Have you been told that you’re "too sensitive?" Numerous terms describe the same trait: super sensitive, highly sensitive, ultra-sensitive. Whatever you call it, you have a nervous system on high alert.

Research has found that 15-20% of the population actually has a sensitive nervous system that heightens awareness of subtleties others often miss. Those with this trait notice more subtleties in the environment, process information more deeply, are more easily overwhelmed by prolonged, intense, or chaotic sound, sights and other stimulation and physiologically are often profoundly affected by pain, caffeine, medications, temperature, light and hunger.

Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), myself included, respond strongly to external stimuli, and become exhausted from taking in and processing these stimuli. We are born with a nervous system that may see, hear, smell or feel more than others. As adults, we often think, reflect or notice more than others. The processing is largely unconscious or body-conscious. HSPs grow up feeling flawed, especially when loud music, crowds, people or simply a busy day stresses us to the point of exhaustion or extreme discomfort. Quiet time is needed to recover any sense of equilibrium.

In most cases, sensitivity is inherited. This trait is utterly real. If you have it, it's likely you'll be able to identify others close to you who also are HSPs. Overarousal is the single most distressing experience of life. HSPs get there quicker and have more intense reactions. Knowing this fact about yourself empowers you to treat yourself with care and respect. Check out the concept of extreme self care in Life Makeovers by Cheryl Richardson. Elaine Aron in The Highly Sensitive Person presents compelling evidence that being an HSP is a good thing. They are responsible for the survival of the society! HSPs tend to fill advisor roles. They are the writers, philosophers, judges, artists, researchers, theologians, therapists, and priests.

An apt analogy highlighting what it is like being an HSP in a non-sensitive (not insensitive) world is the tale of the "acrylic raincoat." Most people are wearing one, HSPs are not. Metaphysically speaking, I like to think we decided to come into this world without our raincoat “to make life interesting” —and boy does it! Imagine 80% of the population walking around smiling and unperturbed when it starts to rain. They're not even aware of the precipitation until it starts to hail. All the while an HSP would be soaking wet, miserable, and doubting whether it's even raining! Be not discouraged. There are survival skills.

Wellness Zen presents several survival skills in these pages that may be easily incorporated into your lifestyle. Because HSPs are so in tune with the environment, and react to it for better or worse, it is doubly necessary to live in a peaceful, serence space. Wherever you carve out that special place for yourself, ensure that everything around you is creating a positive effect. But the greatest boon to HSPs is clearing the emotional clutter. Overarousal can lead to blockages in living life to its fullest. Release the past, live the present and imagine the future.

A workshop entitled HSP Survival Skills is offered several times a year to increase the understanding of this trait, how it works, how to lessen the overwhelm and ways to enhance balance in your life. Healing Alignment™ presents a focused and individualized program for those desiring assistance with specific concerns. Contact Us for more information.