Inspired by just how many people I met at the World Domination Summit, who, like my dear friend Jenn in her hammock, sometimes need a break from all of that energy and stimulation, I invited some wonderful creatives, introverts and highly sensitive people to share their wisdom on managing big events like conferences. In Part I, Jennifer Lee, Jolie Guillebeau, Laurie Sutton and Rachelle Mee-Chapman shared their tips and strategies. Today another group of wise women lead the way. Thank you so much to these brilliant contributors!

Jennifer Louden…

I have yet to attend a learning gathering (except the retreats I create and even those can have too much to offer) that are fully consumable by most people – in other words, you have to leave some goodies on your plate. You won’t be able to know what so make a promise to keep checking in with yourself, with your body, with what you need vs. what you think you should do or else you will miss something. I left early on Sunday from WDS and drove home although that meant missing the closing – my body said done and I listened.

Plan ahead how you will eat if you have food issues, like I do. Mark Silver and I promised each other to stay gluten free and low sugar. It’s so easy for me to get into glutton mode and then not enjoy myself because I’m having an allergic reaction.

Don’t plan on working during a conference or retreat. Mindfully close down your work before you leave. Don’t leave stuff dangling because it will hang over you and you’ll be distracted. Also, I don’t do any social media, email or even calls during events. I do text my sweetheart and daughter – and that’s it.

Jen Louden is learning how to Savor & Serve. She convenes retreats, has written 6 books with almost a million copies in print, and walks around astonished most of the time.

Rachel Cole…

Stay in choice. You are always in choice and no one, no other attendee, or the conference planner can take that away from you. There are no ‘have to’s’. You don’t have to attend every talk or break-out session. You don’t have to sit up front or sit in back. You don’t have to mingle during breaks or go to lunch with anyone else. You don’t have to go out at night. If you find yourself talking to someone who drains you, excuse yourself. You can choose to do whatever you need to do to manage your sensory input.

You only need to look to yourself for the answers. Others, especially those who are not highly sensitivity, can make you feel like your experience is wrong or less than…when in reality, no one’s experience is better or worse. Trust yourself. Take care of yourself. Celebrate how you experience the world.

When you take good care of yourself and make empowered choices for yourself the universe responds with waves of YES.

Rachel W Cole is a fiercely loving, uber-creative life coach who helps people get clear about what they are truly hungry for and then get well-fed.

Joy Agcongay…

I am an HSP and strongly introverted. I’m also a marketing consultant.

I’ve learned the hard way (e.g. catching colds, needing a LOT of downtime) that I need to take care of myself, especially when attending intensely social situation like conferences.

I try to go into a conference carrying plenty of self-compassion and permission to be OK with who I am, not who I think I should be. I look at the schedule to get a sense of rhythm: how many breaks and how long, and whether there are sessions that I might be able to skip if I get overstimulated.

I also give myself permission to not have to meet every person, or even every person I should meet. I generally set a goal of connecting with X number of people going in. For me, that number is usually <5 since I want to make connections that will last beyond the conference.

I choose after-hours socializing carefully. If I’m not too tired, I check in with myself: Do I really want to do this out of the love of participation (yes) or the fear of not belonging (no)?

When I need a break, I find a quiet corner. Or leave the physical space altogether and walk to the nearest park, garden, museum or place of worship. I’ve even found myself in a bathroom stall for quiet and mitigating overwhelm!

By carving out a bit of sanctuary in the cacaphony, I’ve been able make meaningful connections and actually enjoy myself. Imagine that!

Joy Agcongay is a gentle marketer for overwhelmed entrepreneurs, aspiring homesteader, assistant bee rancher, chicken/cat mom and creativity retreat junkie who loves to travel to quiet, sacred spaces.

Natalie Currie…

I’ve been to three conference events in the past four weeks! I love being surrounded by creative change-agents, gaining new insights and connecting the dots. That can all be a little draining, as well. As a coach who uses a brain-based approach, I know that time to process information (e.g. so what? now what?) is much more valuable than attending another networking event or packing in more content than my brain can handle.

