Unlock Your Unique Energy: How To Embrace Neurodiversity Using the Wisdom of Human Design
I am unapologetically, proudly, shamelessly Neurodivergent.
It's something I haven't spoken about much, but for the past few years I have self-identified (i.e currently undiagnosed) with several conditions including ADHD, Autism, HSP, and Discalculia.
For most of my life I've tried to fit in to the neurotypical box. I didn't understand why nearly everything at work or home, when involving OTHER people, was so stressful or frustrating.
I felt disorganized when trying to use other people's systems.
I felt confused when no one else understood how I connected dots or saw patterns.
I felt awkward when I would finish a course quickly when others were still in the beginning.
When my symptoms worsened after motherhood, I did some extensive research (hello, hyperfixation) and I realized all the weird, uncomfortable experiences of my life were my ND traits shining through.
I learned that neurodiversity is a natural variation of human experience and began to see these traits are nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, and in fact can even be beneficial in my life. Understanding that others share similar experiences provided comfort, empowerment, and a sense of belonging.
While learning about my neurodiversity, I was also simultaneously mastering the wisdom of Human Design and I couldn't help but notice a relation. It is a wonderful tool that helps us understand our innate energy and potential, allowing us to embrace our remarkable uniqueness and individuality.
"Normality is a paved road. It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow."
hVincint VanGog
Challenges & Struggles
Neurodivergent individuals possess unique cognitive and behavioral traits which mean that it's difficult to sustain interest/enthusiasm, focus or motivation. Restlessness and hyperactivity are common. We are Exceptionally perceptive in some ways, except oblivious in others
My neurodivergence is the root cause of frusteration and stress in my life. It shows up in all areas of my life - socially, personally, and professionally. It makes Adulting significantly more challenging. Everyday tasks and responsibilities like keeping up with ...
Household chores
Financial budgeting
Grocery shopping
Decluttering
Making appointments
Houseplants or pets
Vehicle maintenance
An exercise or workout routine
Manifesting work like affirmations or positive self-talk
Meditation & visualization
I struggle with tasks that require CONSISTENCY, regularity, repetition patience and trust because I am wired to live in the present moment and always looking for immediate results. Impulsivity and impatience are a constant struggle. I crave spontaneity and productivity and detest monotony and stagnation. It's all about finding the next dopamine rush.
I also have lifelong experiences of feeling socially awkward, struggling with school or work tasks, and dealing with shame, doubt and guilt due to not conforming to typical (often unrealistic) social norms and expectations. I've got chronic low self-esteem because I've never quite fit it anywhere or felt confident and capable.
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."
C.G. Jung
The Wisdom of HD
Neurodivergence, or neurodistinct, is a term we use to describe and understand people who don't work or think in a "logical" (ie conventional, linear) way. We don't follow most societal norms, but instead use our genius frequencies and emotional awareness to guide us. We have extraordinary gifts, so it's unfortunate to call it a disorder or dysfunction. If anything, our genetic vehicles are more advanced and resistant to conditioning, whereas others are still stuck from operating in the mind.
Through the wisdom of Human Design I learned to work WITH, not against, my ND brain. Once I leaned in and listened to my unique needs, my life and business began to flourish. Once I began to embrace my true nature, my individuality and authenticity, I experienced greater fulfillment and self-acceptance.
Human Design is not a medical or psychological framework so it can't identify or diagnose conditions like ADHD or Autism. But as a spiritual science system it can provide us with valuable insight into our individual energetic makeup and our corresponding cognitive differences -our unique emotional, and behavioral tendencies, needs and preferences
sensory sensitivities
decision-making strategies
ideal environments & surrounding
communication styles
interpersonal style
personality traits
varied interests
potential life paths
Human Design is an amazing tool for self-discovery and personal growth. The framework encourages individuals to honor their unique energy, strengths and interests, which is particularly important for those with neurodivergence. It reveals where we are prone to burnout, anxiety and thus help us avoid the situations or people that overwhelm, overload or drain us
Our Human Design chart is our "soul blueprint", and there are many Neurodivergent behaviors that are manifestations of the frequencies in our charts.Everyone's Design is different and unique. Everyone's brain functioning and internal wiring is a completely different and unique.
