Our intuition is always there, always reading the situation, always trying to steer us the right way. ~ Arianna Huffington

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

I’ve known about my sixth-sense for some time. I first heard the term six-sensory from author and spiritual teacher, Sonia Choquette. Being a six-sensory means that you process your world with more than the conventional five senses (visual, auditory, touch, taste, smell).

Your sixth sense is your gut instinct. It’s natural, normal and everyone has it. The parental version of sixth sense awareness happens when children first venture away from parents: When you get there, if something doesn’t feel right I want you to call me or leave right away. Others talk about business relationships and opportunities: I just knew from the start that this was not a good person/idea, but I didn’t listen to my gut and I got burned. Think about the varied ways that your sixth sense has been involved in your life.

Now that we have established that you have a sixth sense, the question is: Do you listen to yours or have you ignored your inner voice?

Choquette believes that “your sixth sense should be your first sense”. Author Sophy Burnham (The Art of Intuition) says it’s the subtle knowing without ever having any idea why you know it. If you are ready to embrace your six-sensory self, there are ways to develop, and learn to hear, your inner voice / gut instinct / intuition: 

RECOGNITION – It is already communicating with you, but your mind’s chatter hides it. Busy minds and activities make intuition difficult to receive.

SOLITUDE AND CREATIVITY allow you the opportunity to reconnect with yourself, so strive to regularly build them into your schedule.

MINDFULNESS – Silent meditation is the most common, but you can be mindful during chores, exercise or any other activity. Focus your mind on each aspect or movement of the activity to quiet the chatter.

BREATHWORK – In your mind’s eye watch the movement of your chest and abdomen as it moves away from your spine on the inhale and then back inward on the exhale. This also helps to focus the mind and still your thoughts.

RECEPTION – You may ‘hear’ the message, see symbols or visual pictures, feel sensations or emotions in your body, or have a vague yet clear ‘knowing’. It may seem like a subtle whisper or a powerful download.

WRITE/DRAW – Relax your mind, close your eyes if you wish and write or type whatever comes to mind. You can similarly draw in a free association manner.

DREAMS – Dreams and intuition both come from the unconscious. If you remember your dreams, they can become a source of information. Begin each night with a request for information about a specific question. When you awaken, write in your journal everything that you can recall about that dream as well as your questions and recent life events. Review your journal regularly looking for symbols and patterns.

DISTINGUISH the difference between mind chatter and your inner voice. As you practice you will likely notice that your inner voice speaks clearly, concisely, gently and without judgment. These are not the typical descriptions of your inner chatter.

MAKING A DECISION? Imagine a path or a doorway for each of the choices that you face. As you approach each: feel for density, heaviness, thickness; observe the visual cues of light, dark, color, sparkles; look for excitement, dread, fear, approachability, resistance, expansion.

PRACTICE will allow you to trust your inner voice/instinct/intuition. Begin with small questions that don’t feel life altering, such as, which route should I travel to my destination today?

EMPATHY – Your empathic abilities are a gift. You don’t require the fullest amount of input to have the knowledge. Instead, modulate the amount of information that comes in to you. Use intention as well as the techniques described in Energy Cleansing.

TRUST your intuition and allow it to become a more significant part of your daily life!

Living life as a six-sensory is beneficial because all of your senses are more attuned to give you the fullest information. This allows you to see the many options that are available, to know when to proceed and when to withdraw, in relationships and professionally, and to ultimately recognize and live your life’s purpose.

When you are connected to your inner wisdom you can experience a deep, strong connection to your true Self. This provides a calm and confident power, fewer emotional triggers and less anxiety or depression. Living a six-sensory life is a profoundly empowering experience.

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

 “No” is a complete sentence

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

As I talk to clients and others I realize how many children and adults, but especially females, have trouble saying no. While being compassionate and kind are important, respecting yourself is at least as essential. You must know where your boundaries are, where they need to be and how to honor yourself by communicating these boundaries to others.

You have a right and a responsibility to care for yourself, which is why flight attendants instruct you to put on your own mask before assisting your children or those around you. Yet too frequently, you have assisted or done for others until you felt used and exhausted. If you did finally say no or asked for assistance, it’s probable that you also felt guilty doing so. This takes a toll on your physical and emotional health.

Most children are not explicitly taught how to assert their needs in a respectful and self-assured manner. Girls, especially, have been taught to be “nice” and to not make waves so it is problematic for most women to learn how to express their own needs in a healthy manner. Males are not immune from this difficulty.

In the absence of instruction or modeling, people stifle their voice and find themselves exhausted and resentful until their frustration builds to a deafening roar, and they angrily express themselves.

