All people are born with temperaments. About 20-30% of individuals (and over 100 other species) are born with the temperament of high sensitivity, also known as environmental sensitivity. Individuals with environmental sensitivity can thrive and learn to optimize the trait. In general, a person with the temperament:
Thinks and processes deeply
Notices subtle - and more - stimuli
Feels deeply
“No one processes anything deeply without an emotional motivation.” - Dr. Elaine Aron
Is more easily overstimulated
(more information coming in without adequate space, time, or environment)
They experience Differential Susceptibility. This means they are more impacted by the negative and the positive in their environments. The key to living in an environment largely designed for the 70% of people is honoring one’s temperament. For many who do, most people in their lives don’t even realize they have a nervous system that is wired differently. In many cultures throughout history, the 70% benefited greatly from the contributions of the 30% with this temperament.