As I sat down to write about this week’s selection, I was thinking over different possibilities, and one book kept coming to the forefront of my mind. It’s a book that I read several years ago that had a big impact on my life. And I’ve noticed that it’s been mentioned in several blogs that I read recently, so I thought it would be a great time to recommend it here.
It’s called:
I have been sensitive all of my life – and while I have always embraced this side of myself, this book also helped me to understand my own sensitivity better. It helped me realize that it’s not just about emotions but also about how we take in stimuli and how our nervous systems are wired.
While you most likely are already aware if you are a highly sensitive person, here is a test just to check in and see where you fit on the spectrum:
Here is the summary from the author’s website:
In her national bestseller, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, author Elaine Aron defines a distinct personality trait that affects as many as one out of every five people. According to Dr. Aron’s definition, the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.
In defining the Highly Sensitive Person, Dr. Aron provides examples of characteristic behaviors, and these are reflected in the questions she typically asks patients or interview subjects:
- Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
- Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
- Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
- Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
- Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
- Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
- Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
- When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
Sensitivity is anything but a flaw. Many HSPs are often unusually creative and productive workers, attentive and thoughtful partners, and intellectually gifted individuals. According to Dr. Aron, HSPs could contribute much more to society if they received the right kind of attention – and her national bestseller proves that this 15 to 20 percent of the population is eager to get off on the right foot in asserting their unique personality trait.
The book is well written and filled with helpful information about understanding what it’s like to see the world through a lens of heightened sensitivity. It gives practical tips and wonderful techniques to help HSPs create a happy, full life.
There is also a companion workbook
available for those who want to dig a little deeper.
available for those who want to dig a little deeper. It’s not always easy being highly sensitive, and this book is a great tool to help guide you through a life filled with heightened awareness.
If you are a sensitive person, I hope you are able to embrace this part of yourself and realize that it’s truly a gift that you can cherish and nurture forever. And by reading this book, you will better understand what you already knew – that you are special and that your sensitivity is amazing.
Oh my goodness, I am so grateful for this post! I consider myself a highly sensitive person. I used to view it as a flaw, and have learned to embrace it in every way. Thank you for sharing. I will have to check the book / workbook out! xo
I'm so glad you are able to embrace your sensitivity, Laura! It's such a gift to have a heightened awareness of everything around us. It's what is allowing you to write such wonderful posts – to truly be able to share and inspire your readers. Being an HSP myself, I am immediately drawn to others who are, too. I'm so glad we've connected! 🙂