Let’s face it — being sensitive has never been highly accepted in a world that is not so sensitive. I believe that is going to change. Actually, it is changing. The energy in the world is shifting and sensitivity is heightened these days – even for those who have not previously considered themselves to be highly sensitive. We are going back to our true nature.
There are lots of terms for what I am talking about such as highly sensitive, empathy and super sensitive. None of them make me feel warm and cozy. And I actually didn’t put myself in this category until the past few years. Expressing your feelings was not acceptable in my family and it certainly wasn’t the way to succeed in the blue collar printing environment in which I was a Vice President before starting my own business in 1995.
So why should you care if you fall into this group?
In part, it can explain some physical and emotional challenges you may be experiencing as things in our world continue to shift. But it’s also a positive. It actually puts you ahead of the curve as we move into a world that values six senses and not just five. If you are a sensitive person, you’ve already been using your sixth sense – your intuition – as well as your highly receptive nervous system.
But are you using them in a way that really works for you?
That’s what I want to see happen for all of us. I have seen a variety of statistics on the percentage of people who are highly sensitive. But my guess is that it is higher for those of you who have been drawn to this newsletter.
I am calling this group of people of which I am a member, Sentelligent ™. Because we have a level of intelligence – a uniquely perceptive sensory system – that is heightened and very smart. We just have to learn how to nurture, listen to and honor what it is telling us.
From that powerful place we can learn to be happier and more successful in our businesses and lives.
Here are some signs that you may be A Sentelligent Person. See how many resonate with you.
(You may not resonate with all of them and a statement may not feel true 100% of the time. If a majority of the statements feel true to you, then likelihood is you are A Sentelligent Person!)
- 1. You have been told at some point in your life that you were “too sensitive” or scorned or mocked for “over-reacting” to
things.
2. You feel emotions deeply. You may feel as if you “wear your emotions on your sleeves” but not necessarily. Men and those of you who are still in the corporate world may feel things but not show emotions due to cultural training that it is not okay to do so.
3. You may be aware of the emotions of people around you.
4. An insult or unkind remark will affect you deeply.
5. Sights, smells, sounds, touches, changes in temperature and tastes may come through at heightened levels.
6. You feel deeply for others’ suffering or connections. You may cry at Hallmark commercials or when others cry or when you connect deeply with someone.
7. May suffer from recurrent depression, anxiety or other psychological disorders.
8. You may be keenly aware of and affected by beauty in art, music and nature. In this group are the world’s greatest artists and art appreciators.
9. You may be prone to stimulus overload. That is, you don’t like large crowds or hectic environments. You feel overwhelmed and depleted by too much stimuli.
10. You were a sensitive child.
12. You sometimes feel animosity toward your sensitive nature. Most sensitive people whole-heartedly wish they were tougher and more thick-skinned. They feel like their sensitivity is a weakness. Therefore some sensitive adults have learned how to hide their sensitivity from others.
13. You may use words like I “sense things”, “feel into” things or are “moved by” things.
14. You flow with your feelings – laugh out loud or cry when a line in music touches you.
15. Your sensitivity seems to grow as you grow older or lose weight or from other changes in the body or environment
16. You may have a good time in social gatherings but then feel tired or not so good the next day ( even if you didn’t drink)
17. You may “just know” things that other people don’t seem to know.
18. You may have physical ailments that are not easily explained or healed by traditional or non-traditional medical practitioners. (including but not limited to fatigue)
19. You may have unexplained mood swings and unable to determine why you suddenly feel sad or angry.
20. You are a good listener and people tell you their secrets
21. You feel stress and excitement in heightened ways
22 You have a deep need for fulfillment and meaning in your life
23. Feel like you are different than others – don’t fit
24. May handle stress well in the moment and then feel badly later
How many did you resonate with? Scroll to the comments section below and let me know what you see for yourself.