Conference schedules don’t often allow time for my morning practices, which includes meditation and yoga. Walking meditation is my quick-fix-antidote to the “conference overwhelm” that I’ve personally experienced and I’ve seen in other creative-introverts. John Medina, author and developmental molecular biologist wrote about the role of exercise on learning in, “Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home and School” (http://www.brainrules.net). Rule #1 is that exercise increases brain power. As Medina describes, “Physical activity is cognitive candy”. A brief walk, in particular in a green space in the morning and again after lunch is usually all I need to clear my mind. In this refreshed state, I can take in more information. More importantly I have more energy to focus on making meaningful connections with my tribe.

As a workshop facilitator, life and executive coach, Natalie helps individuals and teams who feel overwhelmed create rich, sustainable lives in connected communities.

Kate Swoboda…

My conference/workshop/lots of people around tip: Feel your breath, and feel the silence. During our first morning at WDS, I felt jarred. My mornings are usually slow, quiet, and deliberate. At WDS, I needed to get up and get moving, and was immediately in an environment where people were interacting with one another. By the first break, I felt overwhelmed, so I slipped outside. I sat apart from others, and tilted my face to the sun, and just… breathed in the air. I noticed the silence. I slowed down. When others were talking, I tried to notice the silence and gaps between their words. I let the energy of rejuvenation come into my body through my breath. If you are quiet enough, you can hear the “hum” of energy that is in silence. I invited that in. (I live in Northern California, where it is legal to talk about things like this.) I call practices like this “Stillness Practice,” where my aim is simply to create stillness within me. It’s a practice–not a one-stop fix-it shop–so this was definitely something that I revisit whenever I’m in a space where I know that there will be a lot of activity.

Kate Swoboda is a Life Coach, speaker and writer who works with changemakers.

A Note from Jamie…

I’m so thankful for the shared wisdom of our creative community! Thank you once again to each of the contributors.

I hope in each of these suggestions, something spoke to your heart. I’ll look forward to seeing you at a special event, a workshop or a conference. Maybe we’ll give each other big hugs and hang out in conversation. Or maybe we’ll give each other a smile, a knowing look and head off to the hammocks.

Read Part I in this series here.

Photo courtesy of Armosa Studios

As a someone who lives on the cusp of introvert and extrovert, big events like the World Domination Summit are both a thrill and a challenge. Luckily, at a conference about non-conformity, no one bats an eye if you spend time in a hammock instead of networking! But even this very understanding environment, it takes a bit of pluck to give yourself the loving care you need when it seems like everyone else is joining the party!

It’s taken me years to feel comfortable opting out when things become too much (or better yet, before they become too much). I’ve worried people would find me unfriendly and I just hated the prospect of missing out on anything, especially building friendships. But I’ve also learned that if I don’t take my time to walk and breathe and process and be quiet, I really do miss out. Nothing sinks in and I actually become less friendly and less available because I’m totally tapped out.

When I take care of myself well, I can be really present with people and have lots of love and listening to offer when we’re together. And I’m getting better at trusting that I won’t miss out, that what’s meant for me is there for me. And I am totally okay with being wired the way I’m wired. In fact, I just tell people I need the downtime or the quiet and almost all the time, they totally get it! In fact, I talked to so many people that were going through the same thing that I invited some creative introverts and highly sensitive people to share their best tips for self-care during events like conferences – and got so many great responses I’ve created two posts!

I hope this conversation inspires you to step into these kinds of experiences with confidence, knowing it’s okay to do what you need to do and you are not alone.

Thank you so much to all of these wonderful contributors!

with love,

Jamie

Jennifer Lee…

Take breaks when you need to. It’s okay to skip out on presentations if you need some quiet time to recharge or to integrate your learnings. I used to force myself to power through each and every talk and breakout session so I could “get my money’s worth.” But I wasn’t really taking anything in when I was actually zoning out or feeling zapped.  I’ve learned it’s better to step outside and enjoy some fresh air, journal, or eat a snack. I often times will go back to my hotel room at breaks, slip under the covers for a quick nap or just to surround myself with quiet calm. At WDS I loved the hammock lounge. It was the perfect place for this HSP/introvert to recharge. You can see me getting my hammock time in this short and silly video.

Also letting yourself play hooky from the “main event” means you might even bump into the perfect person to sit down with and engage in a deep and meaningful conversation together. Those rich and heartfelt connections are usually what make these type of events so worthwhile for me.

Be gentle and compassionate with yourself and listen to what you need.

Jennifer Lee, of Artizen Coaching, is a certified coach, writer, and artist and author of The Right-Brain Business Plan.

