High Processing Sensitivity (being sensitive to subtleties in the world around) has been an important trait in human evolutionary history. It is widely accepted that Highly Sensitive People have been pretty vital in navigating us safely through the various dangers we face as a human race.

We hear a lot about external overwhelm; the high processing sensitivity of HSPs to sensory inputs like sudden loud noises, smells, fluorescent lights, tastes, textures and the like. There is another source of HSP overwhelm; unseen but intrinsically linked to external stimulation. Sensitivity to our own inner chatterbox.

A Gift and a Curse

This inner voice can be both a gift and a curse for HSPs and introverts. We can be good to have around because we can sense subtle cues that may have negative consequences that others might not be able to see yet. But a propensity towards caution and constant analytical thought may also stop us from doing things we actually want to simply jump in and get involved with.

In this episode I explore how the inner chatterbox speaks to highly sensitive people and the impact it has on our day to day lives:

Considering all the Options

Being Slow to Say Yes

Overthinking and Worrying

Having Prophetic Vision

Being Highly Imaginative

The inner chatterbox can be the friend and foe of the highly sensitive person. We must acknowledge the impact of our sensitivity (moments of caution), and ask ourselves whether or not this is helpful for this situation.