A handwritten sign on an office door directs us to the "Buckeye Room." After a bit of looking around we find it, and we're greeted and welcomed; we sign in and make name tags; we're given maps and assigned rooms. Getting checked in and finding my room is low key, and low stress-- a pleasant contrast to the "song and dance" atmosphere I have so often encountered at conventions. My carpool partner and I temporarily part ways, since we are lodged in different buildings. I am in the "Buckeye Lodge," aptly named for two ancient buckeye trees on either
side of the building. My accomodations are spartan, but clean and comfortable. I have requested a "semi-private" room, but I see no evidence of a roommate, yet.
As I explore my immediate surroundings, I meet a few of my fellow HSPs-- including one I "know" from my online HSP group-- I sense a mixture of caution and anticipation in the air.
Not long after I get settled, a group of the early arrivals set off on a nature walk to Turtle Pond-- a small lake about 1/2 mile from the Ranch complex. As we walk along, quiet conversations start up, as people relax. Some folks have met before; old friendships are renewed. I meet a couple of people I know from online HSP communities-- and suddenly people I have only known from email addresses have faces. It's a heartwarming feeling.
I have my first of many "aha moments," as it strikes me that everybody speaks softly and has a quiet "presence;" there are no loud voices. The walk is relaxing, and a lovely HSP way to "decompress" after a long journey. The coolness of the California air is a welcome change from the oppressive heat of Texas.
By early evening some 20-25 HSPs have arrived, and we share our first meal at Walker Creek Ranch's dining hall-- which is the most modern and "Corporate Retreat-like" building there.
The food is excellent-- much of it is actually grown on-site, in the Ranch Garden-- and in no way resembles "institutional food," which had been a concern of mine, since the ranch is actually an extension of the California school system. "Ranch mom" Susie (Who is actually younger than most of our group) bids us welcome and warns us to keep the doors to the sleeping areas closed, since "the skunks can be very curious." I can appreciate that-- I have already seen deer, rabbits and a snake, quite close to the buildings.
After dinner, we all meet for the first "official session" of the Gathering: A welcome and orientation from Gathering organizer Jacquelyn Strickland, followed by individual introductions.
There are a couple of dozen of us, hailing from places as diverse as Canada, Alaska, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Colorado and Texas, as well as many from California. However, the informal "Longest Journey Award" goes to Gathering photographer Shane Hathaway who had flown directly from a vacation in Ireland to the Gathering-- and then led our hike to Turtle Pond!
We come from all walks of life. About 80% of us are introverts and 20% extraverts; about 75% women, 25% men. Some have known they were HSPs since "The Highly Sensitive Person" was published-- one person found out she was an HSP only two weeks before the Gathering.
Prior to the Gathering, a number of my fellow HSPs from cyberspace had emailed me-- and a question that came up (both directly, and indirectly) was "Do you think HSPs will look any different from other people?" In a way, it struck me as an odd question, and I didn't think so at the time. Sitting in this room filled with HSPs, the truth is that they look pretty much like any other people-- at first glance. However, if you pay attention and observe with your "inner eye," there are subtle differences: HSPs sound different, and they "feel" different. Their "presence" is soft and welcoming; "inclusive" rather than "challenging," or "judging." Their auras are rounded, rather than spiky. It is a very interesting feeling.
