Helen Joy Butler

Sanctuary Lessons From Mother Nature, for Highly Sensitive People

June 6, 2019

We can learn so much about our personal growth by looking at nature.⁣

A little over a month ago I went away with Mr 13 on a mother / son weekend.

It was a program facilitated by The Rites of Passage Institute and involved camping, ritual, connection, sanctuary; individually and collectively.⁣

When we were driving home Mr 13 was dozing in the passenger seat as I navigated traffic and reflected on my personal experience.⁣

As I drove into our driveway the first thing that greeted me were blooms all over our camellia trees. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face!

You see, when we left there were only a few flowers in bloom, and hundreds of buds ready to burst open.

And in three days Mother Nature had done what we had done on camp – expand, grow, blossom, shine brightly.⁣

A Walk Through The Cherry Blossoms

May 23, 2019

Have you ever had the urge to travel to a certain place, do a certain thing, spend time in a particular part of the world?

I know I have!

But sometimes things like this creep up on you without you even knowing it.

What do I mean by that?

Why You, Sensitive Soul, Are More Resilient Than You Think

May 2, 2019

In late January this year my sister told me about an article in the Sunday paper that she thought I might be interested in.

The article was called ‘How To Build Emotional Resilience’.

Under this headline it said:

Do you often feel overwhelmed by your emotions and want to hide away from the world? Being highly sensitive has its challenges, but you can start building emotional strength today.

I hadn’t bought the paper so my sister gave it to me – and the article itself has sat on my desk ever since.

Not because I’m a hoarder of newspapers (far from it!) but because I had been waiting for the right time to share my thoughts on it – and what I really think.

Because I actually think the article is flawed.

Very flawed.

I’m Angry – Here’s Why

February 28, 2019

As a Highly Sensitive Person I need more Sanctuary in my life than non-HSPs.

What does that mean?

I love, love, love time on my own.

I love spending time sitting on the grass, walking through the local nature park, staring at the ocean, floating in the pool, allowing my thoughts to wander.

I love long soaks in the bathtub; curling up with a blanket and a warm cup of tea; food that nourishes my body and soul in equal measure.

I love the vitamins I take daily; my bed; my reading glasses that allow me to dive deep as the words jump off the page of the book I’m reading.

I love the crystals beside my bed, which no-one else sees or uses, that help me connect with what I know to be true.

I love meditation and journalling and receiving guidance from above.

But I don’t love it when people judge me or say that I’m weird (check out my response to that here).

And I certainly don’t love it when people judge other HSPs for traits that are innate, wound so tightly within their DNA that they couldn’t change them if they tried.

I have a lot to say on this. In fact, I have SO much to say it’s ridiculous.

What’s Love Got To Do With Living An Intentional Year?

February 14, 2019

Today’s Valentine’s Day.

I’m going to be {perhaps} a little controversial and say that I’m not sure I’m a massive fan of it.

Maybe I’m getting jaded, and old. Maybe it’s because I’ve been married for so many years. Maybe it’s kids and work and the crazy busy society we live in. Maybe it’s because we should, in reality, be showing ourselves love – as well as the people around us love – each and every day of the year.

I have a question (or two!) for you today, on Valentine’s Day, to help you reflect on the love in your life and how it shows up for you.

These questions may make you feel uncomfortable but that’s not my intention. My intention is to give you some space to reflect, think, connect with the love around you – and then do something about it.

If these questions make you squirm a little, I apologise. But I promise I’m asking them for a good reason.

So let’s jump to it.