelming yourself with them isn't going to help but neither is denying them. That's why I have the acroentechny so you can process that stuff, right? You can process it.

[00:54:34] Develop coping strategies techniques like breathing journaling reflective prayer to manage overwhelming emotions.

[00:54:40] Number 5. Engage in spiritual disciplines. I talk about doing the sematic and healing work. There's a lot of overlap here, even as a Christian to protect yourself as an HSP.

[00:54:50] Meditation and contemplation, spending time and quiet reflection focusing on God's prayer promises and presence.

[00:54:57] Philippians 4 8 is what that's based on.

[00:55:00] Empraise is part of engaging in your spiritual practice, participate in worship to shift your focus from stressors to God's greatness and goodness.

[00:55:10] And that might be presenting to praise and worship music. It might be doing some kind of singing or some kind of meditation that is more of a praise.

[00:55:20] And in a type there's a lot of ways you can do praise and worship. At church or at home or any other places embrace your identity. Sorry, I went ahead.

[00:55:30] Engage in spiritual disciplines with number 5, number 6, Gargier Harden Mount. Filter input.

[00:55:38] Exposure to negative or stressful media focus on what is true noble, right, pure lovely and admirable sound familiar because it's Philippians 4 8.

[00:55:46] Be mindful of relationships is another part of guarding your heart and mind. Choose friends and associates who are uplifting and avoid those who drain and exploit your sensitivity.

[00:55:57] Even the Bible talks about not keeping company with people that are rebel browsers, people that stir up trouble in a bad way. People that are always causing conflict, people that are dragging down even the Bible talks about not keeping company with quote, fools.

[00:56:13] And so that's biblical as well. Gargier Harden Mount is number 6, number 7. Embrace your identity in Christ.

[00:56:21] Affirm your work. Remind yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. I see that all the time on this channel.

[00:56:26] And that's based on Psalms 13914 that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and deeply loved by God.

[00:56:33] Focus on your purpose is another part of embracing your identity and Christ. Understand that your sensitivity is a gift for compassion and empathy, which can be used to serve others in Christ like love but it has to be protected.

[00:56:45] It's precious, you're precious. You're not better than anybody else but you are precious and you deserve to be protected and loved.

[00:56:52] That is the opposite of probably what you've got growing up in in a lot of relationships, but you are precious. You are a treasure and you deserve to be loved and protected.

[00:57:03] The end. Okay, so that was some of the ways you can protect yourself as a Christian HSP. Why are we more vulnerable?

[00:57:12] Well, because we have high empathy, Christian HSP's often filled with strong calling to help others because we're called to do that, which can lead to over extending ourselves into collecting our own needs.

[00:57:23] The moral and ethical sensitivity, a strong sense of right and wrong can cause HSP's to feel deeply affected by injustice and sin in the world.

[00:57:31] And that's why there's a strong social justice movement right now, whether whatever you feel about that, a lot of those people are HSP's.

[00:57:39] I am an INFJ, which is an introvert, intuitive, feeling, judge and those people are very justice oriented as well.

[00:57:49] More than ethical sensitivity is one of them right and wrong.

[00:57:54] A strong sense of right and wrong. We're very attuned to that deeply affected by injustice and sin in the world and we don't want to see that. It breaks our heart.

[00:58:03] For peace, the pursuit of peace and harmony can make it HSP's more susceptible to being taken advantage of about others who do not share their values.

[00:58:11] So I like peace. I can't stand conflict. I hate it. And so if somebody's doing or saying something that might be something I need to say something about, I don't want to because I don't want to rock the boat. I want to stir up trouble.

[00:58:23] There are times where you do need to speak up and that is the right thing to do and that is okay. So that is another thing that Christian HSPs can be more vulnerable towards.

[00:58:34] So additional protection strategies of Christian HSP's discernment in service, discernment in service, seek God's guidance, pray for wisdom to know when and how to serve others without compromising your well-being.

[00:58:47] So seek God's guidance, serve within limits, recognize it's okay to step back and let others lead or do the work sometimes. Serve with limits.

[00:59:01] Number two, healthy communication. Healthy communication. Express needs clearly communicate your needs and boundaries to others with kindness.

[00:59:10] So you express your needs clearly by communicating your needs and boundaries to others with kindness and firmness. Listen to God's voice.

[00:59:18] Be sure to tune in to the Holy Spirit's promptings and be obedient to God's leading in every situation.

[00:59:24] Number three, find refuge in God's promises. Find refuge in God's promises. Trust in God's protection.

[00:59:30] Believe in God's promise to be your refuge in strength. Psalms 46. One.

[00:59:35] Lean on God's grace is part of our refuge in protection. Lean on God's grace. Remember that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness.

[00:59:44] Second Corinthians 12 and 9. I constantly talk about God's grace, about studying scriptures on grace, about meditating on grace, about soaking in grace that will help heal you and protect you as an HSP.

[00:59:58] So by integrating these practices in our daily lives, Christian HSP can protect themselves from emotional overwhelm and remain effective in their faith journey and service to others.

[01:00:08] So that's how you protect yourself as an HSP and as a Christian HSP in particular. This has been a very long talk.

[01:00:15] Thank you for going on this journey with me. We've talked about what an HSP is the science behind it and the streets and challenges that HSPs can deal with.

[01:00:26] We've talked about how to protect yourself emotionally and ways to set boundaries. And we've talked about how to protect yourself in using specific practices and how to protect yourself specifically as a Christian HSP.

[01:00:39] So I hope this talk has been helpful. I hope it's giving you some ideas. I'll put all those resources in the show notes. If you haven't click this, subscribe, bail. You will get notifications every time and you YouTube drops and also every time and you podcast drops because the podcast is also in the

[01:00:55] YouTube channel. Also, check out my other resources if you'd like to contribute and help me to be able to help more people.

[01:01:04] You can contribute through Patreon that's linked in the show notes monthly. You can subscribe and you can cancel it any time on that.

[01:01:11] And then, co-fight, you can make a one-time donation. Check out the Facebook group, Christian Emotional Recovery linked in the show notes. The other resources on the talk and so forth and so on.

[01:01:21] And if you want to join the mailing list, which will update you when you courses and you resources and sometimes when you podcast come out, check that out also at Rachelleeroy.com

[01:01:32] and Christian Emotional Recovery.com for the podcast and for more free resources. Thank you so much. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for following me. Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. This has been 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP.

[01:01:48] Thank you so much for listening. God bless you and remember, beloved, you are fearfully and wonderfully made and God loves you.

[01:01:58] Thank you for listening to the podcast episode. I want to use up any more of your time. This has been episode 10.

[01:02:06] The crossover episode from the YouTube channel. So this was a regular YouTube video and it was 21 ways to protect yourself as an HSP or a highly sensitive person.

[01:02:17] Thank you so much for listening and have a great day.

[01:02:47] If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate and review the podcast and tell a friend who may benefit from this message.

[01:02:54] See you next time. And remember, beloveds, God loves you and you are fearfully and wonderfully made.