Here are a few components that might be relevant:
Types
Almost all energy types are instructed to live with greater intention and align their energy with the people, passions and opportunities that light them up. Manifestors are known for being great initiators and STARTERS, while Generators or Manifesting Generators are the FINISHERS.
Manifesting Generators are said to be the most Neurodivergent of the Energy Types, but of course there is minimal data to support this.
Gates & Channels
NDs usually have a realm of qualities, so associating it with a single gate doesn't make sense, but the following gates demonstrate the spectrum of ND traits of
Hyperfocus/hyperfixation, hypervigilance/hyperproductivity, overpreparedness/overstructuring
Hypersensitivity ,distractability/lack of focus
Gates 9 and/or Gates 52
Gates 62 and/or 17
Gates 19 and/or 49
Gates 61 and or 24
Gates 48 and/or 16
Gates 41 and/or 30
Gates 20 and/or 34
Gates 43 and/or 23
Gates 10 and/or 57
Gates 53, 54, 56
Gate 2, 6, 13, 19, 22, 44 - empathic, energy sensitive
Open Centers
Our open energy centers mean there’s the potential for a lot of input, and thus are great opportunities for learning. The qualities of open centers are often associated with autism and ADHD.
Undefined Ajna can be forgetful, easily distracted or overwhelmed, disorganized, sensory sensitive.
Undefined Head can be thinking about things that don't matter., easily distracted, starting but not finishing tasks, continually losing or misplacing things, forgetfulness
Undefined Throat can have difficulty with interrupting, blurting, or waiting for their turn to speak if passionate
Undefined Ego can have difficultly prioritzing or organizing
Undefined G Center can indicate a struggle with social identity and communication.
Undefined Solar Plexus can have difficult with emotional regulation, irritability, reactivity
Undefined Sacral can have inconsistent energy, interest or focus, starting but not finishing
Undefined Root can feel restlessness, tense and anxious, pressured by other people to rush or make a decision.
Strategy & Authority
You can be most successful by understanding your energy type, your design, and listening to your strategy and authority. Understanding Strategy and Authority can help neurodivergent individuals mitigate impulsivity and indecisiveness. This wisdom can help us enter situations correctly and therby expand our sensory capacity.
Variables
Variables involve our sensory processing and perspective, which may overlap Autism, ADHD and other ND tendencies.
Leftness is generally Neurotypical more active and masculine in nature. It's very focused and detail oriented.
Rightness is generally Neurodivergent: more passive, feminine and receptive. It’s meant to be more peripheral/ big picture and variable, which could be interpreted as aloofness or carelessness.
Human Design can help us the release and reframe the labels of our "disorder". So look at your Design as perfect as it is…which means that you are Perfect as you are.
We don't have an affliction to be managed, we have creativity to be harnessed! We have amplified energy also known as hyperactivity. -that's exciting, not problematic!
Again, It's important to stress that Human Design is not a diagnostic tool for medical or psychological conditions. Its insights are more about how an individual can work with their unique energy to optimize the conditions of life, to achieve the most growth and potential to thrive.
"The Highly Sensitive tend to be philosophical or spiritual in their orientation, rather than materialistic or hedonistic. They dislike small talk. They often describe themselves as creative or intuitive. They dream vividly, and can often recall their dreams the next day. They love music, nature, art, physical beauty. They feel exceptionally strong emotions--sometimes acute bouts of joy, but also sorrow, melancholy, and fear.
Highly Sensitive People also process information about their environments--both physical and emotional--unusually deeply. They tend to notice subtleties that others miss--another person's shift in mood, say, or a lightbulb burning a touch too brightly. "
Susan Cain
Procrastination, Perfectionism & Visibility
Every human deserves the right to be able to show up authentically and, to be able to witness uniqueness in others. Unfortunately there are tricks your mind plays that keep you safe and hidden, preventing you from taking aligned action towards what you naturally feel pulled towards - living your dreams and following your passions.