If you would like to know more about how to manage your heightened sensory receptivity, claim your power as a Sentelligent Person, make a difference with others and create a success that is sustainable for you, click this link to attend my F’REE teleseminar where I’ll be sharing specific secrets for creating sustainable success especially for those of you who are sensitive. You’ll learn why it is important to run your business differently than many of the business gurus tell you. Once you know what these secrets are, you can take control of your business and create success in a way that nourishes you and amply provides for your and your family.
Here’s the link again to register for the free class: http://peacefulentrepreneur.com/class
Stacy,
When I read your list regarding Sentelligent people I was amazed. Everyone one of these statements I can relate to. I work in 95% male environment and have been told all of my life that I am just to sensitive. I am also able to feel when someione is upset or mad, etc but am always told you’re nuts. At least I know now that I am not crazy but just sentelligent. Thanks for the article.
Pam
Oh! Yessiree! Practically all of the above describes me perfectly… I agree 100% with all of them especially #3, #9, #16 and #23.
As a teenager I would even feel different energies emanating from inanimate objects…
The only one that does not apply to me (thankfully) is that I rarely get depressed but that’s probably because of the zillions of problems I’ve had over the last five years (including anonymous death threats and a boatload of other ‘complications’ that we won’t go into here).
Look forward to your free teleseminar!
Oh, my you are right on target to address this ability to feel extremes. From my studies you are describing what are the strengths and weaknesses of the melancholy temperament. Great article.
Wow! My husband and I laugh lately every time I use the word ‘feel’. He tells me I am such a ‘feeling’ person. I’ve tried to change the way I talk, but I keep using that word.
I get all charged up and moving forward with my goals and then something out of no where zaps me and I find myself doing mindless things. Then I get down on myself for wasting time.
Eventually, I get back on track, but for how long.
I have my calendar, my to-do lists, my card file,etc. When I go through these times, I lose track of all that and then have to go back and pick up the pieces. It’s frustrating.
How does a carefree spirit deal with deadlines and structure which lead to disappointments when it seems impossible to maitain? I want to be organized. I want to get things done in a timely way. What is holding me back and how do I work around it?
Sometimes I ‘feel’ like I am in a prison, but the door is open and the Lord is calling me out to swim in calm, deep waters or to soar into the heights of heaven. I stand at the door afraid to move, uncertain of what that will mean.
Other times I am so overwhelmed with a sense of peace and love and able to meet any challenge that comes my way.
My deepest desire is to let God’s love flow through me in a way that will touch other people’s lives, not because of what I say, but because of how I live. I want them to know His unconditional love that passes all understanding. When I go through the rough times, I feel like I am not able to fulfill that which I desire. I become a poor example of trusting in His divine love. It’s amazing, though. He is always there with open arms when I am open to receive His love.
How does this all fit together? I am not sure. I would just like to get off the rollercoaster or learn how to enjoy the ride! : )
Amazing how i could relate to almost 90% of the mentioned signs ! i’ve always been told that i was too sensitive. That 6th sense thing just haunts me , it’s like i know what’s gonna happen everytime .
great article !
Stacy, right on the mark again as always! I’ve always known I was different, and it’s only in the past few years that I have met up with others who fall into similar categories. We are all Sentelligent beings and know it, now have a name for it, and can celebrate it. I’m looking forward to your teleseminar!
At long last, I appreciate knowing that being sensitive is a good thing. I am always being told that I am too sensitive. I feel that I have the ability to read a person very well. I can tell when someone is not telling me the truth. I smell rain coming before it rains. When my husband had heart failure, I just knew that in the end all would be fine. I had an unusal calmness. My children were both upset but I was able to be the rock. I am glad to be a member of this elite few.
So, so true, Stacey! Like you, I did not recognize my sensitivity until several years ago. I’m so pleased you are providing a venue for all of us to understand (and appreciate!) ourselves – and others – better.
“Sentelligent” – what a fabulous new word!!
