Essentials for HyperSensitive Persons (HPS). How to know if you are one & how to thrive

Introduction

After my psychology studies, I found out rather by chance that I was a HSP as per Dr Aaron research and I’m wondering how come I didn’t know about it during my psychology studies? In 10 years of psychology studies no one mentioned Dr Aaron’s study and her astonishing results on the so called ‘hyper-sensitive’ persons.  Incredible.

What does it mean to by a hypersensitive person?

In our society this is often linked to being weak, to be too sensitive seems to be a problem, never a quality. The prejudice around this term has made many children and younger adults feel ashamed or inadequate for feeling too much. Buried feelings and masking real emotions & thoughts are often a daily combat for a HSP. By fear of societal rejection or prejudice, we hold back, we keep it all in and we may hide away from the world, happily in some sort of cave because out there is not safe and we may feel too much, too quickly and get overwhelmed to a point of struggling to get back to balance again.

I thought something was “wrong” with me for a very long time. I cry for nothing. I also laugh for nothing.  I read others people’s mood / energy in a split second and I when I enter the room my whole body feels the heaviness or the lightness (rather rarely) of a place.

Yes, empaths are hypersensitive in a first place. It is very common that HPS are also Gifted Children (IQ superior to 130) and often wrongly diagnosed with HD/AD (Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder).

70 % seem to be introverts and 30% extraverts.  The latter love to be around people and large circle of friends but still need a lot of time for themselves to recharge, process, digest and quiet the mind (constantly stimulated) .

There are as many boys as girls with this trait but males will be harder to identify because of societal conditioning and cultural expectations ‘to be a man’ for example.

Traits of Hypersensitve Persons (HSP)

In a summary lets overview some traits of HSP

Main traits include:

  • More easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or loud noises
  • More easily irritated when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time
  • Avoidant of violent movies, conflicts and TV shows
  • Need to withdraw during busy days to places where you can have privacy and relief from the chaos
  • Make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting / overwhelming situations
  • Sensitivity to fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art
  • Have a rich and complex inner life
  • Empaths
  • Depth of information-processing.
  • Highly observant of details
  • Very good memory
  • If you identify with most points, also note:
  • HPS traits are normal: they are found in over 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
  • HSP have unique genes, so it is innate. Biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of  (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’. To learn more about this, see Research.
  • Sense of awareness is more acute. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
  • You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or new for a long time so you may need immediate quiet time. (*excluding PTSD & previous trauma causes)
  • This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.
  • Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem as they are told to be “too sensitive” which leads them to feel abnormal.

Clear Neurological Differences

HPS represent indeed between 15 to 20% of the population with a clear difference in the brain functioning. So there is a genetic factor that differentiates them from the larger population and they are born with this trait very visible on IRM scans when processing information ( HPS brains fire up widely when exposed to a stimuli whereas non-HPS have only a few specific parts activated when processing the stimuli) . See below an image of this activation.

Why is it important to know if you are a Hypersensitive Person?

For me it has been very relieving to know I was one. Here is why:

-it helps you understand your needs personally and professionally speaking

-It helps you understand your general functioning, so you can welcome these extra-stimulations and learn to manage them more effectively.

-it helps you join associations & like-minded fellows for support, co-creation, socialization and a sense of belonging.

The Criteria for Hypersensitive Persons

Before going any further lets clarify the 4 D.O.E.S criteria for being a HSP as per Aaron’s study. To know if an adult person is Hypersensitive you may look for these indications:

D

D for Depth of processing.

Does this person often come up with unusual, creative ideas? Is this person unusually conscientious (aware of consequences of failing to do things well)? Does this person prefer to decide things slowly, mull things over? Do they seem to think in detail about things and connect different ideas quickly? Are his or her decisions often right? (well anticipated)

 You might also ask if this person has thought about the long term goals of their part of the organization, or why something did or didn’t work. If the person feels safe to comment honestly, and many HSPs will be cautious about this, you will probably hear a surprisingly long, detailed but logical answer.

