Yoga & The Highly Sensitive Person

“Stop being so sensitive”

“You’re over-thinking”

“You need to toughen up”

“You’re far too fussy”

Deep thinkers, super feelers, sensers and all-round sensitive souls… We all know of these people, we may even be one, but are we supporting these members of our Yoga communities adequately?

The trait of High Sensitivity (or Sensory Processing Sensitivity) is a naturally occurring trait of neurodivergence found in roughly 15-20% of people and many other species too. Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) involves taking in greater amounts of sensory information, processing that information more deeply, having increased emotional receptivity and empathy, and being more aware of small details in their environment. Despite there being many wonderful gifts that come along with High Sensitivity, the current culture generally does not value the trait and modern life can place a greater burden on those with this trait. As such many HSPs struggle with things such as overwhelm, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, low self-esteem & feelings of isolation.

With the promise that ‘Yoga is great for stress’, HSPs are often attracted to (and directed to) practices such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation. This means as Yoga Teachers our classes are likely to have a greater percentage of HSPs than the general population.

Yoga IS a fantastic practice for HSPs and can be hugely beneficial in supporting overall wellbeing. However, not all practices are helpful and so it is important to understand this trait fully and which elements from our Yoga toolbox will best serve the HSPs in our communities.

In this 2-part development workshop we will cover:

· What High sensitivity is and how it overlaps with other kinds of neurodivergence

· What recent research tells us about HSPs

· Common HSP struggles

· How trauma impacts the HSP

· Helpful models from Psychology & Yoga Philosophy when understanding HSP struggles

· How Yoga supports HSPs & practical experience of HSP friendly Yoga

· How Yoga could be unhelpful to HSPs

· The value of 121 Yoga for HSPs

Included:

o Access to the live workshop

o Recording available for one month

o Printable workbook & slides

o 20% discount code for additional workshop ‘Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Yoga Teacher’

This training is ideal for new, developing, and experienced Yoga teachers and other holistic & movement practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of the trait of high sensitivity for themselves, and/or for their students & wider community.

This 2-part development workshop will be taking place live on the following dates:

Tuesday 28th November & Tuesday 5th December 10am – 2:30pm

Recordings of each day will be available for one month after these dates.

OPTIONAL ADDITION – Participants of this 2-part development workshop can also access a 20% discount on the additional one day workshop ‘Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Yoga Teacher’ taking place on Tuesday 16thJanuary 2024.

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Nichola Day is an experienced Yoga Teacher and registered Yoga Therapist, specialising in working with Highly Sensitive & Neurodiverse People and those managing Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Stress and Trauma Recovery.