Musicians can tell when an instrument is in tune.
Whether it is their own or being played by someone else, they are ‘sensitive’ to when things are wrong.
For a non musician? They just can’t hear it.
Musicians? They just can’t not hear it. It’s there. It’s in the world. They notice
The same can be said for highly sensitive people.
They pick up on things that others can’t.
Their sensitivity isn’t a problem. It’s just different.
Sometimes being highly sensitive is a weakness.
Other times?
It’s a strength.
In the long run?
Our sensitivity can make the music of life sound better.
We call our daughter the Canary. Sensitive to noise, chemicals and foods. She doesn't stay in the local library for more than a few minutes because she can smell the off gassing from the carpet. We avoid hotels or get her to wear head to toe pajamas because the chemicals in laundry detergent makes her skin break out in hives vor a rash. We use special soap free of SLS and chemicals so she is healthy. We don't suffer in an obvious way from these chemicals. But are we healthier, too? I think that is likely. Our bodies are less sensitive. But I think we are affected in a simular fashion. Our systems don't scream when offended. Hers do. But isn't it better to have an early warning system, so you can avoid dangers? She is uncomfortable much more than we are. But is she avoiding dangers better than the rest of us?
Her sensitivities to food additives and five of Canada's top 10 food allergens, led us to reading labels like a life depended on it, because it did. So, we ate primarily at home, avoided prepared goods with extensive shelf lives and eventually opened an organic food business. Her sensitivities led us to a healthier way of living and the joy of sharing healthy foods with others.