E

E for Easily Overstimulated. Have you noticed that this person is more easily stressed by noise, chaotic situations, deadlines, or working in groups (true more for introverted HSPs)? Seeks quiet spots? Prefers to work alone or at home? You might ask if the person would benefit from a quieter working environment or more flexible deadlines. Outside the workplace, does this person hesitate to make plans or turn down invitations? It could be because he or she just needs more downtime.

E

E for Emotionally reactive. Does this person react strongly to feedback, both positive and negative–perhaps over compensate and, for example, rewrite an entire report when only some of it needed changing? Has she or he ever cried in a meeting? Does this person have considerable empathy for others, or know more than most about other workers’ personal problems? Does this person, compared to others, worry more about how someone is reacting to a negative event, give more positive feedback, and generally attend to group morale? Does he or she become angry, curious, sad, anxious, or joyful sooner than others? You might also ask directly how they feel about something.

S

S for Sensitive to subtle stimuli. Does this person seem to notice things that others don’t? Does he or she arrange work spaces with special care, such as adjusting the lighting? Comment on others’ dress or small changes in the environment or weather? You might say you are looking for people who notice details, and for fun ask the person something like the color of the chairs in the meeting room.

Other Subtle Stuff

You will still wish to validate your hunch, so perhaps a few direct questions could be asked without raising alarm. Try “I feel xx–do you too?” “I hate noisy places. How about you?” “I can’t stand it when people don’t think ahead. (Are rude. Are late.) Does that bother you?” You would think everyone would say yes, but non-HSPs won’t say “yes, me too,” to more than one or two. After a string of agreements on these sorts of things, the two of you will begin to see your underlying similarity.

If you are a parent of HSP

For parents of HP I recommend visiting the website of Dr Aaron – the hypersensitive person as this is discussed there and there are a few resources for parents.

But I would outline the following important points above all, so!

What to do?

Children HPS

Welcome childrens’ emotions –  including the negative ones – as they are. Be there, listen, make space for them. HPC feel the pain more deeply (emotional (empathically or personally) AND physical) so let them overcome it in their own timing.  

Do not push them to be doing something all the time. Its OK to do nothing and they highly need it.

Do not worry if they act like ‘loners’. They prefer usually fewer friends and fewer social opportunities. They get overwhelmed by too many people.

Be careful with screaming and loud voices, noises and emotions. They can be traumatized by them and become fearful / anxious / depressed later. Not to mention using other forms of violence like physical abuse or emotional abuse that are severely detrimental to their development.

Teach them Boundaries. Its Ok to think for yourself and speak up! They do not have to be nice or too polite. Its ok to be honest and they highly need it. Authenticity is part of their highest values, praise it. And its OK to be self-caring and think about themselves first. They tend to have too much empathy for others and as a result sacrifice their own needs.

Help them embrace their hobbies. As odd as they may be. It will create their resourcing bubble.

Encourage creative activities. They excel in these and can be really outstanding if you believe in them unconditionally.

Accept their unconventional ways to study or to behave in class. Structured settings make them suffer a great deal and schools are designed in this manner. Support them in their needs, criticism, restlessness and sometimes acting out. Unconditional support will make them much further than school will ever do.

Adults HPS

If you are like me a HSP you may look for ways to be less sensitive and overwhelmed, especially if you have not learned it in your childhood or had knowledgeable adults around you to support you with this unique and beautiful trait.

I say it’s a beautiful trait and not a ‘curse’ because this sensitivity allows us to see things others do not see, to read others quickly, to process deeply, to be creative, imaginative and innovative, to be happy for the small things and find joy as quickly as we find pain. Its quite of a ride! It’s an intense life and a fast ride! But I personally better be alive in that manner than somewhere in the (dull) middle. I take it as a blessing because this way of feeling intensely makes also very grateful for the gifts of life. For this amazing beauty we find on Mother Earth.