I relate to all 100% of the mentioned signs and must say that my sensitivity and ability to “feel” the world enabled me to work with all people effectively as a social Worker…it also led to burn out as the constant barrage of intense feeling sent me into total overload, even in everyday life I am unable to sheild myself from the emotional energy coming from all living things…I have always felt like a bit of a ‘freak’ and unable to fit in anywhere…I am often in physical pain from the depth of my emotional reactions to life and death. I mask my feelings as much as possible with humor or by being a bit of a “hard ass” If I could turn this into a positive I beleive that i could accomplish amazing things…is there hope?!!
Kelly, your message really touched me. Yes, there is hope. Hold on to that, own who you are and stay tuned.
This is 97% true for me. It makes it difficult being a single parent of 3 boys too. Looking foreward to your conference call.
WOW! This article has sure hit a chord with me.
I have been accused of being “over sensitive” my whole life (& treated badly for it) yet never even thought about being a sensitive person as i always put on such a hard, strong, independent front.I have always felt misunderstood and rejected by almost everybody in my life. It seems nobody “Gets” me. I feel unloved and so under appreciated when my goal is always to be helpful and inspiring. Thank you for helping me put a name to it and a perspective that seems to all make sense. i will look forward to hearing what you have to say on the call. Thank you and have a great day.
Stacy,
THANKS A MILLION!!!, I’ve always known I was different,my mother told me i was very sensitive since I was a little girl, I have always felt misunderstood by other people. I feel pain if I see a child crying or a pet in the street, I can’t be happy if other people around me are unhappy, so I all my life i wish I was less sensitive. I often have panick attacks and anxiety, and I think my health is not good because of the strong feelings I feel for everything and everyone. What do you think about that?.Please forgive me if i made english mistakes, I speak spanish. I will look forward to hearing what you have to say on the call.
Wow Stacy you are right on target with this. I worked for a Social Services agency for 30 years before beginning my own business. You can just imagine how that was for me, a sensitive. I felt every clients pain and suffering – wanted to be able to help in every situation, and felt frustrated most of the time (thank goodness I developed my gifts to help in that area). But I still find today, that I need more work in this area. When someone hurts my feelings, letting go of that is never easy, even with all the tools I have. I am ready to take my business to the next level and look forward to finding out how getting in touch with my sensitive side can help. Thank You.
Hi Stacey,
It’s wonderful to read what you have to say about being sensitive. I totally resonate with 17 of them. I’ve been told many times that I’m too sensitive, too emotional. For many years I put lots of energy into trying not to show my emotions and my sensitivity (especially at work) and that is and was really tiring.
I feel that I can cope with it better now, what I mean is that I’m more ok with that I’m sensitive. But when I speak to a group of people, I feel raw, like I’m naked and that everybody can see that I can’t “compose” myself.
I’m really looking forward to your call.
Warm sensitive wishes,
Cim*
This is a wonderful framework! It resonates deeply with me, for personal reasons, and for professional ones as well.
I don’t ‘test’ as a melancholic personality, so I believe that there are other characteristics that are common to ‘sentelligent ones.’ God created us each uniquely, yet we share commonalities that connect us to each other.
I hope to be able to attend the teleclass. I would love to see how this can be used with the clients I coach.
Just went through 3 days of excitement, and burned me out for a week. When will I ever learn that I AM a HSP!!!!!!!!
Wow! Stacey, you hit all but one of the 24. I relate to all but the one on depression – it’s more of an anxiety. The 23 have pretty much what I have been told all of my 40+ years. My higher states of intuition and senses get really jumbled, especially the higher the anxiety level goes. Then I must “disappear”, sometimes for a few days, to regain myself. More-so recognizable by frustration, instead of tears, these past few years. I am a very happy positive, smiling, intelligent woman, who is highly motivated by “projects”, yet retain the sensitivity, which I’m learning to perceive as a gift and how to redirect, express, and chose my location of which my sensitivity is released. So looking forward to your teleseminar!
