If you've followed my journey over the last two years, you've likely heard me (or read my words) discussing Giftedness & even more so, concepts like "High Potential" & "hyper brain", terms I subtly borrowed into the French language. The reason behind this is that I simply hate the words "gifted" or "giftedness". To me, they connote a type of intelligence I don't identify with. The truth is, both languages have left me lacking in expressions to adequatly describe my very special way of thinking and being. Until I stumbled upon Paula Prober's work.
What if there were different types of intelligence? What if, instead of fitting into the stereotype of the intelligent nerd that the words 'gifted' and 'giftedness' evoke, there existed a more complex, highly sensitive, multi-faceted mind? What if this sensation of being a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none was simply a part of it all? What if, as Paula Prober describes it, I had what she calls a Rainforest Mind?
Now, before I lose you because you think you're not Einstein therefore not gifted... consider her definition of giftedness : "a set of characteristics, including sensitivity, empathy and perfectionism. It may or may not include high grades, achievement or eminence."
So, yes, if you're sensitive and an empath at heart, you could have a Rainforest Mind too... so keep reading :)
I've read many books on giftedness and these ones are, to me, two of the most simple yet very complete guides to being a High Potential, Gifted, Zebra, RFM—call it what you want.
I would have no better recommendation for anyone wanting to dip one toe in the water of understanding themselves with all of their complexity.
As per usual we'll start with
Enroute!
Your Rainforest Mind - A guide to the well-being of Gifted Adults & Youth - by Paula Prober
What the internet says :
"Your Rainforest Mind" by Paula Prober delves into the intricacies of having a complex, highly sensitive mind, drawing parallels to the lush and multifaceted ecosystem of a rainforest. Prober skillfully examines the experiences of individuals who possess such minds, characterized by deep emotions, profound thoughts, and a heightened awareness of their surroundings.
Throughout the book, Prober explores both the challenges and the gifts associated with having a rainforest mind. She adeptly addresses issues such as existential angst, perfectionism, and difficulty in finding like-minded peers, while also highlighting the immense creativity, empathy, and intellectual depth that often accompany such minds.
In essence, "Your Rainforest Mind" is a comprehensive guidebook for individuals seeking to understand and harness the power of their intricate minds. Through Prober's blend of personal anecdotes, psychological research, and practical advice, readers are invited on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
My experience of "Your Rainforest Mind" & "Journey into your Rainforest Mind"
I'm going to be biased in my review because there is nothing I didn't like about these two books. They made me laugh so much and made me feel seen and understood. When an author can evoke such emotions, I believe they've won.
What I loved the most :
Both of them offer strategies to navigate life more effectively. The author provides numerous insights on topics such as managing overstimulation, developing healthy boundaries, dealing with multi-potentiality, and embracing our gifts. Through concrete tools and exercises, she invites us to take action and gain a better understanding of ourselves, which I found very empowering
The diversity of the strategies & solutions offered. She explores the vast subject of giftedness from many perspectives : spirituality, science, literature, psychology, poetry, relationships, and more, offering countless solutions of books, podcasts, online community, mentoring, blogs, coaches,... I must say, there were many ideas I had never considered exploring before!
Language, tone & relatable content. This is a short yet fascinating read because it's simply written. Her compassionate and insightful approach makes it easy to relate to what she shares. The more we delve into P.Prober's words, the more we know that we aren't alone anymore.
Should you read Your Rainforest Mind or Journey into your rainforest mind ?
Now, when I came across the concept of Rainforest Mind, I tried to decide which of the two books I should buy as they seemed very similar.
The cover of "Your Rainforest Mind" mentions "A guide to the well-being of Gifted Adults & Youth," while "Journey into your Rainforest Mind" is described as "a field guide for Gifted Adults & Teens, Book Lovers, Overthinkers, Geeks, Sensitives, Brainiacs, Intuitives, Procrastinators, and Perfectionists."
Unable to choose between them, I ended up purchasing both and reading them both. ^^ Here's what I found:
Your Rainforest Mind :
I found that this book had more transcriptions from real sessions with RFM clients or students, which really helped me relate to the concept and remember my own experiences as an RFM at different stages of my life. If you struggle with the concept of 'giftedness,' this book might be more helpful
At the end of every chapter, she offers pages called 'strategies' in 'Your Rainforest Mind' or 'what you can do' in 'Journey into your Rainforest Mind.' I found the strategies to be more varied and detailed in this book than the "what you can do" in the other one.
in Journey into the Rainforest Mind :
This book is shorter, and the content is pretty similar but more straight to the point.
As it is made up of extracts from her popular blog "Your Rainforest Mind," I found the language and tone even more accessible than in the first one. Plus, I laughed a lot. There are two or three pages at the start of the book where she gives a description of how a gifted adult defines themselves as non-gifted, and the sarcasm in it is so gentle and compassionate that I laughed pretty hard.
Pretty similar but yet, quite different. If you're looking for a deeper dive into the subject, then her original book is for you. If you're curious but not sure yet, then start with the second. It is also the book I'd give to my partner or my parents so they could understand me better.
Whether you have an RFM yourself or know someone who does, Paula Prober's work offers invaluable insights to enrich both personal growth and interpersonal relationships! Along the way, these books celebrate our uniqueness, (which is the gift!!) and encourage us to embrace who we are with self-compassion and a lot of acceptance. For me, these are the foundations of self-love... There's no better guide than her work to navigate this vibrant and complex forest of our mind.
If you want to know more about Rainforest Mind, check Paula Prober's blog here.
If you want to take the quizz and know if you have a rainforest mind, click here.
& Let me know in the comments how your test goes?!
Love. Co.
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