It is a gift for Humanity to be empathic and sensitive in a world that gets more and more cold and disconnected. Ruled by machines, robots, competition, fear and low vibrations. If we work on maintaining the frequency high (aka looking after OURSELVES FIRST) we make a huge difference for this planet. Huge. Like a domino effect we impact every life we touch.

HPS are the Hope for Humanity. Literally the FUTURE of Humanity.

And globally we start to see it and appreciate it more and more. Skilled employers see the potential in these out of ordinary beings as they learn about HP-S more as well. If they do not know, please educate them.

It is really your responsibility to state your needs at interviews, to people in your life, to your colleagues etc, and to let them know how you function. Self-assertion comes often once we burned out but you don’t need to reach the rock bottom to start practice it already, it will save you a lot of time and unnecessary pain. Trust me, I learned it the hard way.

Things that work best for Hypersenstive Persons

Meditation.

Meditation is not a relaxation practice. It’s an awakening practice. It’s a tool to be grounded aka Present.

Learn to channel your energy. A meditator is someone who masters their vital energy. Their prana.

Their mental energy. Learn to stay still and feel into your breath, your body, your root chakra, your heart or simply in the beautiful space of your own presence. Feel the Here. Feel the Now. Feel with all your senses what is here and now.

Listen to the silence. Smell the air, the rain, the foods. Feel the ground under your (bear) feet. Bring your awareness home (inside your temple) or to your garden (outside your temple). But just be Here & Now with great alertness.

Let your body speak and LISTEN.

Welcome ANY emotional with full acceptance and non-resistance. Is there, its ok, breath into it and ask yourself: what is this emotion teaching me right now?

Learning to Meditate is learning Emotional intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence fosters the following qualities:

Social skills, self-awareness, self-regulation and motivation.

Regular Connection to Nature & Animals

These must be the most grounding things a HPS can enjoy. The love for animals is often obvious too. If you can’t have pets, or regular nature/park walks bring plants into your home/room. Learn to care for them, to tune into them. Visit animal shelters, volunteer there, sponsor a shelter dog in a country. I have automatic monthly donations to Humane Society and another Shelter Association in Romania. It gives me joy when I see what they could do with my support. Go visit them regularly.

Alone time

 HPS need loads of it…to process & integrate new information and experiences, otherwise they get quickly overwhelmed. I work part-time and I can go 3 days in a row no speaking to anyone and being in my own company. I wasn’t always able to do that and you cant always do it, very true. But I would spend lots of time in Nature, or at the beach in my own bubble.

Parents are constantly solicited and get quickly drained, but a big part of their path is to learn imperfection, show vulnerability to children and talk about inner feelings and mental exhaustion. Children do not need perfect parents. They need real parents. The real world is imperfect and complex. When we teach reality with our own feelings, we teach true presence and conscious education. This is called good enough parenting in developmental psychology and is essential for a child to thrive as an adult. Be a role model of authenticity. With your children and with every single relationship in your life. You will definitely have more fulfilling relationships and it will be easier peopling (even for extraverts -HSP).

Say NO often

No to social gatherings, no to shallow events, no to invitations that feel like obligations, it’s OK to say NO. YOU first, remember??! Then you can be more caring if you feel recharged and gained your space but first YOU.

Mantras / Affirmations

Mental affirmations restructure the brain-wiring and helps you face the daily challenges in a few seconds, they are that magical. As soon as you give yourself the empowering talk- BANG! You can move mountains It creates momentum. It calms you. It gives you any mental space you need in an instant. And in the long term, if you stick with them for a while, it re-wires your brain for good.

See, the brain does know the difference between real and imagined. It activates the same neurological paths if you truly believe it and if you do not but just say it.

Words create thoughts. Thoughts create emotions and energy. Emotions are infinitely more powerful electrically than the mental energy. And Emotions create ACTIONS.