Jolie Guillebeau…

First, I’m very careful to pay attention to my body. I keep a water bottle in my hand and a granola bar in my bag, and I never let myself get too hungry or thirsty. I’m also the first person to head back to the hotel and go to bed. I’m useless and weepy without enough sleep.

But the thing I’ve discovered that helps me most is knitting. Having a simple knitting project keeps my hands busy which seems to keep me present and in tune with my physical self, and it also helps me through those awkward introvert moments. I can duck out of conversations gracefully by concentrating on my stitches, and occasionally when I’m overstimulated, knitting is a quick escape.

Jolie Guillebeau is a story-teller, knitter and painter, who lives in Portland and keeps a stash of chocolate covered jellybeans in her bag. She’s willing to share if you’re sitting next to her at a conference.

Rachelle Mee-Chapman…

Ah, conferences. A chance to meet people you’ve only known on-line. Profitable contacts. Helpful tips. New information. And all that glorious, inspiring energy!

It’s enough to make a High Sensitive Person shake in their boots.

HSP’s and introverts need to take special care at conferences – lest the noise, the small talk, and the non-stop information overload their super-senses. And this, my tuned-in friends, is why you need a room of your own.

I know it’s expensive. I know it’s tempting to grab a roommate. But unless you can bunk with someone you know (and mesh with) really really well, don’t do it. You’ll need the sanctuary of your room to be quiet, get still, and reboot. At the end of the day, come “home,” take a long shower, put on your comfiest loungewear and pour yourself a big glass of water. You might try editing down your scrawled notes from the day so you can stop trying to hold all your new ideas in your busy mind. Or maybe a few yoga poses are in order. Call your family, rest your aching feet, and just watch Glee on your laptop. Do whatever helps you refill and recharge so you can get the biggest bang for your conference buck in tomorrow’s sessions.

When conferences get overwhelming, listen to your inner mama. She’ll probably tell you to, “Go to your room!”

Rachelle Mee-Chapman helps people create right-fit spiritual practices at Magpie Girl: Care for creative souls.

Laurie Sutton…

The best choice I made at WDS as a “socially challenged” person was to just allow myself to be as I am. I have a thing about personal space, and can only tolerate crowds of people for so long before I need room to dance, as it were. So during breaks, I wormed my way thru the crush of happily chattering souls at the front door, crossed the street to the park for some quiet time, and spent a few minutes in meditation. I accepted that it’s okay to be on the edges but still part of the gathering, and stopped feeling bad that I’m not exactly a social butterfly. This softened sense of acceptance allowed me to go back in and converse with others more freely during the breakout sessions, and melted my resistance and false assumption that there’s only one way to behave at a conference. The resulting relaxed ease that I felt made it possible for me to speak to the folks I truly felt moved to connect with, particularly the speakers and workshop leaders. And I came away from WDS with a new sense of capability, and anticipation of more involved participation in these gatherings as I grow into my freedom.

Laurie Sutton is a jewelry artist, adventurer and introspective writer, embarking on her first online creative/business venture at watersedgecreative.com

Tomorrow get conference tips and streategies from Jennifer Louden, Natalie Currie, Joy Agcongay, Kate Swoboda and Rachel Cole.

After days enjoying Portland, it was time for the World Domination Summit to begin. I’m sure I’m not the only one who suddenly felt a little nervous! As the time came closer, I felt a little shy, as I always do with big events, but I put on my shiny black boots and remembered just how many people I adore were going to be there and headed out with anticipation. Besides, I was lucky enough to be sharing this whole she-bang with my sis Shannon and we always have a good time together!

Brain Trusts & Masterminds

Before registration, some of my very favourite people held a meetup to share their experience with masterminding. Jennifer Louden, Michael Bungay Stanier, Mark Silver and Molly Gordon have all been my teachers (whether they know it or not). For years I have been nourished by their work and inspired by their spirits. What a joy to be in a room with them as they shared, with great generosity, insight and  humour, how they came to be a brain trust, what their experience has been like and what they might encourage us to do. If you’ve been longing for a supportive, nurturing, challenging community, why not bring a few people together and discover how to support one another in unfurling all you are and all you have to give?

