The Sense in Sensitivity

And where to find the sweetspot

Hi, I’m Sue and I write about the beauty and ingenuity of Nature, and how we can deepen our connection for our optimum health and wellbeing. Discover more Nature-inspired content on Spiral Leaf, Twitter and my video Nature Channel.

Sensitivity is one of our most exquisite and vital human attributes. Without sensitivity, we are unable to develop meaningful relationships with ourselves, other people, sentient animals and the world around us. Without sensitivity we lose our sense of purpose, our sensibility and the common sense we need to live safe, healthy and creative lives on this beautiful planet Earth.

What is sensitivity?

Sensitivity is embodied in our response to sensory perception where we pick up and interpret (consciously or unconsciously) an infinite amount of stimuli received through our senses every second of the day.

Sensitivity represents our conscious connection to things, Nature and people around us. It is how we understand the true nature of things, how we learn and interpret things about ourselves, others and the world we live in. It informs how we express ourselves, communicate with others and enjoy life in worthwhile and fulfilling ways.

Levels of sensitivity depend on how finely tuned we are to our seven senses and how much time we invest in our sensory health, wellbeing and happiness. This is influenced by the amount and type of stimuli we are exposed to and the extent to which we have been over or under-stimulated by external forces throughout our lives.

Sensitivity is precious because it is responsible for our most touching, loving, sensuous and treasured moments which are so enjoyable, memorable and nourishing for mind, body, spirit and soul. Sensitivity protects us from harm and forms the essence of our personality. Being sensitive means we are more aware and open to receive helpful information. It affects our ability to listen to others and make astute and balanced decisions.

What is de-sensitisation

Our innate attribute of conscious sensitivity is so powerful and attractive, it helps us to realise our full potential as human beings. It is no surprise therefore that everything has been done over the centuries to dumb us down and de-sensitise us in so many different ways. This has gone a long way to prevent us from actualising our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional aptitude by being kept in a constant state of heightened expectation, uncertainty and fear.

We have been taught that our sensitivity is our greatest weakness and our own worst enemy, and that this is something to be minimised and controlled. Our education system has been designed to remove any sense of individuality, vitality and curiosity. It is why dramatic events, social media and other distractions are forced upon us on a 24/7 basis to keep us hyped up, over-sensitised and senselessly entertained.

Disconnection from Nature

Our disconnection from the natural world began in the late 17th century at the onset of the Age of Enlightenment whereby reason, individualism and scepticism enabled the flourishing of modern science. This removed the concept of spirituality from the world whereby intellectuals such as Francis Bacon and René Descartes structured modern science to conceive the human being as being outside of Nature.

In more recent years, television has been responsible for de-sensitising us from the natural world around us. Nature programmes narrated by the likes of David Attenborough, feature extraordinarily dramatic and techno-colour representations of Nature in exotic climates and destinations far from home.

Over time, people in developed nations have become armchair Nature watchers rather than Nature-lovers who appreciate the minutiae of their local environment as it enfolds through the seasons. It means that the most beautiful aspects of Nature have been de-valued and the experience of enjoying Nature as an essential part of life has been diminished.

This is why we need to be vigilant and enthusiastic when it comes to being sensitive and aware of the many experiences we might otherwise miss on a daily basis. The saying about stopping to smell the roses is so true, life passes us by and we become oblivious to the small yet essential things that make life so rewarding and precious.

Finding the sweetspot

The good news is that despite being separated from the beauty of the living world around us, we can instantly reignite our connection at any moment in time. It's a question of being mindful of the things and people around us, and pausing to enjoy and experience the natural and spontaneous micro-moments that bring so much joy into our lives.

I made a diagram to explain exactly where the sweetspot lies and what it means to be consciously aware. The ideal scenario lies somewhere between being insensitive, unsensitive (my new word) and over-sensitive.

It’s up to each of us to identify where we may have become de-sensitised so that we can work on developing our sensitivity for our own benefit, the benefit of others and the benefit of Nature as well.

The grid can be used as a guide to understand the spectrum of sensitivity as it applies to human beings. It can also be used to explain the importance of nurturing sensitivity in a balanced and productive way.

I hope that those of us who care about such things will become a beacon of light for others as we hold up a sign that reads: 'Welcome Home!'

Reigniting our senses

There are many ways we can reignite our sensitivity by spending time in Nature.

Appreciating the beauty and ingenuity of living things in our local environment through the seasons works wonders to heighten our awareness and make us care more about each other and our beautiful home which is an integral part of our lives.

You can discover lots of ways to reignite your sensitivity through Nature using each of your seven senses in my last post - Exeriencing Nature Through Sensory Perception.

Thank you for reading and look forward to seeing you again next week. I wish you a wonderfully peaceful, happy and Nature-filled New Year!