What you think, you become. Watch your inner self talk wisely…

Make a point to speak your favourite affirmations out aloud or in your mind as often as possible. I love Louise Hay Collection of Affirmations, use these to start with.

Conclusion

Being a Hypersensitive Person is a wonderful personality trait to have in our times. With time it gets better and better as we start to know ourselves and set Firm Boundaries and Priorities. We learn to assert our needs and educate others about how we function. Some will accommodate these needs, some will not. Decide if you want to be surrounded by such people. Remember you sole responsibility is to educate. To speak up. The rest you cannot control. Once you surrender expectation of self and others, you embrace your beautiful traits and sensitivity as a true Gift to the World and you start to shine your Light.

Embrace your HSP and you’ll create ripples of inspiration & motivation for other HSP (that you may not know they are too) who struggle to see the Light or stay on the surface.

We teach people best by who we are not by what we preach. Be that model!

Love always,

xx

Are you a Hypersensitive person (HSp)? a High Ability adult (HAp)?

Than you may be an Indigo adult as well.

There is often a tight link between HSp, HAp & Indigos persons. Let’s start by understanding first the definitions.

The HSP-s are the Highly Sensitive Persons

According to Dr Elaine Aron’s extended reseach, HSP-s – the Highly Sensitive Persons- represent approx 20% of the global population and have unique and innate, genetical traits that distinguish them from the rest of the population. In my opinion, there are more than 20%, and the numbers are on the rise; it would be valuable to update the research and the statistics figures.

If you are a highly sensitive person yourself, or your child is, these are some of the typical characteristics you may present with:

  • More easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or loud noises
  • More easily irritated when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time
  • Avoidant of violent movies, conflicts and TV shows
  • Need to withdraw during busy days to places where you can have privacy and relief from the chaos
  • Make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting / overwhelming situations
  • Sensitivity to fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art
  • Have a rich and complex inner life
  • Empaths
  • Depth of information-processing.
  • Highly observant of details
  • Very good memory

If you identify with most points, please note the following :

  • HPS traits are normal: they are found in over 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
  • HSP have unique genes, so it is innate. Biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of  (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’. To learn more about this, see Research.
  • Sense of awareness is more acute. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
  • You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or new for a long time so you may need immediate quiet time. (*excluding PTSD & previous trauma causes)
  • This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.
  • Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem as they are told to be “too sensitive” which leads them to feel abnormal.

You are definitely not alone.

The HAP -s ( the High Ability Persons (or Gifted Persons)).

Many HSP-s are HAP. The IQ test (Intelligence Quotient Test) is one way, but not the only way to test High Ability.

Dr Mary-Elaine Jacobson, in her book “The Gifted Adult: a revolutionary guide for liberating everyday genius”, invites you to consider the following statements in order to determine if you are a gifted individual:

I have always had an insatiable curiosity.

I am able to run my mind on multiple tracks at the same time.

I learn rapidly and retain / apply what I learn.

I tend to be very independent.

I tend to be less motivated than others are by rewards, bonuses, and praise.

At times I have asked embarrassing questions or rudely pointed out truths at the wrong time.

My preference for the complex can fool me into underestimating the simple answer.

I like to refine and improve others’ innovations.

I feel comfortable with a wide range of emotions…

In addition, the Gifted Development Center, from the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development, suggests to question the following characteristics :

Are you a good problem solver?  Can you concentrate for long periods of time?

Are you perfectionist?   Do you persevere with your interests?

Are you an avid reader?   Do you have a vivid imagination?

Do you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles?   Often connect seemingly unrelated ideas?

Do you enjoy paradoxes?   Do you set high standards for yourself?

Do you have a good long-term memory?   Are you deeply compassionate?

Do you have persistent curiosity?   Do you have an excellent sense of humor?

Are you a keen observer?   Do you have a love of mathematics?

Do you need periods of contemplation?   Do you search for meaning in your life?