And so it begins…

Official World Domination Summit Photo

Next we headed down to the Portland Art Museum where registration and the opening night party would take place in the Sculpture Garden – how cool is that? My video shares some of the brilliant, radiant people I had the joy of connecting to – and there were so many more! It’s hard to keep getting pictures when there’s so much excitement all around! Everywhere you looked were friendly faces, beaming with joy at being there. It was clear from the beginning, this was going to be special.

One of the things that also showed up from the start was just how many people were feeling tender too. I wonder if I just know a lot of creative, introverted, highly sensitive people or whether something about The World Domination Summit attracts them. I certainly found that part of enjoying the experience was tending my spirit and energy with care, trusting that the time I had with the people was enough, that I didn’t need to grab hold of every last morsel of opportunity but rather I could sink into the energy and let myself just be present. (By the way, I’m going to be gathering for you some helpful tips for dealing with conferences and big experiences like this when you’re a super sensitive soul, especially for those of you who want to go next year)

Without question the highlights of the evening for me were all the love and hugs. It was such a treat for me to just walk up the street with my dear friend Jennifer Lee as of we actually lived in the same city. And what a delight to sip a glass of my neighbourhood buddy Tanya Geisler‘s wine while in an entirely new place! And being able to hug people I’ve known online for years, maybe even interviewed, like Rachelle Mee-Chapman, Andrea Scher, Kelly Rae Roberts and Jen Lemen! And some people just light up the place when they come over and say hi, like Michelle Ward, Julie Daley and Allan Bacon. To sit on the stairs and chat with Kate Swoboda and Rachel Cole and Shannon the Movie Moxie – I mean, really, what a good night! I even got to finally meet Mark Silver for a great big hug. And I met Tara Gentile and Bridget Pilloud and Leah Shapiro and Marjory Mejia and Tiffany Moore and Pace and… so many beautiful people!

And there was more – shared thoughts and insights, new connections, fresh takes, unexpected sunshine and lots and lots of smiles. Opening night of the World Domination Summit started us off beautifully.

Being a Visionary…

Official World Domination Summit photo of Chris Guillebeau

One of the things I’ll really take away from WDS is that this big, gorgeous, creatively inspiring, life-changing, dream-provoking event started as a seed of an idea in Chris Guillebeau’s head. Because Chris said, “Yes!” when this idea showed up, look how many people have been impacted…

Official World Domination Summit photograph

And that’s not everyone. Maybe right now you’re reliving the experience and remembering all that you discovered was possible. Maybe you didn’t get to go but your heart is calling you to participate next time. Maybe just hearing about the event is enough to get you dreaming and motivated. Wherever you are, here’s what I want you to know: when we say “Yes!” and share our gifts, the whole world is brighter. That’s the kind of world domination I can get behind.

You can sign up for next year’s pre-registration here. I’m not an affiliate or anything – I just want to make it easier for you if you’re feeling a call in your heart. I’m a coach; that’s my job ;)

Setting the intention of becoming a more confident traveler is one of the best things I have ever done. Once I uttered the words, opportunities showed up! I assisted Jennifer Louden at a retreat at Kripalu, I attended Alicia Forest‘s Online Business Breakthrough workshop in Portsmouth and was able to stop and visit friends near Boston, I’ve been to San Francisco for my brother’s wedding and visited Nova Scotia to see my sister and now, I’ve just returned from the World Domination Summit in Portland!

There’s something about Portland. Over the years I’ve fallen for so many artists, coaches and businesses based in this city – not to mention Nia – that I had a feeling I would love it and I did! My sister Shannon, my husband Justin and I decided to explore the city before the summit. I hope the video  takes you along with us. We had a great time walking through Portland with camera in hand, discovering great restaurants and the joys of happy hour, exploring the best bookstore ever and enjoying art, art and more art!  I’ll share more of the conference itself in the days to come but for today, here are some of our memorable Portland experiences (and some context for the photos):

