Sensitivities

Suzy was a very sensitive Sheltie.  The breed tends to be quick, smart and very sensitive.

     So it was with Suzy. And, me.

There's a trait called "Highly Sensitive Person" and a book of the same title by psychologist, Elaine Aron.  When I heard about it, several years ago, I immediately read her book, took the self-test, then knew I was an HSP.  So was Suzy.  Maybe that's one reason we bonded so tightly. 

As an HSP, we dislike noise, commotion, chaos, flourescent lights, loud voices, or too much stimulation of any kind.  Suzy could be the calmest dog in the world, but let there be a knock on the door, kids shrieking by on their bicycles or nearly any transiton, inside or outside the house, and she'd fly into a turmoil, barking, spinning, lunging, and sending herself into a puppy tizzy!

I'm the same way.  Well, perhaps not as intense, but, generally speaking, like Suzy, I prefer the calm, predictable, reliable, & soothing environments over the chaotic ones.  I prefer babbling brooks, azure skies, hills, meadows, animals and nature to anything artifical.  The term "Right Livelihood" is really the only livelihood for me.  

Non HSP's can batton down the hatches and plow through work they don't like, stores that pipe in loud music, and a myriad of other irritating sights, sounds or smells.  Not so with HSP's.  I know.  From first-hand experience.  And, so did Suzy.

Together, we calmed and soothed each other's sensitive spirits.  We were each other's balm and elixirs.
We contributed to the other's quality of life.  Indeed, to our basic survivals & comfort levels.  We were not only there for each other but added to the other's longevity and mental health. We provided the love, affection, gentleness and caring that Mothers do for their children and, how Buddhist philosopher and writer, Thich Nhat Hanh, says everyone should treat each other.  I agree.  And, OH, what a wonderful world it would be!