Are you aware of things that others are not?   Are you fascinated by words?

Are you highly sensitive?   Do you have strong moral convictions?

Do you often feel out-of-sync with others?    Are you perceptive or insightful?

Do you often question rules or authority?    Do you have organized collections?

Do you thrive on challenge?    Do you have extraordinary abilities and deficits?

Do you learn new things rapidly?    Feel overwhelmed by many interests/abilities?

Do you have a great deal of energy?    Often take a stand against injustice?

Do you feel driven by your creativity?    Love ideas and ardent discussion?

Were you advanced developmentally in childhood?    Have unusual ideas or perceptions?

If you have undertaken a IQ test and scored beyond 130 than you may also be considered a gifted person. Nevertheless, note that IQ tests have several traps and cannot be considered a reliable way to determine one’s actual ability. Take results with caution.

Indigos adults & children

We have been hearing about “Indigo Children”. But what are they, really?  According to Wendy Chapman, 25 traits are indicative of an indigo adult. Many of these characteristics are found in HSp-s and HAp-s.

***Please note, anyone could have a few of these traits, but Indigo Adults have most if not all of these 25 characteristics***:

  • Are intelligent, though may not have had top grades.
  • Are very creative and enjoy making things.
  • Always need to know WHY, especially why they are being asked to do something.
  • Had disgust and perhaps loathing for much of the required and repetitious work in school.
  • Were rebellious in school in that they refused to do homework and rejected authority of teachers, OR seriously wanted to rebel, but didn’t DARE, usually due to parental pressure.
  • May have experienced early existential depression and feelings of helplessness. These may have ranged from sadness to utter despair. Suicidal feelings while still in high school or younger are not uncommon in the Indigo Adult.
  • Have difficulty in service-oriented jobs. Indigos resist authority and caste system of employment.
  • Prefer leadership positions or working alone to team positions.
  • Have deep empathy for others, yet an intolerance of stupidity.
  • May be extremely emotionally sensitive including crying at the drop of a hat (no shielding) Or may be the opposite and show no expression of emotion (full shielding).
  • May have trouble with rage.
  • Have trouble with systems they consider broken or ineffective, ie. political, educational, medical, and legal.
  • Alienation from or anger with politics – feeling your voice won’t count and/or that the outcome really doesn’t matter.
  • Frustration with or rejection of societal norms- 9-5 career, marriage, 2.5 children, house with white picket fence, etc.
  • Anger at rights being taken away, fear and/or fury at “Big Brother watching you.”
  • Have a burning desire to do something to change and improve the world. May be stymied what to do. May have trouble identifying their path.
  • Have psychic or spiritual interest appear fairly young – in or before teen years.
  • Had few if any Indigo role models. Having had some doesn’t mean you’re not an indigo, though.
  • Have strong intuition.
  • Random behavior pattern or mind style – (symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder). May have trouble focusing on assigned tasks, may jump around in conversations.
  • Have had psychic experiences, such as premonitions, seeing angels or ghosts, out of body experiences, hearing voices that are not of psychiatric nature.
  • May be electrically sensitive such as watches not working and street lights going out as you move under them, electrical equipment malfunctioning and lights blowing out.
  • May have awareness of other dimensions and parallel realities.
  • Sexually are very expressive and inventive OR may reject sexuality in boredom or with intention of achieving higher spiritual connection. May explore alternative types of sexuality.
  • Seek meaning to their life and understanding about the world May seek this through religion or spirituality, spiritual groups and books, self-help groups and books.
  • When they find balance they may become very strong, healthy, happy individuals.

You can thrive once you know yourself and no longer see differences as burdens but as wonderful gifts to serve the World.  May you thrive & grow.

A while ago, I set the following goal: to train and succeed at geo-localization of lost pets. So far, I had only been doing “basic” animal communication by reading an animal and answering specific questions around key issues identified by owners. This rather ambitious goal came from realizing in my animal communications that pets usually do indeed show clearly their location, know the name of their suburbs, can guide you on a map and say: “YES, SPOT ON, OVER HERE, YES!” and can also tell you the direction they took from their house/losing point and the number of Km walked!

