Are You A Highly Sensitive Woman?
'Lady of Shalott'. John William Waterhouse, 1888.
Whether born sensitive, or having become sensitive, Highly Sensitive People are prone to stress syndromes simply because they are highly sensitive. I am sure most of us recognize the term 'thin skinned'. This holds especially true for the HSP. It is not meant as an insult. It is meant as a truth.
Highly Sensitive People actually absorb the energies around them. The thoughts, feelings and vibrations of other individuals, all of the things that stimulate the senses, that others seem to have a barrier against, the HSP does not. For the HSP, it is more like an assault, which can lead the HSP toward becoming over sensitive and overwhelmed with life in a hurry. Many are completely overwhelmed before they ever reach puberty. It is important then, especially for the Highly Sensitive Person, to find ways of rejuvenating and protecting their bodies at the cellular level and their energy fields (auras), as they are the basis for vitality and health, or dis-ease!
As soon as we are born, we begin to lose connection to spirit, or nature, that we entered the world with. This connection is still easily experienced up to a certain age in childhood, but when we get caught up in beliefs taught to us by our parent figures and peers as we mature the end result is a disconnectedness that hurts on every level of our being. Eventually, we may search for understanding and reconnection to our true belief, the one we were born with, to learn to express our spirituality in our own unique way. Sometimes, however, our bodies begin to suffer under the stress of being disconnected from our true selves, or source, for too long. Our 'dis-ease' can cripple us before we find our way back to our true path and the energy drain keeps us from folowing our true path.
I believe all people are part body, part spirit. I like to think of HSPs as being more spirit than body. Somehow, we either got distracted in the line for 'worldly' genes or we stood in line twice for the 'spiritual' gene! Either way, if you ask an HSP if they believe in the spiritual realm, in God, in angels and in miracles, she will wholeheartedly say "Yes!" Many HSPs can't wait to go 'home'! That is not to say that non-HSPs are not sensitive, spiritual beings, but they have an easier time of it, at least in being able to protect their fine 'sensitivities'.
Whether you consider yourself a spiritual individual or not (and you don't have to be), there are certain traits that define a Highly Sensitive Person.
Traits of a Highly Sensitive Person
A highly sensitive person is sensitive to the subtleties in their environment, whether it is to sound, smell, sight or other sensory awareness. They are also more sensitive to electromagnetic energy fields and levels. This includes the electromagnetic energy fields (auras) of others as well. If this is you, you have no doubt been told that it is all in your mind.
A highly sensitive person is very hardworking, conscientious and precise, but is uncomfortable with being closely supervised. To be scrutinized is painful. This causes a deficiency in productivity. If this is you, you may have been accused of having 'rough edges' at work.
A highly sensitive person has the utmost respect and appreciation for nature and the arts. If this is you, you no doubts have pictures of yourself by the water or hugging a gigantic tree and you are probably fascinated with being an observer (ice skating, ballet, etc.) rather than a participator.
A highly sensitive person can become completely stressed out when overwhelmed and may seek out a darkened room for comfort, relief and a few minutes alone. If this is you, you probably love spending alone time gardening or studying on the latest subject that fascinates you.
A highly sensitive person is compelled to file, categorize and organize everything, including thoughts. If this is you, you can become overwhelmed and even immobilized by clutter, chaos and stress. Simplicity is breath itself.
A highly sensitive person is physically uncomfortable when they feel things are beyond their control. If this is you, a messy house will give you a headache and an argument makes your stomach hurt.
A highly sensitive person can experience mood swings, sometimes instantly, by other people's emotions, attitudes and difficulties. If this is you, you may actually hide behind the door and act like you are not home when certain people come calling or leave others wondering why you got so upset in their presence, which leaves you feeling misunderstood yourself.
A highly sensitive person is calmed by water, a shower, a fountain, a lake, river or ocean. If this is you, you probably have a secret fantasy world where mermaids and fairies really exist. Water is probably a part of one of your medications.
A highly sensitive person has vivid dreams and a rich, spiritual, and often imaginary, inner life. If this is you, you can easily imagine what the world would be like if everyone acted from their highest selves.
A highly sensitive person is very intuitive and can discern the good, the bad and the in between of people and places, truths and lies, rights and wrongs. If this is you, you probably have a constant dialogue going with 'God'. Your connection to the divine is strong.
A highly sensitive person worries about many things and is often told they are 'too sensitive' or 'take things too personally'. If this is you, you probably already know you have a lower tolerance for just about everything and you may be trying to 'act' like everyone else just to fit in. this makes you lose touch with your own needs and desires.
A highly sensitive person has had the experience of cutting people out of their lives as a means of self-preservation. If this is you, there is someone you have let go of because to be around them drained your energy beyond your ability to cope.
A highly sensitive person was considered introverted, shy, timid and quiet as a child. If this is you, it was probably hard for you when it came time to do team sports in school, go through a shopping line by yourself or take criticism in front of others.
Is it any wonder...
...that with these traits, the highly sensitive person succumbs to physical distress in today's world? There is help. The first good thing you can do for yourself is to realize that there is nothing wrong with you for being a highly sensitive person. Being highly sensitive is not a disorder or a disease. It is a gift and you were created that way on purpose with much promise for your future. Still, being highly sensitive can land you in a physical mess if not handled correctly. Here, on this page, we will deal with some of those most troubling symptoms and syndromes.
Not everyone suffering from stress is an HSP.
Still you may be suffering in every way from low energy, which eventually causes disease and sickness in everyone. This web-page is dedicated to all of you who persevere your emotional, or physical, pain through faith, searching for answers to your questions even though your insides might tremble in fear from sickness and your outsides might not match the vision of who you really are, or would like to be, and yet continue to meet life with a smile and a heart of hope. I understand your plight, and wish you nothing but love and energy.
For further information concerning what it means to be highly sensitive and what you can do to improve the quality of your life, I suggest reading Dr. Elaine Aron's book, 'The Highly Sensitive Person: How To Thrive When The World Overwhelms You'. You can find it at www.amazon.com.
The Captains Lady...
...is here to support those for whom being highly sensitive has already caused crisis, to offer information to partners, family and friends about what it means to be highly sensitive, and to give preventative suggestions to those HSPs who may be on their way to dis-ease.
... promises to support you in any way possible. On this website, you will find tools to help you to increase the energy of your mind, spirit and body, your home and your environment through all natural therapies that specifically compliment and bring a better balance to life for the Highly Sensitive Person.
...offers online support for any questions you may have. Please contact The Captains Lady by emailing driftinggallion@yahoo.com.
"I am not afraid of storms,
for I am learning to sail my ship."
- Louisa May Elcott
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
