Are you a highly sensitive person? Confused about what that even means?

There are a lot of myths out there about what high sensitivity is and is not, and when we can come to understand, manage, and embrace our sensitivity, it becomes a superpower, rather than the source of shame, exhaustion, overwhelm, health troubles, and more.

Join me to define some things, shed light on some things, debunk some myths, and discuss helpful tips specifically to support the needs of the sensitive system.

For those of you that don’t know me, I am Devon and I am an Integrative Health Expert & Teacher, an Ayurvedic Health Advisor, a Holistic Life Coach, and the founder of the InnerSpark Method.

I teach sensitive, deep-feeling women how to understand, support, and embrace their sensitivity so that it may be used as the superpower it really is, rather than being the source of shame, frustration, overwhelm, health challenges, and something that’s “wrong” with them.

OK! So, let’s talk about what high sensitivity is, then we’ll talk about what it is NOT.

What High Sensitivity Is

High sensitivity is a trait that was originally coined by Dr. Elaine Aron back in the 90s, however, highly sensitive people have been around as long as humans have been around!

This is a trait that affects only about 15-20% of the population and is marked by a nervous system that’s just built completely differently from the rest of the population.

Some benefits of being a highly sensitive person are

 Empathy and emotional intelligence: deeper connections with others and ability to read emotions

 Strong intuition and creativity: enhanced problem-solving and artistic expression

 Richer sensory experiences: appreciation for nature, art, and music

From an Integrative Health & Ayurvedic perspective, high sensitivity is both innate, meaning we’re born this way, and it can also come on in more pronounced ways where it starts to feel problematic throughout life when we’ve not been understanding or managing it properly.

High sensitivity impacts the entire system – body, emotions, energy, mind, as well as our relationships.

Now let’s talk about what high sensitivity is NOT by debunking common myths and misconceptions

Myth 1: High sensitivity is a weakness or disorder

Fact: It’s a genetic trait that allows for deeper processing and awareness, which when understood and managed, is an incredibly valuable gift and asset

Myth 2: HSPs are overly emotional or fragile

Fact: HSPs are emotionally attuned and can channel emotions productively, receiving much wisdom and guidance from their deep well of inner wisdom. While our sensitivity makes us more in touch with our emotions, it doesn’t mean we’re fragile, it means we FEEL. We’re alive.

Myth 3: Sensitivity is the same as introversion

Fact: While many HSPs are actually introverted, some are extroverted, and sensitivity is a separate trait

Some common challenges sensitive folks face as a result of misunderstood and mismanaged sensitivity are things like:

• Feeling emotionally drained by social events or sensory-assaulting environments
• Struggling to set boundaries and prioritize self-care
• Being affected by others’ moods and emotions, absorbing them as if they were your own
• Feeling overwhelmed in noisy or crowded environments, seeking quiet spaces to recharge
• Experiencing heightened awareness of subtle details, leading to overstimulation or overanalysis
• A strong sense of empathy and compassion, which can sometimes result in taking on others’ problems or feeling responsible for their well-being
• Struggling with change or unpredictability, finding comfort in routines and familiar surroundings
• Needing more downtime to process emotions and experiences, leading to a preference for solitude or quiet activities
• Sensing and responding to the unspoken needs of others, which can sometimes lead to overextending oneself and feeling drained

When we come to understand ourselves, we can show up for the needs of our high sensitivity authentically and playfully!

We’re freaking special and rare and are needed now more than ever! Focus on building resilience by creating daily habits that are aligned with nature’s rhythms to stay grounded healthy, prioritize self-care, and create a supportive environment in your relationships and work!

Where are you in this?

What’s your experience with high sensitivity?

What’s your most sensitive sense?

What are your experiences with feeling overstimulated?

How do you experience the world around you?

Have you spent much of your life trying to override your sensitivity, rather than embracing it? Do you view your sensitivity as a curse instead of a gift?

Share with me!

OK! That’s what I have for you today, my dears! Thanks for tuning in and discussing what high sensitivity is and is NOT and I trust you’re taking some good nuggets with you today as you let your sensitivity become a superpower!

If you’re ready to go deeper into learning how to understand, support, and embrace the gifts of your sensitivity, I Invite you to check out my signature program, The InnerSpark Method! Learn more at www.theinnersparkmethod.com.