Believe it or not, I have specific Km numbers popping up in my mind, landmarks, and geographical directions and when I check the map, I find their info very correct.

But so far, I hadn’t decided to specifically dedicate my time to train in this field. I stared training with the Facebook listing of local lost pets (Pet Alert) and hid the original place of disappearance reported by the owners. I asked the pets where their home was and how far they were from it. I first focused on the updated cases, where pets were reported found, to make sure I get a validation of current place. The first 5 cases it was a rocky reading, but I eventually got it right (3 out of 2)  as I learned the techniques that worked best (I  keep a log and document what lead me to a successful localization and what didn’t- best way to learn).

On the second session, I took 5 more other cases. These ones were all spot on. No mistake, no doubt, clear answers, and increased confidence from first session’s insights. While connecting with animals pictures, I was having indications such as : North- East of X state. Or, as i was sweeping my hand on the map, i was having a strong energy pull towards a certain region.

I was blown away. It’s overwhelming when you get things right! Especially on lost pets and all readings in a row just right, Wow! It took me a couple of weeks to take it all in and consider the huge implication of such success.

But we need to stay firmly grounded. Success is relative in Psychic Reading or Animal Communication field (Ac). A lot does not depend on us, we are channels of information not generators.

We need to stay down to Earth and have a lot more practice, because even though some are fast learners, animals communicate differently or unwillingly or not at all many times, so each time we are facing a unique challenge.

On session three, things went down the hill. I was getting everything wrong (not even close!), I was reading badly the animal (based on owners descriptions), and I was finding it harder and harder just to get about anything right! Yet, I was pushing through refusing the outcomes, with frustration and determination, despite my body getting really tired and slowly sick (from untreated flu and other added conditions). I disregarded all this and reached the drama queen point: “Omg, why? I don’t get it? Did I lose my skills, why, what did I do??! Am I not meant to be doing this? Am I being punished for something ?” *wailing almost like a baby*

I had no idea why this was happening to me. But after pulling back and analysing it like a grown up adult, I finally understood it.

All 10 points that I will mention in this article, applied.

These are the top 10 reasons why you are having a bad reading or poor results at a Psychic Reading or a classical animal communication session.

       1. Fatigue

Fatigue is a huge factor in determining results. Your body is the main instrument. If its rusty, low in energy or blocked with personal, emotional, physical and spiritual issues (or doubts) it won’t work at all in your favour. I usually my connections early in the morning, first thing, when I’m completely fresh and full of energy.

      2. Poor physical awareness

Even if you are slightly unwell, or have flu left over symptoms for example, the readings will be negatively affected. I was physically weak and I was dismissing it. I was pushing harder through and the more I did it the less I was successful.

       3. You fall asleep (sudden loss of energy and not primarily because of fatigue)

Some readings will get you really tired. You may be full of energy when you start a connection but soon after that you feel like you’ve been knocked out with a bat on the head. I have not yet figured why exactly this happens, but it happens for some cases that you will find yourself completely drained after a minute or so, and literally need a pillow close immediately to crush on. It feels like you’re under a spell. A hypothesis for this may be that the amount of energy ‘taken’ by some case surpass our currently energy capacity, because some cases are simply heavy duty or “high demand energy”. They need a lot of energy to connect, to engage or present with heavy material that is not ready for our body to receive. Therefore, the traffic become congested and immobilized, and as a result so body shuts down and goes into sleep mode. A defense mechanism you will experiment when you deal with ‘full on’ stuff.