RELATIONSHIP

Caring for another should not mean that you stop caring for yourself. Are you wary of hurting another’s feelings or worry that you will disappoint your partner, friend or co-worker? You have likely identified a large circle of people that you care about and for, but repeatedly fail to put yourself in that circle. It’s time that you include yourself in this group of important people! You have every right to be there.

PHYSICAL

I loved the scene in Dirty Dancing: This is my dance space. This is your dance space. I don’t go into yours; you don’t go into mine. You gotta hold the frame.

Some people need a larger physical space than others. It’s important to know what yours is. If needed, start by identifying the boundary of your body. You can outline yourself in the sand or on large paper. Then begin to identify where your comfort boundary is. It may vary with the different people in your life: children, romantic partner, friend, co-worker, boss, etc.

Now that you know where your body is and where your boundary needs to be, use your physical frame to confidently express your needs: Elongate your posture in a relaxed manner, breathe gently but fully, and keep your eyes forward.

ENERGETIC

Ground yourself for strength: Stand or sit with your feet firmly on the ground. Allow that earthy power to rise up through your feet spreading confidence throughout.

Depending on your personal needs, identify how much personal space you require and place an imaginary barrier at this location. Some people visualize a bubble, a white or pink light, a force field or a firewall. Use the image that works for you. Place an intention (expectation) that no negative words or moods will permeate this selected barrier. See it as a permeable membrane. You select what gets through – towards you and from you. This way you can still send love and compassion outwardly, while guarding yourself from negative words and feelings. This technique is especially helpful for those who feel others’ emotions intensely (empaths).

As you encounter the challenging aspects of life you may leave parts of yourself behind. This can also impact your sense of self and your confidence. Spiritual teacher Caroline Myss calls the process of pulling these pieces back, soul retrieval.  One strategy is to imagine these pieces floating like star lights. You need not recognize the situations that they represent; with intention invite them back to join you once again. Then breathe in the fullness that is you.

VERBAL

Breathe into your diaphragm. Soften your throat. Speak your needs respectfully and assertively, without aggression. Speak concisely, calmly and with strength.

As you incorporate these components of boundary development, your self-confidence will increase and your ability to speak your truth will be enhanced.

Don’t feel guilty for giving yourself the same care that you offer to others without hesitation. Place yourself in your circle of importance. Take care of yourself and be the role model for self-care to your friends, family members and children.

Though these techniques are for everyone, if you are in an abusive or dangerous situation please seek professional assistance.

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

Are you, or is your loved one, a Six-Sensory?

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Sensitives come in all ages, sizes, races and faiths. They can look like everyone else, and yet stand out by being empathic, compassionate, creative people. Sometimes they are at peace with these gifts, but for others it creates inner turmoil and can lead to minor or significant difficulties.

To additionally complicate the situation, some Sensitives have anxieties and/or ADHD and may even be on the Autism Spectrum. They often love nature and animals. They tend to seem older than their years, or may be characterized as ‘old souls’. They are often right-brain thinkers who are creative and artistic. They are deep thinkers and tend to be bright. In school or the workplace, they may be unsuccessful or seem unmotivated because of the mismatch between their learning style and the system.

Sensitives may be argumentative and headstrong. They are frustrated with our society because they came into the world knowing how things should be in our institutions, systems and relationships. Yet as children they don’t have the power to create this change. Their ability to comprehend their world may be great, but their ability to cope with this awareness is compromised because they have neither the life experience nor the emotional maturation to handle what they know.

Sensitives may feel misplaced and alone. They frequently verbalize their dislike for (or discomfort with) their school, peers, and/or community. Their belief is that few individuals truly understand them and think as they do. Their feelings of personal isolation and different-ness can lead to anxiety and depression, then be exacerbated by the “negative emotions” they absorb while in the presence of others.

Sensitives are often referred to as Six-Sensory Beings because of their heightened awareness of the six senses, sometimes in varying amounts:

• Touch: The individual complains about irritating fabric, embroidery, tags or the sensation of water on the skin. Some are uncomfortable being touched by others.
• Hearing: This individual hears everything (other than directions to clean their room or put out the garbage). Certain tones can be distracting or even distressing. I had a student who was bothered by the classroom TV’s high-pitched sound. In a noisy classroom or environment the individual can have difficulty distinguishing a specific voice in the midst of others, or might feel the need to tune everything out. 
• Taste: Flavors or textures can limit the types of foods eaten.
• Smell: Sensitivity to chemicals or fragrances.
• Seeing: These individuals will take in their entire visual surroundings and notice all the details.
• Sixth sense: Intuition and the awareness of others’ energies and emotions. Sensitives don’t necessarily realize that they are sensing the emotions of others. In fact, their anxiety, anger or sadness might be coming from people in their surroundings.

