I currently have a heap of house work to catch up on before my in-laws arrive tonight and before I see clients today and yet here I am blogging for the pure joy of creating.
I’m not avoiding chores (seriously I’m not - I actually love a good hit of dopamine when I complete tasks) rather I am honouring the part of me that says “it’s time to create.”
When I start a blog I have no idea where it will take me … all I know is that something higher calls me to it…it’s kinda’ like a hero’s journey every time.
Today I visited church (AKA the dog beach) and I got to thinking about *neuro-diversity and sensitive souls and the neuro-divergents discomfort of trying to “fit in” at the expense of our authenticity.
FYI *Neurodiversity is a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. While everyone’s brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person.
OK two things …1. the fact that I felt I had to stop my flow to explain neurodivergency agitates my neuro divergent brain AND the word that stands out in all of that explanation is “average” … eg. A neuro divergent brain works differently from the AVERAGE neuro-typical person. Average sounds kinda’ … average… boring even.
Wait a minute … As a neuro-divergent do I judge neuro-typicals as average and boring? (Now I’ve posed that question to myself - my neuro divergent brain files it to explore later … and I will, I will dive into that exploration like a neuro-divergent with a passionate area of hyper-focus.)
Perhaps by now you’re getting an idea of how a neuro-divergent brain works? (I know I am) … So now I’m going to say let’s change the term neuro-divergent to neuro-quirky … ‘coz it sounds (and feels) more creative.
Which brings me to my point … holy shit what a ride … My point is - what if the neuro-quirky amongst us really got to know ourselves & our quirks and ensured we placed ourselves in environments that enhanced our gifts and nurtured our challenges? What a concept hey.
I work with a lot of neuro-quirky clients who put a lotta’ pressure on themselves to “fit in” and/or put themselves in environments that aren’t at all comforting for their nervous system let alone inspiring and supportive of their unique gifts.
Part of me wants to scream “Get the EFF outa’ there - don’t do it to yourself!” and another part of me knows we sometimes have to hit a wall before we bounce off (& all ‘dem other cliches.)
When it comes to facilitating Kids Group (attuned group play for 2 - 5 year olds) I welcome with open arms the neuro-quirky kids (sensitive kids) … From my observation they have an inbuilt gift of awareness and compassion, they sense the energy in the environment and they’re caring … REALLY caring!
Neuro typical kids (in my observation) are often resilient and logically intelligent …and… a little more focussed on having their needs met above all else. Their brains are more dialled into “what’s in it for me?” as opposed to the neuro-quirky brain that’s dialled into “How is everyone around me, sometimes including myself feeling in this moment?” …It’s interesting to FEEL the difference.
When I facilitate Women’s Circles every women that feels called to sit in circle opens with something along the lines of “I struggle with small talk, it feels so awkward. - Depth of connection is way more comfortable.” And I think to myself Ahhh hello Ms neuro-quirky … Welcome, take your shoes off and spill your guts … ALL of you is welcome here.
I guess this blog has called me to fly the neuro-quirky flag … And I’m thinking of that quote: “When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” And I’m thinking of Brene Brown’s quote about belonging: “True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to BE who you are.”
So where all my neuro-quirky, sensitive peeps at? Fly your flag … so your people can find you … and maybe you can connect with them for an hour or so before your social battery runs low and it’s time to retreat.
Be YOU! The world needs YOU … What if while everyone else is busy trying to fit in or get their own needs met … you show up as YOU and make the difference that only you can make?
Hmmmm … now back to my housework and ‘dem *dopamine hits. xo
FYI *When we complete individual tasks, our brains release dopamine which causes positive feelings such as happiness, pleasure and motivation. Did my neuro-quirky brain like having to add this explanation? No (it felt annoying) and yet I also logically understand sometimes it’s helpful if I explain certain words & terminology.
If you’re a sensitive soul / neuro-quirky I’d love to support you to embrace ALL of who you are.
For more info on Inner-child / soul attunement click here.
If you’re a sensitive soul / neuro-quirky and have a sensitive / neuro-quirky child I’d love to support you both so you can embrace all of who you are as individuals AND in relationship with each other.
For more info on Kids Group click here.
For more info on Parent/child Attunement (play therapy) click here.