Sensory Processing Sensitivities are both gifts and challenges!
Are you a Highly Sensitive Person or HSP?
Yes, it’s a thing. And, no, it’s not the same as the slang term “Snowflake.”
Highly Sensitive Persons are those with Sensory Processing Sensitivity, which is not a disorder. HSPs can be deeply affected by physical, social, and emotional stimuli. In other words, you notice details and experience feelings on a level that others miss. This can be very useful, because as an HSP, you are the person who pays attention to details in an environment, but it can also be difficult when you are unable to shut out overwhelming stimuli.
As an educator, therapist, and transformational coach, I specialize in supporting Highly Sensitive Persons because I am one! It’s been difficult and enriching to negotiate daily life with the extreme sensitivity I have to our “in-your-face” world. Maybe you, too, benefit and suffer from being highly attuned to your environment.
Is high sensitivity a weakness? No way!
Being a Highly Sensitive Person does not mean you lack the sensory prowess to manage stimulating settings and interactions. It simply means that you use an enormous amount of energy in responding to more stimuli than needs your attention. You can learn to reserve this energy, rather than burn through it!
How do I know if I’m a Highly Sensitive Person?
Do loved ones remark that you are “too sensitive”? Are you told to “just relax”?
Are you intensely affected by sounds, smells, lighting, air flow?
Do you startle easily and jump at noises or unexpected movements?
Do you need an activity (or non-activity) that allows you a quiet escape?
Are you known to ask many questions about an idea before agreeing to it?
Do you have a very busy mind filled with global thoughts and big ideas?
Do natural sounds, scents, flavors, and scenes attract you?
Does beauty in art, nature, or human kindness touch you deeply?
Did you answer “yes” to at least half of these questions?
Then you may be fabulous enough to enter the HSP club! I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered about YOU…
Navigating the world as an HSP club member? Connect with me to receive tools and support from someone who gets it!
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