Increased sensitivity from meditation

As I looked down at an allergic reaction on my body I caught myself saying, “I’m too bloody sensitive to the world.” It’s an old story, one that I don’t actually believe anymore but it showed itself in that moment of tenderness. The word sensitive or sensitivity has a connotation of weakness but even Google agrees that’s not true. With a quick search of ‘sensitive synonyms’ a totally different perspective emerges - instead of meaning weakness, sensitivity is ‘subtle, thoughtful, empathetic, compassionate, intuitive, alive to, conscious of, and responsive to.’ This offers a whole different perspective on a trait that may sometimes feel burdensome. Maybe we could reclaim the word sensitive, know the true gift of it as we proudly say, “I’m sensitive.” Another word I like is perceptive, so choose whatever might feel best for you.

What does it truly mean to be sensitive?

Embedded in the word sensitivity lies its true meaning - to sense. Sensitivity is our innate ability to perceive the world through our senses. It allows us to navigate our environment, understand the emotions of those around us, and tune into our inner landscape. This shines a light on areas that require our attention, healing, or some kind of action. It may also highlight our vulnerabilities which offers a opportunity for profound self-discovery.

You may have found that as you have been meditating your preferences have shifted. Perhaps you no longer crave certain foods or you feel drawn to different activities that align more with your current state of being. You may no longer listen to the same music, preferring silence or a completely different genre. You may no longer like violent, scary movies, or find it hard to listen to the news. Maybe you can’t drink coffee anymore because it overstimulates you and makes you feel anxious. You may feel like you want to withdraw from the world, find a comfortable cave in the mountains, and just meditate. If some kind of version of this is happening for you, nothing is going wrong. This can be a natural response to your evolution as a meditator, a natural bi-product of expanding awareness. It’s not that meditation made this happen. What it did do was gift you subtle perception to notice what was already happening. The music, the movie, the caffeine and foods were always creating that experience, you just weren’t able to perceive it and now you can.

Sensitivity means you can no longer ignore.

It can feel a little uncomfortable and overwhelming at times being acutely aware and sensitive to your inner and outer world. What it really means is that we can no longer ignore or avoid. There’s a giant spotlight on our entire life, highlighting where we may have an imbalance that requires action. Our resistance to making the changes we are perceiving is generally what causes discomfort. We may not like what it is we are becoming aware of. A fearful part of us doesn’t want to have to change even though it’s for our greater good. For a time we may hold on to old habits and resist change until it gets too uncomfortable and we have no choice but to let go. Once we discover it was actually the best thing for us, we let go earlier and earlier each time this experience occurs. Life becomes a flow of responses to what’s needed for us.

Increased sensitivity demands we cannot ignore, avoid, or runaway from what is yet to be resolved within us. We are able to detect greater information, exposing ourselves, often making us susceptible to the influence of a more nuanced experience of this human life and the environment around us. We must lovingly, compassionately, and patiently allow ourselves to stay with that discomfort and acclimatise to the increase of information coming through our senses about our reality. Allow yourself time to adjust - it will normalise and find balance. We are incredibly adaptable. As best you can, stay open, listen attentively, take action where needed, and support your body. You may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable for a time until the experience integrates and your sensitivity becomes a powerful ally and you find yourself less confronted.

Retreating for a time.

There may be a time you retreat from the world and your journey becomes more inwardly focused. This was my experience. I spent a lot of time alone in the bush walking, wandering, meditating, and learning. Big integration of a new state of awareness was happening, there was a lot I needed to digest, assimilate, and make sense of, so this time to myself was what I needed. I was mindful of everything I consumed - food, music, movies, people and I listened to the impulses of my body as much as I could. I didn’t know it at the time but this period didn’t last forever. I emerged from my retreated state and plunged back into the world with a strong body, open heart, and desire to be of service. I wanted to be in the world I had previously pulled away from. My experience had integrated so that I deeply knew my preferences for living, I opted for what supported my system most, but I also felt capable, adaptable, and strong enough to play in the world without being overwhelmed by it.

Sensitivity is a powerful ally if you can allow it to guide you towards deeper understanding and compassion for yourself and others. Take your time to tend to your body and gently let go of what may no longer feel good for you, knowing that your experience will shift again. The world needs your sensitivity, it’s a gift, an asset, and part of your evolution as a meditator.

Love Kathleen x

Resources to explore.

Practice daily abhyanga to soothe, restore, and nourish your nervous system.

Listen to soothing, grounding sounds of mantra music.

Connect with like minded meditators at group meditation and feel supported by shared experience.