Ep 314: The swooping bird: Lessons in self-protection and physical tension for the Highly Sensitive Person

SelfKind: Conversations in self-care, kindness and compassion for highly sensitive people

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly on high alert as a Highly Sensitive Person? Like you’re walking through life bracing yourself for the next “swoop” of overwhelm, criticism, or overstimulation?
In this episode of SelfKind (a podcast for Highly Sensitive People), join me, your host, Erica Webb, as I share a story about a swooping bird ... Yep, you read that correctly! This swooping bird - and how I responded - can teach us a powerful lesson in the way we armour up as Highly Sensitive People to protect ourselves — and why that tension often shows up as tight shoulders, sore jaws, headaches and pain.
We’ll explore:
✨ Why your body automatically “armours up” in stressful, complicated or overstimulating environments
✨ How this protective mechanism helps — but why, when it's overgeneralised or constantly 'on' it can become dysfunctional
✨ Simple, compassionate ways to create spaces and practices that allow your body to soften that armour.
If you’ve ever wondered why you feel so tense as a Highly Sensitive Person — this one's for you.

Mentioned in this episode: The SelfKind Hub! Join me inside for somatic exercise and yoga classes to help you release tension and nurture your body and mind

LEARN MORE AND JOIN HERE
⭐️ About your host, Erica Webb
Erica Webb is a registered counsellor, somatic exercise coach, yoga teacher and highly sensitive person (also diagnosed AuDHD). She supports other highly sensitive and neurodivergent people to discover their sensitivity superpowers and more confidently navigate the tricky bits of being a sensitive person in an often insensitive world.
🎙️ About the Podcast, SelfKind
SelfKind is for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) who want to navigate the tricky bits of their sensitivity with more ease while finding their sensitivity superpowers. Here, we’re all about being, living and moving through a lens of self-compassion and kindness.
📬 Connect with Erica:
🌐 https://www.ericawebb.com.au
📸 https://www.instagram.com/ericawebb_selfkind
🤝 Want to work 1-1 with me? Learn more here:
https://www.ericawebb.com.au/work-with-me

The content I share on this platform is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a qualified counsellor, yoga teacher, and somatic coach, the information provided here does not constitute personal counselling, therapy, or a therapeutic relationship.

If you're struggling with your mental health or need personalised support, I encourage you to reach out to a registered professional in your area.

Always take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and prioritise your wellbeing.