Many HD experts try to simplify things and tell clients "Just follow your Strategy and Authority”. Sure, that is your simple mechanical truth but saying this to people who suffer from severe, nearly debilitating imposter syndrome, insecurity and anxiety, that advice isn't helpful. Unfortunately, the primitive (loud, messy) Mind wins over Strategy and Authority for those. of us with deeply ingrained patterning and programming. .
"Perfectionism is Shame masking as Disclipine."
f you are in a pattern of perfectionism & procrastination that impacts your visibility, it just means that your Nervous System is trying to protect you. You have been in a cycle of shame for a very long time.
Perfectionism is just a prettier, more accepted version of Shame. And ofteimes, our Shame comes from our Open Centers- it is always looking outwards to others for guidance, input. It is always wanting to be what you are not. We are more likely to show up as our "Not-Self"hiding behind perfectionism can be a way to get attention because your Mind will try to convince you that without this perfect shield, you will be ignored.
If you have an Undefined G Center you may try to have a consistent personality with consistent habits and systems in order to create a consistent identity, because that seems more socially acceptable.
If you have an Undefined Splenic Center you may hold onto the unhealthy stories, things, people, and places simply because its a familiar energy. Staying hidden feels more safe than risking the unsafety of being rejected.
If you have an Undefined Sacral Center then you may have an attitude of "all or nothing” - this is a perfectionism tendency in a nutshell. It comes from cycles of burnout and overwhelm and living or working in an unsustainable way.
If you have an Undefined Head Center you may tend to research and mentally prepare behind the scenes instead of showing up and sharing.
If you have an Undefined Ajna Center you may struggle with anxiety. -needing to know more in order to feel prepared.
If you have an Undefined Throat Center you may try to get attention by self-sabotaging through silence.
If you have an Undefined Spleenic/Emotional Center you may hide behind perfectionism as a way to avoid confrontation of any kind, which would cause you to feel the intensity of emotional waves connected to this experience. Dealing with people’s emotional reactions to what you are saying may seem so overwhelming that you start to avoid the emotional world altogether, hiding in your perfect procrastination bubble, convincing yourself that you need to get more skills, better education, knowledge how to market, learn how to write in a way that is correct… but actually you just want to avoid the confrontation of being in the world, sensitive and open as you are, feeling so deeply as you do. Yes, you will feel. But it is your gift. The beautiful gift of holding a space that is filled with understanding of what people are going through. You are their witness & that is something precious and needs to be cherished.
If you have an Undefined Heart Center then your Mind is constantly trying to convince you that you need to improve yourself. That you are not good enough as you are, comparing yourself with other people & trying to be better in order to feel worthy. So if you have cycles of procrastination and perfectionism, they are coming from the same space, of not feeling good enough. This one hurts so much and it is especially triggering in the world of social media, where you have constant access to stories and visuals of people living „their best lives”. So you won’t show up because you are not good enough, you are not perfect… And if you can not keep up anymore with trying to force your inconsistent willpower to become better & better, procrastination comes in…undefined Heart Center, you feel like you are not worthy so you need to improve yourself. Not having approval from your parents means literally death, especially for young children. So your Nervous System learns that in order to keep you safe you need to be on a self-improvement path all your life - this is called fawn response.
If you have an Undefined Root Center you may feel this stress & pressure in your body because you are so open and sensitive to the stress levels of other people. So your Mind will tell you that in order to get rid yourself of this pressure, you need to complete everything as soon as possible. If you have anything to do, you feel this pressure to finish & get rid of it so the pressure would go away… But it never does… there is always something new to complete. Your perfectionism can manifest as being a task machine. You make your life a to-do list. This is a bottomless list because each day there is more… So when you show up & do your things, for example in your business or on the way to having one, establishing your presence comes from this pressure energy. You are riding on adrenaline so at one point your perfectionism can easily change to procrastination. And then after procrastinating, you feel so much pressure that you start the cycle over and over again.