• The very first restaurant we tried in Portland was Mother’s - and if we ever go back that’s the very first place I’ll be headed! Chandeliers and elegance combined with great food and comfort = happy Jamie.
• We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Portland City Center and everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly. Our room was spacious, comfy and quiet.
• Everyone talks about the the wonders of Powell’s book store and it doesn’t disappoint! We could have spent days in there! There are so many treasures! The depth of content and choice is extraordinary. You could get lost in the knitting section alone!
• The Museum of Contemporary Craft was small in scale but big on impact! In fact, Shannon came up with a brilliant idea that I’m looking forward to being a part of!
• We walked through the Pearl District and had an awesome time exploring small galleries and amazing stores. Cargo was literally a photo safari and hunt & Gather made me swoon!
• And speaking of swooning, one morning when we decided the little cafe we’d chosen wasn’t quite cozy enough, we ended up at Gracie’s. 1930′s glamour – I love you!
• That was on our way to the Rose Test Garden which looked like it was going to burst into blossom at any moment! It also took me right back to childhood travels when my mom would  insist that we go to whatever botanical garden was on hand. I had no idea I was absorbing a love of gardens as I turned every corner into a stage and danced!
• And oh, the Japanese Garden! If you ever get a chance to go, I recommend you walk up, if you’re able, instead of taking the shuttle. Stepping through the archway into the tall, tall trees and experiencing the quiet majesty of this natural amphitheatre is very much worth it.

All of this and the summit hadn’t even started yet! I’ll share more about what happened there soon!

Thank you to my dear friend Megg for sending this to me to celebrate my “Become a more confident traveller” adventure.

What special moment could you create this weekend? How might you make someone feel loved, celebrated and welcome?

What are you creating in the world?

A trip to Ireland and England.  I have been fortunate to have the letters my grandparents wrote to each other in the years 1901-1910.  During that time she was in New York working and he was in England working.  They courted for over ten years.  I have over 200 of their letters and I have always wanted to write a book about them. A number of years ago I decided it would be great idea to go to all the places they wrote from.  To see what is there now,  and follow in their footsteps a little.   To realize that this dream of mine is about to become reality is so exciting.  I just realized also that they married and settled in the US in 1910 and here it is 2010 a hundred years later.

How has Wishcasting helped?

The first time I participated in Wishcasting was on February 10th. The post was on Travel and I talked about wanting to go to Ireland.  After posting I thought to myself ,you know you are not doing anything to make that trip possible.  I have to admit I took no action then.  My husband and I were expecting a very nice tax return due to some energy improvements on our house.  We intended to replace the carpet and put in a wood floor.  Then my husband said why don’t you just take the money and go on the trip to Ireland you have always wanted to take. We can replace the carpet another time.  Don’t I have the best husband in the world. I sat and thought about it for a day or so.  What would be a better choice a new floor that I have always wanted or the trip I have always wanted.  I’ve been told that happier people always choose the experience over the thing.  I really do think that is true.   So now here it is a month later after Wishcasting and I am planning a trip to go to Ireland.  So I would have to say that Wishcasting is very powerful indeed.

What have you learned?

I have learned that nothing is impossible.  That if we put our intentions out there and step aside and let the Universe take care of it,  follow the signs then our dreams do come true. I know that to be true but seeing it in action is so fantastic.  I have been able to manifest things before but nothing quite on this scale before.  I have read that the size of your manifestation doesn’t matter and I know that to be true.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think dreams do come true and sometimes the time frame is not what we are expecting.  That does not mean that you give up.  Keep that vision in your mind.  I found an old vision board I did on travel and there were pictures of Ireland and England on it.  It was made in February 2007.  Never give up on your dreams.

What would you like to celebrate?

I would love to celebrate just how powerful we all are. This is such a fantastic world we live in. I think everyone should be celebrating life itself everyday.

This podcast is 20:45

This week’s guest: Loes van Mierlo, world traveller

Loes in Kyoto, Japan

Blog: Sacred Discovery
Twitter: @sacreddiscovery

Loes van Mierlo loves packing her suitcase whenever she gets the chance. Originally from the Netherlands and currently residing in Dublin, Ireland, she has lived in Finland, Germany, India, Ireland and the Philippines over the past twelve years.

Show Notes…

• Loes and I talk about having our Style Statement done. You can find out more at the official site or create your own with the help of the book  Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte. (By the way, my Style Statement is Current Radiance)

If you liked this, you’ll probably like…

• Your Creative Spark, inspiring interviews with 12 Highly Creative Bloggers.

Subscribe to Creative Living with Jamie…

• You can subscribe to Creative Living with Jamie here and also on iTunes here (Note: this link will ask to access your iTunes and then take you to the podcast. You can also simply open iTunes and search for “Creative Living with Jamie)