Sometimes I wish I popped out into the world less cautious…. less sensitive… less perceptive. And as it appears… I didn’t even know I had these sensory traits until I circled the sun oh at least fifty times! Perhaps I am a late bloomer. Perhaps it is only now that I want to embrace my ability to empathize with people; embrace my over sensitive soul…. because I honor the ability to feel… even though sometimes I don’t want to feel. I certainly now choose to embrace my ability to translate all that I see and hear, in this crazy world of alternative facts and fake news.
- Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
- Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
- Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
- Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
- Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
- Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
- When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
Come out from under the table. It is safe for us “sensitives” to live in this world as crazy as it may be sometimes. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO KNOW YOU ARE SENSITIVE, AND ALLOW YOURSELF TO “BE”.
You are not alone…..
- It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates.
- This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’.
- You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. You notice more just by breathing.
- You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.
- This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extraverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called “inhibitedness“, fearfulness, or neuroticism.
- Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told “don’t be so sensitive” so that they feel abnormal.
Embrace your ability to see. Embrace your ability to feel.
And maybe… CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TOTEM THAT YOU CAN HOLD IN MIND… WHEN YOU ARE FEELING OVERLY SENSITIVE AND VULNERABLE. Or as an easy one… JUST BREATHE. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN.