A Field Guide to the Unseen: Exploring Energy, Spirit, and the Science of Sensitivity with Tonya Papanikolov

Tonya recounts a night in Japan that transformed from a peaceful evening into an unforgettable—and initiatory experience. In this solo episode, she shares a “haunting” and transformative experience at the base of Mount Fuji that took her from fear to remembrance. What seems like a ghost story unravelled into a deep energetic initiation - one that reminded her of the power of sensitivity, the intelligence of the land, and the reality of unseen forces. Through her personal story, Tonya reflects on how sensitivity can be a gift rather than a flaw and why fear is often the very thing that fuels darkness.

Weaving together spirituality, science, consciousness studies, and animist worldviews, Tonya explores what it means to be a highly sensitive person in a world that doesn't always understand subtle perception. She offers frameworks to make sense of psychic experiences, shares lessons on how to protect your energy, and reminds us that we are never truly alone in the mystery. This episode is an invitation to trust your knowing, honor the wisdom of the land, and reconnect with the light that lives within us all.

Topics Covered:

• Tonya’s spiritual and energetic encounter in a haunted Japanese forest
• Learning to trust your sensitivity as a superpower, not a flaw
• How fear feeds darkness—and how light can reclaim our power
• Neurodivergence and heightened perception: why “too much” might actually be a gift
• The reality of psychic phenomena (or “psi”) - from clairvoyance to mediumship
• Animist worldviews and the sacred intelligence of land
• Honoring ritual, intention, and prayer as energetic technologies

Resources Mentioned:

• Rupert Sheldrake – British biologist and author known for his theory of morphic resonance
• Dean Radin – Parapsychologist and author exploring psychic phenomena and consciousness
• Frontiers in Psychology (2023 Study) – Research mentioned exploring neurodivergence and heightened perception
  • https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-24699-001

Connect with Tonya:

• Follow Tonya on Instagram: @tonyapapanikolove
• Sign up for

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