Sensitive is not a dirty word!
Embracing the Strength in Sensitivity: A Superpower Unveiled
In a world that often values toughness and resilience, highly sensitive people (HSPs) can feel like their sensitivity is a weakness. However, in this blog post, I aim to dispel that myth and delve into the extraordinary strengths that come with being highly sensitive.
Dispelling the Myth
The term "sensitive" itself denotes an ability to detect and respond to subtle changes, signals, or influences, along with a delicate appreciation of others' feelings. These characteristics empower HSPs to be deeply empathetic, compassionate, perceptive, and intuitive. Far from being a weakness, sensitivity is a superpower.
The Numbers Game
Current figures estimate that approximately 20-30% of the population identifies as highly sensitive. Despite this significant number, society often champions toughness, resilience, and detachment, leaving HSPs feeling like their sensitivity is a liability. However, understanding and embracing sensitivity can unlock a world of strengths that can contribute to positive change.
Personal Perspectives
People say things like “you’re too sensitive, stop crying, you need to toughen up, don’t be so dramatic ” etc. Perhaps they’re trying to be helpful if they think being sensitive is going to make life hard. But we process those comments deeply and they cut to our core and we feel like something is wrong with us. We also feel like our sensitivity has to be hidden.
I want you to know that sensitivity is not something to be hidden but a trait that the world needs.
Strengths of Sensitivity Explored
Intuition: HSPs possess a strong sense of intuition, allowing them to make decisions based on gut feelings. For example, I signed up for a coaching programme that reallt helped me dig into how my flavour of sensitivity works and I was guided to do that by an intuitive sense of what would bring me fulfilment.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Being in tune with their emotions and those of others, enables HSPs to navigate communication and build meaningful relationships. Culture often sidelines feelings, but they are crucial indicators of what feels right or wrong.
Reading People: HSPs excel at picking up on subtle cues in body language and tone of voice, fostering better understanding and connection. I use this a lot in conjunction with my intuition to tune in to what other people need from me when I’m working.
Empathy: Deeply feeling the emotions of others, HSPs offer comfort and support when needed. This obviously makes for deeper and more meaningful connections with others.
Quirky and Nerdy Humour: A unique sense of humour brings joy and laughter to those around you. My sense of humour always comes through when I’m recording the podcast with Robbie Leigh.
Safe Space Creation: HSPs skillfully create safe spaces for open sharing of thoughts and feelings. I have often experienced people telling me deep, heart-felt things about themselves that they’ve never shared before. This is also, in part, to the next strength.
Heart-to-Heart Connection: Building deep connections beyond surface-level conversations. This heart-to-heart connection is how HSPs are capable of fostering profound connections.
Active Listening: Listening to understand, instead of listening to respond, is a great skill of HSPs. This leads to more meaningful conversations and connections. This is important in all areas of life but is particularly needed in the workplace where it is a rare beast!
Creativity: A strong creative side, appreciating and contributing to the beauty around us, is such a great strength. This creativity is not just an artistic endeavour but a way of stopping and noticing the beauty in the fast-paced world. This is a skill we could all do with learning!
Activism: A commitment to social justice and creating positive change in the world. Specific examples, such as advocating for the needs of highly sensitive children in school systems, underscores the transformative potential of HSP activism.
Conclusion
In the face of a world that may not always appreciate sensitivity, as an HSP I encourage you to embrace your superpower. By connecting with fellow HSPs, speaking up for yourself, and understanding the unique strengths you bring, you can thrive and make a lasting impact.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?'
-Marianne Williamson
This powerful quote echoes the sentiment that our deepest fear is not our inadequacy but our untapped power. The world needs the magic and strength of highly sensitive people, and it's time to shine brightly, knowing that sensitivity is not a weakness but a remarkable superpower that can change the world.
Further information:
You can hear the writer talk more about being an HSP on the HSP Connection Podcast which she co-hosts with Robbie Leigh. There is also an HSP Connection Community where we meet twice a month to embrace our superpower. If you’d like to know more, contact Philippa.
