Sensitivity is derived from the Latin word "sensibilis", which in turn comes from the word "sentire", Latin for "to sense" or "to feel", meaning the reception and processing of sensory stimuli. Certain perceptual filters ensure that high-priority stimuli are distinguished from lower-priority stimuli.

These people, described by Dr. Elaine Aron as "Highly Sensitive Persons" (HSP), not only perceive certain stimuli very early on, but also intensively and very thoroughly. For example, they discover details in a picture or a song that remain hidden to others, but at the same time are preoccupied with them for a long time. Another indication of high sensitivity is when stimuli are perceived as overstimulation earlier than in non-highly sensitive people, for example when sounds are perceived as noise, even though they are unproblematic for neurotypical people. A "highly sensitive person" not only has the ability to perceive things earlier, in more detail and more intensively, but also to process this additional information afterwards. This processing is also very thorough and detailed, so that an above-average amount of information is processed in above-average detail.

Do you have it? You're in the middle of a conversation and for no reason you think of a building site. Suddenly they are talking about a construction site. Do you know what I mean when you share the same thought with someone? You look at your watch, it's 11:11.

Or you enter a room and you notice the electricity in the air? And beyond that, you recognize those who have it the same way! 

I am touched by things that leave others cold and react coldly myself where others would have resigned long ago. I'm usually the first to react when something really serious comes up, but I ignore things without a care in the world... And when it comes down to it, I become razor-sharp. Air! Fresh air! And wind! And the crystal - at least the crystalline structure. Of course, the curves are also beautiful and absolutely important (: I don't know about you, sometimes I embody resilience. Sometimes, on the other hand, even the slightest change in the weather throws me out of concept -.-

~ but that's okay...

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Some characteristics from the Wikipedia¹:

○ pronounced subtle perception(e.g. multi-layered imagination and thought processes)

○ increased sensitivity to pain○ Detailed perception○ High level of enthusiasm, very varied interests

○ Very pronounced long-term memory

○ Psychosocial fine perception(i.e. sensitivities, moods and emotions of other people are recognized more easily and in greater detail)

○ More easily influenced by the moods of other people

○ pronounced intuitive thinking

○ Long emotional "resonance" of the experience

○ Thinking in larger contexts

○ Pronounced altruism, sense of justice

○ Need for harmony, conscientiousness

○ Intense experience of art and music, Perfectionism

○ Mostly multi-layered, complex and stable personality

Congratulations! 

If you can see yourself in these points, you are probably one of the highly sensitive 15-20% of the world's population! We live in strange times. A society of elbows and competition. The world is experiencing a drama that is unparalleled. Are people who are aware of all this not a welcome whim of nature to seemingly be in the right place at the right time?"

From an evolutionary perspective, high sensitivity exists in both animals and humans, and quite rightly so. The vegetative nervous system of highly sensitive beings filters less than that of those with average sensitivity. The environment is perceived more intensely on all levels and with all senses. This enables highly intense experiences that go far beyond what less sensitive beings experience.

From a historical standpoint, the strategy of thoroughly weighing up all aspects before acting and thus avoiding danger, failure and wasted energy was of great importance. For the survival of many species, both humans and animals, the mixture of highly sensitive and non-highly sensitive representatives therefore proves to be beneficial, as active action with the necessary caution and foresighted thinking complement each other in a meaningful way. In earlier times in particular, highly sensitive people were highly valued as healers, seers and visionaries.

Living as a highly sensitive person in today's everyday life certainly has great value, but this is difficult to perceive. Nowadays, the special characteristics of highly sensitive people do not necessarily help them to adapt to the existing circumstances and norms.

We are in a period of great upheaval. Many things are being reconsidered, behaviors that were still considered desirable in our parents' generation are outdated. Old systems are disintegrating and the question and search for meaning and value are once again coming to the fore.

Highly sensitive people feel this upheaval strongly and are often completely overwhelmed with all their perceptions in this regard. Their own personality is not yet stable enough to actively and sustainably contribute to this process.

This is precisely where the great opportunity lies as an HSP. There are numerous possibilities and, above all, necessities to incorporate our own talents into our living environment in the best possible way. The challenge for each individual highly sensitive person is to create awareness for change and to accompany this with their own stable and strong personality."²

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¹https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hochsensibilität

²http://www.hochsensibilitaet.at/was-ist-hochsensibilitaet/