I get this question from my clients often. To me, it is so apparent that they are, yet our society shuns the HSPs/empaths, making us wrong for being who we are. Hence people stuff their sensitivity in the closet, wish it away, acting as if they aren’t. I’m all about changing that asap!
Here are some of the basics of what makes someone highly sensitive.
Your brain processes your world differently and much more deeply than 80% of the population. This includes emotions, thoughts, and sensory input. And because of this, you are far more physically and emotionally sensitive than other people.
Empath vs HSP
If you are an empath, you are an HSP but not necessarily vice versa. The empath senses and feels subtle energies emanating from people, places, nature, etc. Not only can they sense them but often absorb them to feel really deeply what is happening.
This can become tricky as the empath doesn’t know how to differentiate between what are their feelings and pain and what is another’s. But the good news is, there are ways of managing one’s energies so this doesn’t make life overwhelming.
Being highly sensitive is a personality trait just like being outgoing, a truth-teller, serious, easy-going, etc. It’s not something that you can change or make go away. Yet our society, family, and friends often tell you, you are ‘way too sensitive’ or ‘too much’, basically saying, it’s not ok to YOU, to be an HSP/empath.
Time to change that!
Like with any personality trait there can be pros and cons. HSPs/empaths are often very creative, empathic, and have the ability to notice things that others miss or make connections that others do not see.
This is why HSPs/empaths often have unique gifts such as: channeling, psychic, mediumship, communication with animals/ plants, healer, super intuitive and more.
The not-so-great side is that the sensitive mind can become overworked easily, which makes HSPs prone to becoming overstimulated or emotionally overloaded, leading to depletion, stagnant/stuck energy, lack of self-worth and not feeling good enough.
This is where I love to support the HSPs/empaths to learn to manage their energies to help reduce and stop the overestimation and overload. Healing the trauma for not being allowed to be who you really are is also often needed.
When this happens, you begin to feel safe to come out out of hiding and start really Thriving as a sensitive one.
It’s totally doable! If you are feeling the call and need/want support in moving from the ashamed, small, keeping your light dim to shining bright, feeling empowered and sharing your gifts, know that I am here to help you. Send me an email or DM to learn more about my Thriving Empath/HSP Mentorship Program.
Much love and light,
Helen
~ words inspired by Jenn Granneman