Traits of the Highly Sensitive

As many of you know, I have ducked out of sight the past couple of weeks. I have been taking some time to learn about the newly defined ‘gift/curse’ that I have been identified with. For me, this has meant days of research on these subjects, with many more to come!

I am an Empath. Yep. There. I said it out loud to the public for the first time….

There are various types of Empaths, so I am still on a journey to figure out my capacity. I have also learned that I am also an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) /HSS (High Sensation Seeker).

For me and for my family, this is an answer to our prayers, and the final answer to all of my ailments, as well as many other things! All these years of migraines, IBS, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, insomnia..why? Well, as an HSP, I was born with a nervous system that responds to stimuli much more than the normal nervous system. Wow! Profound. No wonder doctors have never been able to find a cause for my ailments! Here are some of the other characteristics of an HSP and the Empath, both of which I am. I will get into the HSS (High Sensation Seeker), a very small subgroup of HSP, at a later time.

Highly Sensitive Person Traits
(15-20% of the population is HSP) – (http://www.hsperson.com)
• 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?

The Empath (Traits according to http://www.spiritual.com)
Here 16 common traits of an Empath. Remember that these are generalisations and they may not always be obvious.
1. Empaths are quiet achievers but expressive in area’s of emotional connection. They find that talking about emotional issues is a great outlet that aids in undertanding themselves and others.
2. Some empaths can be the opposite of what an empath ‘should’ be because they are overwhelmed or unable to handle emotion and what they feel in the world around them so they block their feelings.
3. They can be focused outward, toward what others feel, rather than themselves. This is a common trait to many people who have not gone through a process of self development.
4. They avoid disharmony caused by emotionally turbulent situations. This type of situation can easily create an uncomfortable feeling because an empath feels this emotion.
5. Empaths are emotionally sensitive to violence and general chaos.
6. Empaths are sensitive to loud noise and televison. In particular, television programs that depict emotional drama like the news and police shows.
7. Thery struggle to comprehend acts of cruelty and crime that involves hurting others.
8. They struggle to comprehend suffering in the world and are often idealists who theorise about fixing the worlds problems.
9. Are often found working as volunteers, with people, animals or the environment.
10. They are expressive so they can often be found in areas of music or the arts.
11. They often have the ability to draw others to them. This includes children and animals as they have a warmth and compassion that is beyond normal You may find that strangers always talk to you if you are an empath.
12. They can be good listeners as they generally have an interest in other people.
13. Empaths can be moody or have large mood swings due to overwhelming thoughts, feelings and emotion.
14. They are likely to have had, other paranormal experiences in their life. This could be astral projection, psychic ability or a variety of other experiences.
15. Empaths are daydreamers that have difficulty keeping focused. This is common with people who deal more IN emotion and neglect other area’s of their mind.
16. Like many people on a spiritual path Empaths frequently experience déjà vu and synchronicities. This is something that occurs to everyone however empaths are often more aware and therefore ‘look out’ for it.

I will share more as I learn. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I am happy to pass along any information or resources you need if this too sounds like you!! Take care.