When you look at all of these undefined centers… You see, procrastination and perfectionism is actually saving you. And because you have an To get there you are also in a fight & flight response state, getting better, improving, and making yourself more worthy. Here we have perfectionism. By being in these states you are burning yourself up, with too much adrenaline & cortisol in your body. Humans are living in constant fight, flight, fawn responses, and then their nervous system shuts down & there is a freeze response - basically playing dead. Here you procrastinate. Your Nervous System wants to keep you safe, that is what it thinks you need, based on years of conditioning. And you feel shame that you do it… so when you feel shame, there is a trigger emotion, and your Nervous System is programmed to keep you alive. Shame was associated with danger in your childhood, it is associated with lack of parental approval, so once again to keep you safe, your Nervous System response sends you on a self-improvement path. But you have less and less juice to sustain it, so you procrastinate more, or you experience burnout or even depression.
But why don’t I say the Mind is causing it but your Nervous System? You see, when your Mind, through your Openness is telling you things that are not true when you are a child & maybe your caregivers do the same, if you believe it for a long enough time, these become habituated thought patterns coming from your Mind, that imprint your Nervous System pathways & strategies to keep you safe. So with enough repetition, your Mind programs your body's responses. As a child when your parents told you that you made a mistake, maybe they even screamed at you or punished you by forcing you to go to your room, and you have an undefined Splenic Center like me, then you can literally think you are going to die without them. Your Nervous System learns that in order to keep you safe in this environment, you need to be perfect, and not make mistakes. It is Mind but it influences your unconscious that it runs your life.
As you see, advice to just follow your Strategy and Authority is not enough. This conditioning is so deep that it prevents you from doing so. Not because you are broken but because the first and most important task of your Nervous System, which governs almost all of your other systems, is to keep you safe. Period. Following the excitement of your Sacral, even if correct, may require some steps that your Nervous System flags as dangerous, and it will prevent you from doing this activity. That's why the deconditioning process in Human Design, should involve Nervous System work as well. So when I hear from some people „This is your Mind, just follow your Strategy & Authority”
I hope you can understand now, that your perfectionism & procrastination are just symptoms of your Nervous System doing everything it can to keep you safe. It is a blessing that we have this mechanism. There is nothing wrong with you. But when you know it, it is your responsibility to show your Nervous System new pathways, show it that it is safe to do the things that in the past were flagged as dangerous. You can do it through regulation & expansion work of your Nervous System. There is a lot of free content on the internet that will help you do that. You can just google it.
The somatic work with the Human Design approach is one of the most effective combinations to live the life that is your life, shining your Essence and being visible to everyone who needs your light.
You may be stuck in this pattern for a very long time because your Mind doesn’t allow you to let go of the Shame of being your authentic messy self. But remember, this shame is not yours to have. It comes from your conditioning and your open Centers. Its not something to fight - its something to accept that you will always be on a hedonic treadmill of chasing new versions of what you percieve to be"perfect"or ideal in others.
How do we navigate this?
Instead of saying „I do not feel good enough so I need to get better”, or „I am afraid that if I don’t look perfect people won’t notice me” change the story to "My Mind say that: „I do not feel good enough... or I am afraid that if" THis way, You stop shaming yourself, you acknowledge that it is your Mind shaming you. You create a distance between what you think you think you are and what you actually are. It also doesn’t bypass what you are going through & force you to have only positive thoughts, like this shit ever works in the long run. Your thoughts impact your emotional state & your nervous system so we can not just dismiss this reality but we take away the notion that what you think about yourself is true.
Unmasking & Deconditioning
Neurodivergent unmasking and Human Design deconditioning are related concepts that both involve shedding societal and external influences to uncover one's authentic self and potential.
Both concepts are about self-empowerment: breaking free from societal expectations, embracing one's authenticitcy, and celebrating our of individual differences.
Masking is when nuerodivergent individuals hide or repress their neurodivergent traits in order to conform to neurotypical standards and societal norms and pressures. This creates additional layers of conditioning to rewire.
