The Gift of Being Highly Sensitive: Understanding the Connection between Sensitivity and Creativity

If you are someone who feels deeply, experiences extreme emotions, and perceives the world with an extra level of intensity, you are not alone. In fact, you may be one of the 15 to 20 percent of people who are highly sensitive. While it can be challenging to navigate the world as a sensitive person, recent research suggests that being highly sensitive can actually be a gift, particularly when it comes to creativity.

In the book Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman and HuffPost Senior Writer Carolyn Gregoire explore the connection between sensitivity and creativity. As Kaufman and Gregoire point out, some of the most creative minds throughout history have been highly sensitive individuals. For example, Pearl S. Buck once said that “The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.”

While being sensitive has often been viewed as a weakness, Kaufman and Gregoire argue that this trait is actually what allows creative individuals to see the world in a different way. Sensitivity helps individuals to pick up on subtle differences, notice details that others overlook, and experience a heightened sense of empathy for others.

But sensitivity alone is not enough for creativity. In fact, many creative performers seem to have what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes as a paradox in their lives. On one hand, they are people who are open and comfortable on stage, able to command attention with ease. On the other hand, they are extremely sensitive and often experience intense emotions. Csikszentmihalyi suggests that being both open and sensitive are essential components of the creative personality.

One famous example of this paradox is Michael Jackson. Despite his iconic performances and incredibly successful career, Jackson’s life was marked by suffering and loneliness. Yet it was precisely this pain that he was able to harness in order to create some of the most memorable music of our time. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jackson explained that “I feel I was chosen as an instrument to give music and love and harmony to the world.”

Another example comes from Yo-Yo Ma, one of the world’s greatest cellists. Ma’s friend Mark Salzman once described him as one of the most joyful people he had ever met. Yet Ma was also deeply sensitive, often feeling the emotions of those around him and experiencing extreme highs and lows.

So what is it about sensitivity that allows for creative expression? According to Kaufman and Gregoire, it is not just the ability to feel deeply, but the willingness to embrace those feelings and channel them into something artistic. For sensitive individuals, this often means using their emotional intensity to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Of course, being highly sensitive is not always easy. Many sensitive individuals struggle with anxiety, depression, and social discomfort. But Kaufman and Gregoire argue that by reframing sensitivity as a positive trait, individuals can learn to embrace their unique perspective and use it to foster creativity.

So, what can you do if you are a highly sensitive person looking to harness your creativity? Kaufman and Gregoire suggest a few key strategies:

1. Embrace your sensitivity: Rather than seeing sensitivity as a weakness, try to view it as a strength. Recognize that your ability to feel deeply and notice subtleties is what makes you unique.

2. Find ways to express yourself: Whether through music, writing, art, or another creative outlet, find a way to channel your emotions into something meaningful.

3. Practice self-care: Sensitive individuals often need extra time and space to recharge. Make sure to prioritize self-care and take breaks when needed.

4. Seek out like-minded individuals: Connect with other sensitive, creative individuals who understand your unique perspective and can support you in your artistic endeavors.

In conclusion, being highly sensitive can be challenging, but it can also be a powerful tool for fostering creativity. By embracing your sensitivity and using it to channel your emotions into something artistic, you can tap into a deep well of creativity that can enrich your life and the lives of others. So hold your artistic head up high, and know that your sensitivity is something to be proud of.