A Humble Guide to the Sensitive Ones and It's All Ok...

So some 'homework' for my therapist I thought I might share... My uh, notes for the sensitive ones... And their loved ones... Hope this is helpful!

Physically

On a physical and sensory level, sensitive people seem to find themselves often sensitive even beyond purely emotionally. For instance, an incessant lawn mowing in the neighbourhood might not bother someone else but often and not even being fully conscious or aware of the mower, a sensitive person trying to set their mind to a task can find themselves evermore irritable, restless and perhaps in pain with a migraine or other physical ailment in response. They can be light sensitive. Sensitive to certain pillows over others. Clothing might prove tricky too… With certain fabrics cloistering and annoying and usually more organic wools, and cottons, and silks, even velvets, etc, preferred over synthetic substitutes. Mistaken perhaps for ‘champagne tastes’. For all they might even adore the feel of softer and more organic materials. Crowds and loud people can be jarring to a more sensitive individual. Often, it all becomes a cacophony that leaves the sensitive ones desperately on the lookout for the nearest exit. Some social, some more introverted, all the same I do believe that the physical environment and sensory perceptions play a huge role in the life of the sensitive individual.

Intellectually

The sensitive individual as a thinker can often be quite the analytical beast. Many may not know or realise quite the depths to which a sensitive person will consider a topic from every and any possible angle until they feel they have grasped a basic understanding in the very least or formed a fully fledged opinion of their own at their best. Often, since they will refrain from being the centre of attention, their friends may not even quite realise all that lies beneath the surface in their sensitive compatriot. The sensitive person may often shy from heavy debates (though not always!), but should the issue of justice prove at stake, a sensitive person is usually prepared to risk it all and jump right in to defend in righteous indignation, riling against injustice in any and all debates and scenarios. But they are usually the alternative advocate for compassionate causes or ‘World Hurt’, taking the personal as political within their general ‘line of thought’, and as such are not necessarily in agreement with the ‘mainstream’ or ‘popular’ world view. Whether they are neo-naturalists or feminists or deeply spiritual or philosophical with their ‘politics’, the cause is generally a just one.

Emotionally

The sensitive person can be powerfully in tune with others and are most often naturally altruistic and empathetic. They might struggle with creating boundaries that are healthy for themselves. If they are wiser, they will learn with time how to create better boundaries for themselves and their life. Not always, but very often they are prone as prey to narcissists or those who would exploit their kinder nature. Their naturally empathetic nature can go so far as to extend to Milan Kundera’s concept of ‘World Hurt’ whereby they even feel the pain of conflict in third world countries or countries in strife. On a more one-on-one basis with family members and friends, it can be very difficult for them not to take things deeply personally. But if they are wise, just as physically they must create boundaries, emotionally too they will learn to create fundamental boundaries. Not necessarily always, but very often, as a sensitive person may find it very difficult to express their experiences and wishes and emotions in words spoken for those in their lives to understand, they may turn to the arts, be it pottery or painting or prose or poetry or even fashion design to express themselves and their vision. Instead of being ashamed for ‘being so sensitive’ or dreamy they can come embrace their sensitivity for the gift it is and celebrate themselves as the ‘luftmensch’ that they are.

xxx

Blue Nude by Matisse