In 1991 Psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron wrote a book called The Highly Sensitive Person based on her discovery of the innate trait of high sensitivity. High sensitivity is not a disorder or condition, and there is now much more substantial research on the subject that ranges from brain studies to genetic analysis.
The Highly Sensitive Person often grows up being labeled “too timid,” and “too sensitive.” As children, they are prone to cry more easily because they have more empathy than their peers. They may also have frequent meltdowns and tantrums from being overwhelmed by daily life. They tend to be very creative, have vibrant dreams, and require more quiet time alone. Highly Sensitive Alanis Morissette states in the film that as a child, she felt “alone in a world where she was misperceived, and misunderstood.”
This temperate trait is found equally in both men and women and one out of five people. Dr. Aron discovered that Biologists also found this sensitivity trait in at least 100 animal species for survival advantages. In the wild, having a few highly sensitive animals in your pack in a dangerous environment can be lifesaving for the whole animal herd.
Are you a highly sensitive person? Check out this movie – Sensitive – The Untold Story – based on Dr. Elaine Aron’s book and featuring Alanis Morissette. I’m not promoting Amazon, but I did watch it for free on Amazon Prime.
As an energetic healer, I found this documentary fascinating, and it has opened me up to new ideas about how to be a more effective practitioner. I realize many of my clients might be HSPs, and energy work is so calming for overstimulated nervous systems.
Jeri Lawson has a full-time healing practice in Oakland, California. She is available for Healing Touch, Reiki, and Clarity Breathwork Monday through Friday. 510-601-9632