Are you a Hypersensitive person (HSp)? a High Ability adult (HAp)?
Than you may be an Indigo adult as well.
There is often a tight link between HSp, HAp & Indigos persons. Let’s start by understanding first the definitions.
The HSP-s are the Highly Sensitive Persons
According to Dr Elaine Aron’s extended reseach, HSP-s – the Highly Sensitive Persons- represent approx 20% of the global population and have unique and innate, genetical traits that distinguish them from the rest of the population. In my opinion, there are more than 20%, and the numbers are on the rise; it would be valuable to update the research and the statistics figures.
If you are a highly sensitive person yourself, or your child is, these are some of the typical characteristics you may present with:
- More easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or loud noises
- More easily irritated when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time
- Avoidant of violent movies, conflicts and TV shows
- Need to withdraw during busy days to places where you can have privacy and relief from the chaos
- Make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting / overwhelming situations
- Sensitivity to fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art
- Have a rich and complex inner life
- Empaths
- Depth of information-processing.
- Highly observant of details
- Very good memory
If you identify with most points, please note the following :
- HPS traits are normal: they are found in over 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
- HSP have unique genes, so it is innate. Biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’. To learn more about this, see Research.
- Sense of awareness is more acute. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
- You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or new for a long time so you may need immediate quiet time. (*excluding PTSD & previous trauma causes)
- This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.
- Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem as they are told to be “too sensitive” which leads them to feel abnormal.
You are definitely not alone.
The HAP -s ( the High Ability Persons (or Gifted Persons)).
Many HSP-s are HAP. The IQ test (Intelligence Quotient Test) is one way, but not the only way to test High Ability.
Dr Mary-Elaine Jacobson, in her book “The Gifted Adult: a revolutionary guide for liberating everyday genius”, invites you to consider the following statements in order to determine if you are a gifted individual:
I have always had an insatiable curiosity.
I am able to run my mind on multiple tracks at the same time.
I learn rapidly and retain / apply what I learn.
I tend to be very independent.
I tend to be less motivated than others are by rewards, bonuses, and praise.
At times I have asked embarrassing questions or rudely pointed out truths at the wrong time.
My preference for the complex can fool me into underestimating the simple answer.
I like to refine and improve others’ innovations.
I feel comfortable with a wide range of emotions…
In addition, the Gifted Development Center, from the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development, suggests to question the following characteristics :
Are you a good problem solver? Can you concentrate for long periods of time?
Are you perfectionist? Do you persevere with your interests?
Are you an avid reader? Do you have a vivid imagination?
Do you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles? Often connect seemingly unrelated ideas?
Do you enjoy paradoxes? Do you set high standards for yourself?
Do you have a good long-term memory? Are you deeply compassionate?
Do you have persistent curiosity? Do you have an excellent sense of humor?
Are you a keen observer? Do you have a love of mathematics?
Do you need periods of contemplation? Do you search for meaning in your life?
Are you aware of things that others are not? Are you fascinated by words?
Are you highly sensitive? Do you have strong moral convictions?
Do you often feel out-of-sync with others? Are you perceptive or insightful?
Do you often question rules or authority? Do you have organized collections?
Do you thrive on challenge? Do you have extraordinary abilities and deficits?
Do you learn new things rapidly? Feel overwhelmed by many interests/abilities?
Do you have a great deal of energy? Often take a stand against injustice?
Do you feel driven by your creativity? Love ideas and ardent discussion?
Were you advanced developmentally in childhood? Have unusual ideas or perceptions?
If you have undertaken a IQ test and scored beyond 130 than you may also be considered a gifted person. Nevertheless, note that IQ tests have several traps and cannot be considered a reliable way to determine one’s actual ability. Take results with caution.
Indigos adults & children
We have been hearing about “Indigo Children”. But what are they, really? According to Wendy Chapman, 25 traits are indicative of an indigo adult. Many of these characteristics are found in HSp-s and HAp-s.
***Please note, anyone could have a few of these traits, but Indigo Adults have most if not all of these 25 characteristics***:
- Are intelligent, though may not have had top grades.
- Are very creative and enjoy making things.
- Always need to know WHY, especially why they are being asked to do something.
- Had disgust and perhaps loathing for much of the required and repetitious work in school.
- Were rebellious in school in that they refused to do homework and rejected authority of teachers, OR seriously wanted to rebel, but didn’t DARE, usually due to parental pressure.
- May have experienced early existential depression and feelings of helplessness. These may have ranged from sadness to utter despair. Suicidal feelings while still in high school or younger are not uncommon in the Indigo Adult.
- Have difficulty in service-oriented jobs. Indigos resist authority and caste system of employment.
- Prefer leadership positions or working alone to team positions.
- Have deep empathy for others, yet an intolerance of stupidity.
- May be extremely emotionally sensitive including crying at the drop of a hat (no shielding) Or may be the opposite and show no expression of emotion (full shielding).
- May have trouble with rage.
- Have trouble with systems they consider broken or ineffective, ie. political, educational, medical, and legal.
- Alienation from or anger with politics – feeling your voice won’t count and/or that the outcome really doesn’t matter.
- Frustration with or rejection of societal norms- 9-5 career, marriage, 2.5 children, house with white picket fence, etc.
- Anger at rights being taken away, fear and/or fury at “Big Brother watching you.”
- Have a burning desire to do something to change and improve the world. May be stymied what to do. May have trouble identifying their path.
- Have psychic or spiritual interest appear fairly young – in or before teen years.
- Had few if any Indigo role models. Having had some doesn’t mean you’re not an indigo, though.
- Have strong intuition.
- Random behavior pattern or mind style – (symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder). May have trouble focusing on assigned tasks, may jump around in conversations.
- Have had psychic experiences, such as premonitions, seeing angels or ghosts, out of body experiences, hearing voices that are not of psychiatric nature.
- May be electrically sensitive such as watches not working and street lights going out as you move under them, electrical equipment malfunctioning and lights blowing out.
- May have awareness of other dimensions and parallel realities.
- Sexually are very expressive and inventive OR may reject sexuality in boredom or with intention of achieving higher spiritual connection. May explore alternative types of sexuality.
- Seek meaning to their life and understanding about the world May seek this through religion or spirituality, spiritual groups and books, self-help groups and books.
- When they find balance they may become very strong, healthy, happy individuals.
You can thrive once you know yourself and no longer see differences as burdens but as wonderful gifts to serve the World. May you thrive & grow.