We might change the way we communicate, or alter our behavior, interests, our personality to suit the people we are with. And unfortunately over time we pay for it with our mental health and wellbeing.
Pretending to be someone other than who we really are is no way to live. It's time to live authentically.
Unmasking is a transformative process and journey of self-discovery which involves
complete self-awareness
committed self-understanding
radical self-acceptance
unconditional self-love
continuous self-forgiveness
Unmasking is Deconditioning, and is a part of INSPIRED, INTENTIONAL LIVING. It is conscious, authentic living. It is living in accordance to your natural preferences and tendencies. Examples include:
consuming safe foods and media
requesting accommodations for your preferred communication style
avoiding overwhelming spaces
choosing comfortable clothing or low-maintenance style
setting boundaries
listening to your body
regulating your nervous system
expanding your resilience
The key to Deconditioning is to work on the regulation and expansion of our nervous system, to be able to slowly show your body that it is safe to take steps that bring change, that change is safe. With each small step, more bravery comes. It is a slow but very nurturing dance. Slow is ok… slow is safe. Less work, more fun… less perfection, more action. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be there. Remember, It is ok to show up messy & lost. Your direction and identify and persona will change a lot during your life, and thats ok.One way to think of it...your Mind is for others. Not for yourself. People need the messy or incomplete thoughts instead of the tidy presentation. So share! When you're connecting w other through your vulnerability that's where the magic is.. Perfectionism, in that case, has its roots in the Mind’s belief that you need to get better at getting attention, so you perfect the way you speak, the way you dress & the way your social media look… and it can be an overwhelming task so you burn yourself up or procrastinate or both.
It's important to remember that unmasking and deconditioning are a privilege not available to everyone. It is not one-size-fits all process that may not feel safe or appropriate for some because it involves extreme vulnerability and trust. It can be an exhausting, stressful. but liberating experience to discover our true selves.
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Redefining Success
As nuerodivergent individuals we are here to defy convention. We are not meant to fit in, and that's ok. We have a direction and intent and purpose that is different than most.
Nuerodivergence gives us access to higher functions and frequencies for processing energy and information. I like to believe that ND individuals like myself are here to help humanity and society evolve to the next level. Our unique writing can actually be our fast-track to upleveling consciousness.
Traditional definitions of success (security, fame/recognition, money, materialism) are ego-based and often do not resonate with the multifaceted strengths, desires, and abilities of neurodivergent individuals. Instead, we are motivated to pursue alternative markers such as
personal growth
personal fulfillment
healthy self-esteem
creative self-expression
meaningful relationships
general well-being
We can create and find true success on your OWN terms by
getting clear on your personal values
connecting to a sense of greater power and purpose
prioritizing activities aligned with passions and special interests,
focusing on quality connections where there is reciprocity and alignment.
choosing sensory-friendly environments
embracing multipotentialism and exploring multiple interests
saying No to what doesn't feel good, focusing on what does.
By embracing our differences we are catalyzing a shift in the understanding and approach to all areas of life, from education, to work, to relationships and beyond. Diversity is nature's greatest abundacne!
Acceptance & Embracing Your ND Identity
Neurodivergence is not a curse. It can be a blessing! It's all about perspective.
Instead of viewing neurodiversity as a limitation, reframe it an asset that contributes to your individuality and potential for success. Look at your neurodivergence as a remarkable OPPORTUNITY to learn, grow, and love yourself more.
The strategies below can support you in your journey.
Journaling & Reflection
Embrace your uniqueness and individuality by defining your unique values, interests, talents and strengths and achievements. This is what makes you special and different from everyone else. Celebrate the aspects of yourself that make you exceptional and valuable. This is what can help you build confidence to put yourself (and your gifts) out there to be SEEN and contribute to collective
Patience & Persistence
Acknowledge that meaningful change takes time, through small steps, Remember that you are making progress even when it feels your efforts go unnoticed or when things don't go as planned. Regardless of your neurological wiring, personal development is an ongoing journey, not a fixed destination. With patience and persistence, you will get there.
Acceptance & Compassion
As a neurodivergent person you may have received more negative input than positive when growing up. Stop the self-shame, self-judgment and negative self-talk about their apparent differences.
Reprogram your self worth, embracing the fact that you are made differently. You don't need to fix your flaws. You are not broken. You are not dysfunctional. You just have a different path to success.
There is not one right way to live or exist or do or be! Establish realistic expectations of yourself and others, considering life's challenges. Accept that nobody is perfect, and everyone has strengths and challenges. Embrace a mindset of progress over perfection and recognize that growth is a continuous journey.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer to a friend. Acknowledge your struggles and remind yourself that EVERYONE has flaws, imperfections, and challenges to overcome.
After all, our mistakes, negative experiences and negative emotions are our greatest teachers. Adversity builds resilience.
Ttry to avoid using these labels or diagnosis as limitations, restrictions, or excuses to hold yourself back or reasons to try to "fix" yourself. Shift to a more empowered perspective - You are part of the Science of Differentiation! Trust your intuition and trust your natural processing because you're designed a very specific way.
Remember, you do not have to cope with being yourself. Accept the wiring you were given and the process that you have., what works and what doesnt. You don't have to try and be anyone else except for who you are.
Practice Self-Expression
Move the energy from your body and get it out into the world! Engage in activities such as exercise, writing, art, music, dance or other creative outlets that allow you to express yourself and channel your emotions,
Community Engagement
Associate with people who appreciate your qualities and exhibit kindness and positivity. Cultivating relationships with people who are kind.
Connect with neurodiverse communities and support groups online or in-person. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can help you feel validated and less alone.
Seek out and learn about successful neurodiverse individuals who have embraced their differences and thrived. Their stories can inspire you and provide a positive outlook on your own journey.
Professional Help & Support
Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with neurodiverse individuals. Therapy can provide guidance and strategies for managing shame and building self-esteem.
This involves practical guidance for making accomodations for your home, or tools for your mind, body and spirit, as well as helping you find clarity and regulate your nervous system.
Wrapping it All Up
One of the reasons I am so passionate about Human Design is that it gives us the framework to live more bravely and authentically. The sooner we realize our uniqueness, the sooner we can accept and love ourselves just the way we are instead of spending our time and energy trying to be like everyone else.
Remember - your diagnosis doesn't define you. It's not your identity. It simply helps others understand how your brain works.
You are not your diagnosis
You are not your thoughts
You are not your past
You are not your mistakes
You are not what others think you are
You are not your job
You are not what you own
You are not what entertains you
You are not you pain or suffering
You are not the story you tell yourself
You are not this body
You are not even a human...
You are a life force. You are SPIRITUAL BEING having a human EXPERIENCE as a chance to learn and grow as that being in your own diverse way!
There is no wrong way to do this. There is no lesser way to exist. We are all equal and we are all one. Every living being brings something beautiful and meaningful to the table of life. All of us are a valuable part of this wonderful fabric that makes up humanity.
What are your gifts and skills? It could be
creative skills like writing, music or art
helpful skill like cooking, handywork or gardening
heart skills like empathy, storytelling or love
We survive today because each of us brings something to this world. We're all here serve and support each other but through capitalism we somehow have forgotten that.
This is Neurodiversity. It's about working together to thrive in our human existence.
--
If you're struggling to fit into a box that wasn't built for you, I'm here to tell you it's ok to smash the damn box! In fact, I'll get you the hammer.
Call me what you want : ADHD, Autistic. Squiggly Brain. Creative. Weirdo. Nerd. Neurospicey.
In the end, neurodivergent people are just... people. Neurodivergent behaviour is human behaviour. It’s that simple.
I love unleashing the creative magic and potential within neurodivergent individuals. I can help you take your unique design and energy type and turn it into a larger vision and purpose.
A soul-based lifestyle is your birthright. If you’d like to explore your unique roadmap to a joyful life and meaningful success, reach out. I would love to hear from you.
Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach and holistic growth strategist.
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