If You’re A ‘Highly-Sensitive Person’, Here’s How To Turn Your Overwhelm Into Power (TEDx Talk)

15% to 20% of the population is made up of Highly Sensitive People (HSP). They are normal human beings who have a sensitive nervous system that makes them: more easily overwhelmed by the world around them; feel every emotion very deeply; empathize easily with the people around them; highly creative. 

Elena Herdieckerhoff is such a person, and she wants to help others embrace their own sensitivity, transform it into power, and raise loving awareness among her fellow HSPs. She spoke at a TedX Talk in Paris:

“I would like to address the two big elephants in the room when it comes to HSP stereotypes. The first assumption is that HSP must simply be undercover introverts who want a fancier name. The fact of the matter is that 30% of HSP are actually extroverts. Many assume that HSP are women. It may come as a surprise that 50% of HSP are, in fact, men. In our society men are not supposed to be sensitive, but aggressive and competitive. Sadly, the notion that men can be both sensitive and strong is still too much of an alien concept.”

“HSPs should not hide away from the pain of this world in a protective incubator. It is their role to step up and share their sensitive gifts with all of us. I believe, as humans, we are all united by our experience of sensitivity and empathy.”

Watch her Tedx Talk below ...