Sensitivity has to do with a quality of awareness to the present moment, and what is required in it.
Sensitivity does not just mean to be mild and thoughtful, soft spoken, considerate and caring. Sure it entails all of these, and yet, an element of being sensitive is perceiving the subtleties of what a person or situation requires. It might be a clear course of action, a well placed boundary, a respectful retreat or a kind conversation. There are many facets and truths to the fineness and astuteness that entail the art of being sensitive.
There is no doubt that it is a time in the world where sensitivity is of great requirement. Nurturing sensitivity and care amongst each other, when challenges conjure up fear and strain in us, is vital. Not to judge each other for the reactions we have to these taxing times, finding compassion in our hearts and treating each other with understanding and spaciousness can go a long way to bring calm and support to our environment.
It is a common tendency that under stress we become rather short tempered and insensitive, mostly counter productive to what is actually required of us and helpful to the people around us, or the situation. Hence we need awareness and discernment to see our own reactivity to create space for a sensitivity that encompasses more then just our own needs, desires and worries to respond with a more objective sense of consideration to life´s difficulties.
In these times of virus and lockdowns, I urge you to employ these innate capacities of becoming sensitive to ourselves as well as our environments and the people in it, with a birds eye view.
It is tempting to allow panic and a sense of urgency move us like bulldozers through this current scare, pressing us to stock up and shut down without looking left or right. “First me and my own and then we see….”
It is a natural survival instinct to hoard and protect, no need to belittle or judge these impulses, but if we are able to distance ourselves a little bit from the driving force of fear, we can actually utilize our ability to zoom out and see what we can do in order to best respond rather then frantically react to what we are facing. One moment at a time. With great alertness, and great sensitivity.
This requires coming back to the here and now, sensing our bodies, noticing the space around us with its sounds and smells and feels. If we are not present to ourselves in these times we are likely to run over ourselves and others, in unconscious frenzy.
Without centering in the storm, it is close to impossible to attune to our inner guidance that knows much more accurately what is to be done. It requires stopping in our tracks and putting an ear to the sensitivity and accuracy of our inner knowing, that is not driven by future-doom-day-scenarios, but has a wisdom and a responsiveness, rooted in the present moment, far greater then our fearful mind.
Yes, sensitivity demands us to open rather then close. To slow down and to breathe. The one thing we are granted on the upside of this rollercoaster ride. We have the time, right now, to become still and use this exceptional state to expand our awareness to what is really required of us. In this moment, in this situation, in this world, in this humanity.
I am certain it will have little to do with bulk shopping or bank balance paranoia and everything to do with compassion, community, loved ones, caring and gratitude for that which is given.
Not to say that fears won’t be there, that pantries shouldn’t be full or distance shouldn’t be kept. Just to say lets not forget about being sensitive, being kind, being present, being helpful, being grounded, being here now, responsive and available to what is.
Sending blessings to everyone and wishing you health and good spirits in an unpredictable time,
with Love,
Kanika