      4. Owners / Readees’ Denial

It is not unusual to receive invalidation from animal owners or persons who are not ready or open to hear the truth. Some character traits will be denied, some statement automatically rejected without looking further or deeper nor trying making sense of what you come up with. Don’t get discouraged. If you had in the past positive validation, accept that not everyone is open to a new/objective perspective of things. After all, they don’t want their subjective reality destroyed and would reject anything not fitting in their projections and reading expectations. (I have met quite a few like this myself, so relax. Here we need to use true psychology.)

      5. Seek prior validation (check in you are connecting with the right person)

This may be an obvious one for you, but it was not for me for a while. It didn’t cross my mind to have 2 hidden answers, to 2 questions for example, readily available for checking you are communicating with the right person/animal/entity. Always thrive to start with a prior validation test to gain not only credibility but also self-confidence for further connections.

      6. Lack of patience

“Quick, come on! I don’t have all day!” sounds familiar? it does to me! in a hectic modern lifestyle, telepathic communication can be a tough task to fit in, in our tight schedule for most of us anyway! But patience is crucial. You don’t control fine timing, openness and especially, you don’t boss anyone around. Particularly animals. There is a bond to build and they are fuss about that. Of course, would you respond to a stranger who came to interrogate you out of nowhere? “Who are YOU?!” I get this question a lot when i initiate a connection with an animal. And coming rather like a blunt bullet! And I tell them openly my whole story… I found that i can’t go very far if first I haven’t established an excellent rapport.

     7. Impure intention & Ego interference

A successful connection is only possible if you are consciously working in the best interests of the animal-client and all parties involved. For this, a pure heart and intention are required. Always ask yourself : “Whose interests am I working for?”, ‘Am I entitled to know these things”, “Am I having a respectful approach, with high integrity and ethics in my work right now?”. You would be surprised how easily and unconsciously the Ego interferes with this kind of work and how fast you could find yourself carrying underlying motives that are not fully aligned with the Highest Good and your heart’s pure intention. Keep the Ego in check.

     8. You are unconsciously blocking some unwanted information

For a long time I have been afraid of being a clairsentient. I was fearing feeling the pain of others, seeing their trauma, being in their body, heart and soul. Unconsciously, and as a result, I have blocked the clairsentient channel and rarely have information via this way. I have developed essentially the claircognizant, clairaudient and clairvoyant channel. So if I ever come across some type of information that would cause me distress, I would block it instantly without being consciously aware. Seemingly, there must have been some kind of agreement between me and my higher-self that anything that I’m not ready for I shall not intercept. So ask yourself, is there something you are fearing to receive? What are your weakness or touchy points? What are you concerned about before developing your psychic skills? Have you ever had a bad experience and you’re wanting to avoid similar scenarios and what are they. Be clear about it to know your limitations and understand why you cant access certain things, at certain times; its a useful process to go through.

      9. You’re not meant to know

Yes. Often times, we are not meant to know because this is for your and others highest good. The timing may be bad too so this needs to be respected and approached with a good dose of humility and realism. Don’t force a connection, don’t get stubborn about a question, respect what you are getting and come back at another time. If after three different times you get no response, or little info, move on. Leave it and accept you are not meant to open that box.

    10. They don’t like you, as simple as that!

This applies particularly for animals. Some beings you are connecting to telepathically, simply don’t like you. You and/or anybody else! It’s how it is. Don’t take it personally, take it with humour. I spoke once to a cat that couldn’t stand me. She talked to me with such arrogance and bitchiness that I forgot my questions! She was giving lots of “compliments” while telling me to eff off elsewhere. I was taken off guards and very surprised to have such attitude but I bowed at her majesty, pulled away and let her be the Queen.

In conclusion, psychic abilities and performance commonly oscillate and don’t get necessarily easier with time and practice. Circumstances and above factors affect significantly the outcome and the accuracy of the message. However, as we become more aware of these variables, we also get to control them better and become less doubtful and affected by failure. I found that the best ingredients for optimal learning and subsequent positive readings are keeping a journal with key notes, remarks and self-reflections and remaining self-aware (body, mind, heart and spirit) at all times.