A Highly Sensitive Person as described by Elaine Aron in her wonderful book “The Highly Sensitive Person” is someone who is more sensitive to subtleties of the environment, has a more sensitive nervous system and more active insula (the part of the brain thought to be the centre of overall awareness).
Some of the burdens of being an HSP are feeling a LOT, sometimes being overwhelmed by chaotic situations, having an extreme aversion to loud noises, and having a complex and deep inner life. As an HSP you make up about 15-20% of the population, so you may feel as though you have spent most of your life being told you are “too sensitive” and to “get over it”.
As an HSP it is important to stress the gifts in your sensitivity. HSPs have been shown to have a deeply rich inner life, they are more attuned to the beauty of life, nature and of the arts. They are frequently spiritual people, not necessarily religious, but they have a sense of something greater than themselves. HSPs frequently report having a personal relationship with God, experiencing meaningful dreams, meeting angels or spirit guides.
Aron (2016) goes one step further to think of HSPs as the modern-day priests and prophets. That there were certain roles that would have been filled by HSPs in days gone by.
I wonder where HSPs are in your life. If you are an HSP how do you nurture the spiritual side of yourself? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Xx Jen
Reference: Aron, E. N. (2016). The Highly Sensitive Person. NY, New York; Random House.