When I first saw the term, "Sensory Processing Sensitivity" I looked straight past it. It was around 2011 when I had recently started reading about introversion. While hanging out in the personality rabbit hole I kept seeing the question, "Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?" Every time I read it I repeated a gentle but firm, "no" to myself. But it wouldn't leave me alone. So eventually I gave in and clicked on one of the links.

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? When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy? Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art? Do you have a rich and complex inner life?

Oh. Hang on. I dug deeper. I read The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr Elaine Aron. And it turned out I probably WAS one of those highly sensitive people after all. Part of 15-20% of the population with an innate trait (Sensory Processing Sensitivity) that "reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting". It was a game-changer for me. A liberating moment. And so began a journey of reframing the past, re-writing the present, and re-imagining the future. I still didn't fully connect with the "highly sensitive person" label. It didn't fit properly. But I knew it held something life-changing within. And I share my journey of discovery with you in this week's podcast.

Episode contentsWhat Is Sensory Processing Sensitivity? | 3.59Depth of ProcessingOverstimulationEmpathyEmotional ReactivitySensory Acuity/SubtletiesWhat Sensory Processing Sensitivity is NOT | 7.47Can We Come Up With a Better Name For High Sensitivity? | 10.15Reframing The Story Of Sensitivity | 22.08Overwhelmed By Bright Lights, Strong Smells, and Sudden Noises | 23.55Described as Shy or Sensitive By Teachers and Parents | 29.30Startled By Sudden Noises | 34.03Noticing Life's Finer Scents | 38.10Performining Tasks Worse Under Observation | 41.17It's Unpleasant to Have a Lot of Things Going on at Once | 49.29Needing to Withdraw From Overstimulation and Busyness | 50.43Other Peoples' Moods Affect You | 62.41Conclusions | 68.39Individuation and Deep Sensitivity | 59.25Research and The Future For Sensory Processing Sensitivity | 69.58The Haven | 71.56

What Is Sensory Processing Sensitivity? | 3.59

Sensory Processing Sensitivity is a trait found in over 100 species, and makes up a fifth of the human population. Despite misconceptions, high sensitivity is about more than being highly emotional. It plays a cautionary role in evolutionary terms and is systematically baked into humankind as a way to identify and warn of potential risks and sources of harm in the world around us. In the podcast, Bill Allen takes us through Elaine Aron's DOE(e)S Acronym. Check out my full conversation with Bill here.

Depth of Processing

Highly Sensitive People have a deep sensory experience of the world. They take information and grind it down in order to get every bit of data out of it (both consciously and unconsciously). This can sometimes lead to rumination and ‘overthinking’. Studies comparing the brains of HSPs and non-HSPs have found differences in the way people process information and stimulation.

Overstimulation

Highly Sensitive People usually have an open aperture for picking up sensory data. They let a lot of information in and this can result in overstimulation when they’re out in the world all the time. They require regular downtime to recalibrate before getting back out there again.

With a naturally wider aperture, Highly Sensitive People need regular downtime in order to internally recalibrate, process, and re-charge.

Empathy

Highly Sensitive People have a deep capacity for empathy through highly active mirror neurones. This can influence interactions, as HSPs absorb the moods and feelings of those around them.

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