Uniquely Sensitive People:
Who Are We?
Best clarified by Elaine Aron in her book, The Highly Sensitive Person, which is recommended for details, below is a summary:
- As an extra, or highly or uniquely sensitive, you’ll hear “Toughen up” “Chill” “Relax!” ”Get over It” “You're too sensitive.”
- 20% of our western population is in this category neurologically. Our nervous systems take in more information that the other 80%, and process it on a much deeper level. It’s common for something we’ve experienced to stay with us much longer than it would with those in the (80%) majority of our population.
- We notice the little things in our environment. This makes us attentive to what fabrics we wear (that pesky label must be removed), crinkles in socks, what type of food we eat (and how often), how well we sleep (think princess and the pea), and what perfume or after shave cologne is being worn by those near.
Formerly, as partners called Lifestyle Catalysts, I worked with Kris Carey and together we created programs and articles to support our fellow sensitive colleagues. I continue to offer these programs because of the huge relief I felt when I first learned that there was nothing wrong with me as I’d believed for years. That’s relief I’m pleased to share!
In fact, I belong to a 20% group & there’s comfort and support in that! I’ve found that acknowledging and learning about this sensitivity amplifies my courage (choose entertainment options very carefully), resolve (just say, “No” to nightly news), and motivates me both to ask for what I need and to support others. During the Artist’s Way classes, I have on–going opportunities to support sensitive others to be their best unique self without apology.
Here are a couple of re–frames on the subject that Kris & I developed earlier:
- Did you ever think, ‘There is something wrong with me.’ because of your unique sensitivity? Reframing this thought, how could you view your sensitivity as a good thing?
- Uniquely Sensitive People are frequently connected to others, animals and the planet on a deep level. How can this be used to enrich the lives of you and those around you?
- With knowledge that you may require different environments and schedules to be at your best, how will you take care of yourself? Perhaps it is eating more frequently, visiting spas, meeting with a group of supportive friends who share your trait, or giving yourself permission to stay in the house one day a week.
Learning about and living as a Uniquely Sensitive Person can be both challenging and the most rewarding thing you'll ever do. Please find the support you need to discover the true contribution that you are, just as you are.
Here’s a little fantasy we created to describe us:
Pause for a moment to imagine what the world might be like if the Uniquely Sensitive People were in charge. Shopping malls, if they existed, would play soothing music at low volumes, have plenty of fresh air and windows that could be opened, eliminate flashing lights and provide lots of quiet places to sit or stretch or nap. Restaurants would be designed such that you could talk in a normal tone and be heard by your dinner mates. Television would stop emphasizing violence and focus more on the good stuff of life. On both TV and radio there would be segments entitled “Good News”; “Meet this kind-hearted neighbor”, “What a Good Deed We Spotted on Camera”... Random acts of kindness reports...Oh, those could be the days...