ARE YOU A SENSITIVE SUZIE?

Are you a “highly sensitive person”?  I am, and that is what makes me good at my profession.

I often see patients that are also highly sensitive. We make up about 20% of the population. Our nervous systems are different than 80% of the population.  We know when things are not right and we sense it non-verbally.  We often know what the intent is underneath what is being said.  It is not an easy medicine to carry, but when used as a tool is very useful.

Elaine Aron, PhD has done a lot of research on highly sensitive people, and wrote a book called: The Highly Sensitive Person.  Thankfully, she has re-framed us from a liability to an asset. We add a lot to the well-being of this planet.  Research was done cross culturally on children in China and Canada. The research showed that in North American culture this trait is not considered an asset, while in China it is a celebrated trait in a child.   Without highly sensitive people things would falter. Here is why:  we are better at spotting errors, are highly conscientious, can concentrate deeply, and are very good at tasks requiring vigilance, accuracy, speed, and detection of minor differences. We often think about our own thinking, are able to learn without being aware that we have learned, and are deeply affected by other people’s moods and emotions.  We are not quick to act without reason and judge others.

Our planet is primarily under the control of insensitive people.  Sensitive people are of great value because we pick up on things before they get beyond repair, and see the implications of actions before they happen.  We have emotional intelligence.  It has been speculated that Abraham Lincoln was a highly sensitive person. For aggressive societies to survive they need highly sensitive people to advise them. Highly sensitive people often land in professions as healers, counselors, historians, teachers, scholars, priest’s, rabbis, spiritual leaders, musicians, dancers, Pilates instructors, yoga instructors, and artists.   I am sure that Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Helen Caldicott (started physicians for social responsibility and is big in the anti-nuclear movement) are as well.

Highly sensitive people are not popular by any means because the other 80% of the population does not know what it is like to live in our skin.  Regular people have different wiring.  They do not have as great a sense of how their actions and thoughts affect others. Mostly they think about themselves, and how it relates to them.  This stinking thinking can cause a lot of devastation to animals, people, and ultimately the planet.  This is why I am urging “highly sensitive” people to come out and live your life where your talent can be magnified positively. Just as I mentioned before it is like having pale skin that burns more easily, why judge a person for that? It is no different.

Sensitivity is not a flaw. Many highly sensitive people are unusually creative and productive workers, attentive and thoughtful partners, and intellectually gifted individuals.    

If you find you are highly sensitive, or your child is, you need to begin by knowing the following:                       

• Your trait is normal. It is found in 15 to 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
• It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it to be in most or all animals, from fruit flies 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. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
• You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, or chaotic.
• 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.
• 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.                   

See if you have characteristics of highly sensitive person:

Many of my patients that understand my work are highly sensitive people beating themselves up for living in a highly insensitive world.

Craniosacral therapy, mind-body techniques, and nutrition bring greater awareness and trust to oneself.  These modalities help highly sensitive people whose nervous systems are wired differently learn to navigate living in these times with that special wiring.

 Most people that are not highly sensitive do not have a kinesthetic understanding of craniosacral therapy, even though they benefit greatly from treatments.  That is because they have a different kind of nervous system that does well being a linebacker in football, a boxer, an accountant, or an army general. These are poor profession choices for highly sensitive people!

We all keep each other in balance in this world and I wanted to speak up for 20% of the population whose voices are an important part of ensuring the survival of this planet.  Especially since mother earth has been trying to let us know that how we are living with this planet is having a detrimental effect on our planet. We just had an earthquake and a hurricane in one weeks time!  

When you know who you are you are in your power, being a highly sensitive person is a gift.