As a student progresses on the path he arrives at a highly sensitized condition when dealing with the world, and this becomes painful at times. The problems which thus arise cannot be eliminated, for increasing sensitivity is a natural result of finer mental and emotional development. However, the reaction to difficulties caused by this can be controlled. This is done by immediately switching attention to something else, preferably to the thought of the Overself, or to some purely physical activity. When in the presence of anyone who unduly affects or disturbs him, he may also strengthen himself to magnetic self-protection by not letting himself glance in the direction of this person and by clenching the palms of both hands with the thumbs inside the fingers.
-- Notebooks Category 16: The Sensitives > Chapter 14 : The Sensitive Mind > # 12