Hi Stacey,
What can I say? You just described me word for word!!!! I struggle to survive in this world. I would love to be part of your teleseminar. I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one!!
Hi Stacey,
You are right about the shift. I have been feeling it coming for a couple of years now and sensitivity is an aspect that is finally being voiced. I identify with most of the descriptions of sensitelligent (I like your word!) people and the comments many have written here. I’m inspired to be connecting with my “tribe,” and would miss your teleseminar! Thank you.
3, 5 (especially smell and temperature), 6, 8, 9 (ALWAYS this way), 13, 14, 17, 18 (my struggle right now…all tests so far say nothing is wrong, but obviously SOMETHING is!), 19 (this is new to me, but happening–could be my physical symptoms doing this though too), 22, 23, and very yes to 24. I always fall apart in emergencies later after I’ve done what I’m programmed to do.
I’ve also felt I could always see the “soul” of people, and it’s hard to explain but I can typically tell in about 80% of people I meet what type of person they are in a very short period of time. I’ve never been wrong (even though I doubted myself often and then ended up regretting ignoring those feelings).
I look forward to what you have in store, Stacey! As always, I know it will be phenomenal and something I can relate to in my life.
Stacey, I was told last week by my stepson that I am “A Sensitive”. I had never heard the term and knew nothing about HSP or anything else about the “sensitive” world. I praise God for my stepson’s words (obviously an answer to my prayers) as it led me to this website and others. I feel so enlightened! Years and years of not understanding why I can see and feel spirits and feel others emotions (empathetic). The hard part is trying not to react to them! NOW IT ALL MAKES SENSE! Oh I could go on and on. I relate to ALL 24 items above. I am so excited about learning more and understanding how to live in this world as a “Sensitive”.
Am I the one and ONLY guy here?
Not that it bothers me as I have always known that I am more sensitive than most men and, I’m guessing here, that this is one of the reasons why so many intelligent women have found me attractive. I’m one lucky guy!
Wow. That’s about all I can say after reading the list of 24 (minus 1…there was no number 11) traits is I fit the bill 100%. I DO find that being highly sensitive appears freakish to others who don’t have the capacity to feel, sense, process like I do. It’s ok though…I’m able to make my own mark on the world because of it.
I work with Special Education children at a middle school. One of my kids has Cerebral Palsy, cannot speak, therefore having someone so sensitive to others feelings has been a gift. To me and to him. I can see in his eyes that he’s relieved, even thankful that I know what his little signs mean…like when he’s hurting or feels somewhat insecure around new people.
Glad to know that there are others like me. Kids, the elderly and even animals who aren’t able to tell us what or how they feel, need people like us to be in their lives. I’m honored to be that person to them…
Thanks, fellow Sentillectuals!
Hi,this is a wonderful site & name for us so we won’t feel so different anymore! I have 99% score as I am not ill. I am 55yrs.young, a middle child of 3 girls and have been “too sensitive” all my life & scorned for it. The good news is- I put all my sensitivity into Being The Possibility of Love,Peace,Harmony & Joy for myself & the World. I AM an Artist,Photographer,Teacher,Mother,Grandmother,Reiki Master,Spiritual Being having a human body experience,Intuitive & Feel Energies & send them to the light.I have also Channelled Messages as well.My children & especially the grandchildren are Gifted too as well as my Father & his Mother.Sentelligent is a blessing,may I suggest to Love it & Work with it!
WOW! I am speechless! And I feel relieved… I wish the teleseminar was scheduled for tonight. Thank you Stacey!
21 out of 24. My “sensitivity” is something I am famous for. I used to be very embarrassed by it but have finally started to feel a sense of comfort with it now that I am older and realize how critical it will be to the planet for those of us who have these traits to speak up, to follow the feelings and to encourage them in others. I believe that these heightened emotions are a gift from the Divine Feminine and very valuable to humanity! So keep feeling!!! 🙂