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National Treasure

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Tribal Wisdom

The more sophisticated the level of our knowledge is, the more effective we will be in dealing with the natural world. — The 14th Dalai Lama

About HSPs

The term “highly sensitive person” (HSP) originated in the 1996 book The Highly Sensitive Person, by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron. In it and other related books and research, Dr. Aron argues that the HSP trait, mislabled as “shy” or “introverted,” occurs in individuals with a very sensitive nervous system and who are unusually perceptive, emotionally and physically, to their environment.

Are you an HSP? Take the quick self-test on Dr. Elaine Aron’s website, The Highly Sensitive Person.

Characteristically, HSPs are especially empathetic, creative, conscientious, vigilant, deliberative, thoughtful, and authentic.

Roughly twenty percent of the population is HSP, with one-third of those actually being extroverts. For HSPs, it’s all about a real sensitivity to a highly stimulated environment. That din of light, noise, people, and information can overwhelm and cause them to withdraw. As a result, their quiet voices and amazing talents are often overlooked by their employers and co-workers.

Those with the HSP trait are more likely to pause before taking actions. They consider and reflect more thoroughly before responding. For the HSP, the world is not easily black or white; rather, it is infinite in the colors existing between the extremes. This insight is what makes them especially valuable members of society. They are often the teachers, artists, scientists, social workers, and advisors that we cherish because of their thoughtful and creative ideas and solutions.

Tribe recognizes the efforts involved with thriving sensitively in an overly stimulated world. And we are eager to provide such self-help resources as links to life-coaching, books, and events related to the challenges of being HSP. Our purpose, though, is to provide a positive outlet that connects HSPs creatively–through their work, hobbies, and passions.

While the Tribe community is a special meeting place for HSPs, we also welcome anyone wanting to explore our world more sensitively and celebrate their creative talents in a safe, encouraging environment.