Understanding the Sensitives in your life allows you to avoid focusing on what seemed to be undesirable traits and provides the opportunity for empathy and acceptance for yourself and others. Here are ways to support these individuals:

• Teach them that being different is not bad.
• Allow them to verbalize their experiences.
• Keep your own energy and emotions calm when communicating, especially when offering criticism or suggestions.
• Focus on their gifts: compassion, empathy, creativity, intelligence, rather than any challenging behaviors.
• Help them realize that they may be affected by the moods of family, peers or even people that they don’t know who are nearby.
• Provide structure and familiar routines.
• Encourage breath-work and relaxation.
• Teach grounding techniques for anxiety, agitation or hyperactivity: Sit or stand with your feet on the ground. Imagine the trunk (torso) of your body is the trunk of the tree. Feel the strength of the tree move down through your legs and feet (the roots), anchoring you into earth.
• Use your own energetic skills to clear the negative energies from physical spaces (more about this in a future article).
• Find a mentor or counselor who understands Sensitives’ six-sensory experiences and who can teach them how to set verbal, physical and energetic boundaries and to recognize their inherent gifts.
• Continue to educate yourself about Highly Sensitive People, Indigo Children and Crystal Children.

I believe Sensitives will help us to create a peaceful world that promotes and maintains ecological and social responsibility. We who are Sensitives and we who understand Sensitives have an extraordinary opportunity to parent and mentor these Six-Sensories to achieve their destiny. I hold the Sensitives in my life (and yours) in love and light. May we all know and attain our highest purpose. 

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

Finding Hope in an Insecure World

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

The challenges that Earth and our society face are all around us: diminishing rain forests, herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply, terrorism, superbugs, etc. It can even bring unease to an eternal optimist, like myself. Some of my students and adult clients have expressed their worries. They are concerned about the state of our world, and the youth often wonder whether they should bother setting goals for a future more than 10 years away.

I suggest we look at the situation from a different perspective. Human nature recognizes problems primarily when they are distinctly apparent, and it seems we have been given numerous opportunities to be enlightened. What if it didn’t need to be so obvious and instead, we allowed ourselves to recognize a problem before it was seemingly out of control?

Some people sense that change is approaching, yet they only know how to language it in terms with which they are familiar. As a result, they assume a fear-based model and believe that the end of the world is imminent. I remember that in response to Y2K (the transition to the new millennium on January 1, 2000) people filled bathtubs. In December 2012 there was fear about the “ending of the Mayan calendar”. Yet, we are still here!

We are not coming to the end of time, however we are moving into a new age. History informs that we have already moved through the industrial and technological ages. Future historians will describe the present times as a new age.

Some see change as different and respond with fear. Though they know the current situation is unacceptable, it’s all they know and they hold on too tightly. These individuals avoid change to something unknown. Yet when an unhealthy relationship or an unfulfilling job is finally let go, the outcome is appreciated and embraced.

Keeping our head in the sand is not protective. Worrying does not create change. Action creates change.  These are monumental problems, and I realize that I am one person, just as you are. Each of us can identify one thing to work on and encourage others to support, or we can encourage them to find their own thing. Maybe your one thing is feeding the homeless, recycling, or not using disposable water bottles. You can use your expertise, financial resources or time to bring change. It can be close to home or across the globe. Action is the solution. Action also alleviates depression and anxiety.

You can learn to embrace change as exciting. Realize that different assuredly does not mean bad. Different is necessary and not to be feared. Change agents across the globe are intuitively recognizing that the status quo is not acceptable and are embracing change. A weeklong course being offered by Harvard University in 2014 says, “A change agent uses creativity, power, and authority to intervene and mobilize people to face tough realities. One does not have to be the boss to be a change agent. Leadership is an activity, not a position.”

Many change agents are intuitive, empathic and tired of waiting for the systems to make the necessary and needed changes. These Indigo children (youth and adults) are encouraging a return to our awakened state: being present, focusing on peace and striving to deeply connect to others. Indigos realize that change is at hand.

Some say that we have a window of a few hundred years to make significant changes for our sustainability. Jean Houston is one of many visionaries who has shared the good news that she is witnessing large numbers of people in third world and industrialized countries generating the changes that we need.

I see change agents everywhere: children and adults, in my practice, in my family and in my social circles. Look around you, at your family, your children and in the mirror. Who are the change agents that you know?

Today’s Indigos and other change agents know it is important that we create and support the coming of this new age. It is expected to bring an era of greater peace and sustainability.

For the healing of our planet and for peaceful coexistence, we must push fear out of the way and embrace the limitless possibilities. Awareness is not the enemy. It is the seed for change. Worry can be used as your catalyst. Join the other change agents across the globe. We are each the solution. What will you do to maintain hope in this insecure world?

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

Published in My Metro You July 2013