Highly Sensitive People (HSP), are often misunderstood. Accounting for about 15 to 20 percent of the population, sensitives have a nervous system that is highly reactive. This is a physiological trait that is innate, and not learned or acquired.
The percentage of sensitives mentioned above is true amongst all species, and it is the sensitives in the wild who first hear or smell approaching danger. The sensitive animals within a herd will be the first to lift their head and assess the situation. Then, if needed, they will be the first to run…..and the rest of the herd will follow!
In our society, highly sensitive people tend to try and hide their sensitive nature because it is considered weak. HSP’s are encouraged ‘to fit in’, and in order to do so, they often try to override their sensitivity. This is a real shame because sensitives are highly gifted and creative individuals.
Highly sensitive people are the inventors, painters, writers, photographers, and visionaries. Many individuals with this nature have the wonderful gift of being able to easily tap into the Source of Creation and express their ideas in beautiful ways. Being sensitive is an innate and wonderful quality once you understand more about it.
HSP’s are often ridiculed by others with comments like “you’re so sensitive, just suck it up, don’t be such a wimp”, or “aren’t you a delicate thing.” These comments are very hurtful to sensitives because they also tend to worry about what people say or think about them.
Sensitives often, but not always, have an empathetic nature. The difference between an HSP and an empath is that empaths can actually sense and feel the energy and emotions of others. But empaths don’t necessarily have a sensitive nervous system. A good example of this is Mother Teresa. She was the epitome of an empath, but she was not a highly sensitive person. She was tough and lived in very difficult environments.
Empaths can also be extroverts, whereas sensitives are almost always introverts. Within the empathetic spectrum, some individuals can fall into the ‘overly empathetic’ category. In this case, rather than just sensing, knowing and feeling the energy of others, these empaths actually absorb the energy of others. This can cause a lot of discomforts and even illness within the body.
Of course, there is a wide range of personality types within the sensitive-empath spectrum, and not one will be the same! On the positive side, people with any combination of these traits will be the creators, helpers, and healers. They are the problem-solvers, peacemakers, and mediators of the world. They have the ability to see both sides of a situation and can help others come to a place of understanding and agreement.
On the negative side, these same people are more likely to suffer from anxiety, stress, depression, physical pain, and fatigue. This is because they ‘feel’ everything. They are easily overwhelmed by other people’s energy, by noise, light, odors, chemicals, heat, cold—everything! Because of this, highly sensitive people and/or empaths may avoid exposure to various stimulants and social situations as a protective measure. People who don’t understand this may become frustrated or judgemental of them.
If you know anyone who has these traits…then please, please, please recognize their gifts and support them in any way you can! If you are someone with these traits…then please, please, please, honor these gifts and bring them forth into the world as a blessing to everyone!
If you want to learn more about being highly sensitive, then I would recommend ‘The Highly Sensitive Person’ by Elaine Aron. It would be a wonderful gift for your highly sensitive self or for a loved one.
If you want to learn more about being an empath, then I recommend ‘The Empaths Survival Guide’ and ‘Thriving as an Empath’ by Judith Orloff. Another interesting read is ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain. This book is about introverts and how they are silent but powerful contributors to society.
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I have also created a guided meditation that is designed to help individuals become more grounded, to cleanse their energy field of unwanted energy, and to provide protection.
If you liked this article, then you may also like:
- Helperitis~The Act of Helping Too Much
- Anxiety and The Highly Sensitive Person
- The Evolution of Creativity
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