Dear Sensitive Soul,

I’ve just returned from an excursion to New Orleans – and I’ve fallen in love with that beautiful city! The music, food, and architecture were exceptional. And there were many opportunities to practice Highly Sensitive self-care. See my article in this issue about travel tips for Sensitive Souls.

In peace – Jenna

ON TRANSFORMATION
Travel Tips for Sensitive Souls

Traveling can challenge a Sensitive Soul. I adore travel, but new places come with higher levels of stimulation simply because they’re new. Plus, traveling often comes with expectations about sightseeing – a sort of stomp-’til-you-drop tourist mentality. As the summer months begin, here are tips to transform your travel experience.

1. Make a Plan
As part of getting ready, plan ahead. That way, you’re not over-stimulated with details when it’s time to leave. I find that if I can start packing a day or two ahead, I’m much calmer. I feel confident that I’ve covered all the bases. I make a checklist of important items, including a travel kit. I also arrange to leave extra time in my work schedule before I depart and when I return.

2. Create a Travel Kit
When traveling, plan to pack a few extra items to make yourself extra comfortable. Though I suggest you develop a kit of your own, here are my tried and true goodies for plane travel:

• Eye shade
• Ear plugs
• Neck pillow
• Big bottle of water
• Protein snacks like nuts, seeds, or cheese, along with fruits and veggies
• CD player with comforting music

Additionally, I ask for a blanket once I’m onboard the plane because I am sensitive to the varying temperatures. I also dress in layers and bring a scarf.

Along with my plane kit, I bring Epsom salts for baths or foot soaks. Also, I bring essential oils such as lavender, which I use in my baths or directly on my feet (a trick I learned from a fellow coach for a great night’s sleep).

3. Sleep Well
For many Sensitive Souls, one of the greatest travel challenges is getting adequate rest. Many aspects of traveling can make sleep difficult, such as unusual textures, noise and light, and the vibrations in large hotels. Not to mention the excitement of being in a new place and wanting to see it all. Here are a few thoughts:

• Get a good night’s sleep before you leave. As mentioned, I pack ahead of time so I’m not running around at the last minute fretting over details that get my mind racing and prevent sleep. I also go to bed early if I have an early departure.
• Consider staying at a bed & breakfast or small hotel. The ambient building vibration is significantly less or non-existent, and the comforts of a more home-like environment are immeasurable. Staying with a friend or family member offers similar benefits but may have other drawbacks!
• Bring your own bedding. It may sound over the top, but I find that when I bring my own quilt, I can get a great night’s sleep in a new place.
• Take naps and plan a realistic schedule. When I overbook, it’s hard for me to sleep. When I plan to rest midday, I sleep better later and I’m able to fully appreciate my travels. I also strive to be realistic in what activities I undertake.

4. Eat and Drink Well
Plan to eat well and drink plenty of water. While traveling, I make sure to have water and protein snacks available for excursions. I try to drink plenty of water, especially if I’m consuming alcohol, caffeine, or sweet beverages. I find that those keep me awake and water helps to balance their effects. Also: The more water I drink, the better I feel.

5. Give Yourself A Chance to Fully Arrive
When you come home, give yourself a chance to settle in. Unpacking and putting away your travel items is a way of re-grounding and settling back into your home. I find that the amount of time I need is directly proportional to the length of time I’ve been away. For example: For this last 5-day trip, I needed about one day to unwind and fully arrive home. I gave myself permission to spend my first morning back just tidying the house, going through mail, and watering plants, which I found centering. It allowed me to re-enter my routine with a fresh outlook and clear heart.

If you have other thoughts about successful travel for sensitives, I’d love to hear from you. Enjoy your travels!

ON MY NIGHTSTAND

In the last several months, I’ve enjoyed listening to Centerpointe’s Holosync meditation CDs. They offer a program of sound-induced meditative states, including Alpha, Theta, and Delta states. Although their website and literature go heavy on the “selling” for me, I’m getting powerful results. The program immerses me easily into a deep meditative state, something that comes in handy when I’m unable to relax. As a bonus, I’ve experienced a heightened sense of self-awareness, which has enabled me to do some deep personal-development work. I also occasionally use their individual Theta state CD, “Oasis,” to prepare for coaching or writing – it induces a creative, intuitive state I find centering.

If you’re interested, please visit their website. They offer a free demo CD.

JUNE 2004
CONTENTS

on transformation

on my nightstand

upcoming events

web site resources

in other news

tips for
sensitive souls

in upcoming issues

UPCOMING EVENTS

A Centering for
Sensitive Souls

Are You a Highly Sensitive Soul?

On the Enneagram

About the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Book Recommendations

Favorite & Useful Links

IN OTHER NEWS

Sensitive Spirituality
I greatly enjoyed Elaine Aron’s recently published “Comfort Zone Online,” particularly her article on Sensitive Spirituality: HSPs, Meditation, and Enlightenment.

HSP West Coast Gathering
October 8 – 11