Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
In episode 59, I started a series about the positive aspects of being a Highly Sensitive Person. I talked about people who are celebrated for their sensitivity, like artists and musicians.
In today’s show, I’m discussing what I think are 6 not-so-well-known benefits of being highly sensitive.
We’ve all heard that HSPs have lots of empathy and are good listeners and connect with animals and stuff like that, but I tried to find some benefits that were a bit more hidden.
Take a listen to find out what they are! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think–do you relate to any of these 6 things?
(The third–upcoming–episode in this series will be about benefits in the professional workplace (jobs, career, etc) for HSPs.)
Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
I loved this! I have always said that my ability to catch things that I drop is my secret super power. How wonderful to hear about your similar experience!
that’s awesome!!
Love #62. Embrace the intensity. Thank you.
Always!… whenever I have attended an event in a public venue that I am not familiar with ( stadium, concert hall, theater) I never fail to locate and make a mental note to myself …of the locations of the nearest exits in relation to my seating. On one particular occasion my date and I attended a play. I had been in this theater before, and had been seated in the balcony, and had remembered that although this theater had a lot of character, and a warm, cozy atmosphere … I also remembered my mixed feelings .. because I knew the building was very old, and as great as the balcony seats were, I distinctly recalled a strong feeling I had at the time … thinking it could also very likely be a fire trap. The stairs were narrow, the balcony was packed, and although of course the exits were marked, it didn’t feel right. I could almost play out a worst case scenario in my mind’s eye. So on that occasion, I sat through the play with mixed feelings .enjoying the performance while at the same time feeling somewhat uneasy.
As my date and I entered the theater for the second time, I related my previous thoughts to him, and you could certainly say he thought I was TOO SERIOUS, telling me that when he was out for a good evening, he certainly wouldn’t be dampening the mood with such dark thoughts. On this second occasion, our seats were on the main level, , very close to an exit that opened into a wide lobby with easy access to entrance doors opening onto the street. I was much more relaxed during the evening, but since then, I usually keep my thoughts to myself, because his response made me feel as if there was something wrong with me. So I can’t tell you how I appreciate that you mentioned this … thank you so much.!… now I know it was just one more experience of being a misunderstood HSP.
Thanks for sharing, Susan, I’m glad you don’t feel alone 🙂
Enjoyed this, especially the bit about noticing the fire exits. Despite being a frequent flyer I listen to the emergency instructions and count how many rows of seats there are between me and the nearest exit! Loved your story re. hand eye co-ordination – I remember coming second in the obstacle course race when I was about 7. Must be an hsp thing!
haha!! yeah! Congrats on your second place finish 🙂 We should fund a study to see if HSPs all dominated obstacle courses as kids 😉
I am so glad to be a part of this community of HSP’s. Finally I can relate to others! I
I have had similar experiences as you. I joke that if I’m cooking and something falls, I just stick my non-dominate hand to catch it. It IS a talent. Also, when on the plane waiting for the take-off I do count the seats between me and the exits (not everyone does?) And for my sports story: I’m about 5′ 3″ and can be athletic (I have 2 older brothers). One time in college our service club (AKA sorority) was playing volleyball against the other women’s club, with one of the guys from our brother club as a coach. One time I was on the first row and the other team bumped the ball from the back row. It was headed straight for my face, and before the ball was net-height, I sprung off the floor and jumped with all I had. I spiked that puppy, and we scored a point. Even though I gloated in the cheers and pats on the back from my teammates, my best memory is of Keith S. standing there speechless. Quiet little Kari had just spiked the ball. Where’d that come from? All these years I never thought it could be a trait, I just thought i was having a moment. And the next time I catch something falling in the kitchen, I can wink at my family and say “it’s one of my gifts”.
Haha!!! Yeah! What an awesome story!!! THanks for sharing 🙂
Great Podcast Kelly!
Well, just feel like sharing some of my thoughts (on your podcast and random ones)
I love your podcasts! I am myself a HSP – more on the extrovert side
your talk was very nice , this time you touched on the finer things about a HSPs like paying attention to detail, having stronger reflexes, being creative, getting excited and overwhelmed over events (probably small events but its still so exciting when i listen to my fav song)
Well sadly i am not in a creative profession whenever i play drums (which is not my profession) i get so excited! I think i should try theatre workshops, I am sure i am going to love it!
I hope I didn’t bore you with my thoughts !
But hey again ! thanks for your podcasts and your good work, will stay tuned in for another episode
-Ravi
Thanks Ravi!! Playing the drums sounds like SO much fun! I’m glad you liked this episode 🙂
Knowing things with out knowing how I know them. I say this all the time. And flowers,yes! my daughter brought home some from a wedding. I was ecstatic for several days. Even I was surprised by how happy they made me.
Thanks so much for this. I’ve only recently found out about HSP and it’s felt like such a relief, it explains so many problems that have been plaguing me through life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world though. I’ve always wondered why my friends never seem to get as excited about things as me and now I finally know. My avenue of choice is video games, and it might sound pathetic to people who aren’t into them but the connection I feel with the games I really really love is out of this world, man. The feels I get for my favourites can be straight up overwhelming in the best possible way and I don’t know where I’d be without it. The more I hear about HSP the more I start to feel some of the pride I’ve lost through life slipping back into place.
Thank you! This podcast helped me see that the traits I have are strengths. I am going to share this with my children.
Is there any connection between HSP and auto-immune issues?
This made me cry ! (Lol)
thank you ,I don’t feel so alone I feel like an alien at times! Your words brought me so much Comfort.. Thank you