How To Start Loving Your Sensitivity
Have you ever been told you were “too sensitive” as a child? Maybe it came from a parent, teacher, or another well-meaning adult when you cried over something small, got overwhelmed in a busy room, or noticed something others seemed to miss.
For me, those words were a common refrain growing up. I remember all throughout my childhood being told I was too sensitive when I would cry, my mom saying she “doesn’t want to have to walk on eggshells around me”, and feeling shame for having my feelings hurt. Those experiences shaped how I approached my emotions for years. It is something I’ve worked to unlearn through somatic healing.
Being called “too sensitive” has nothing to do with you being flawed and everything to do with your caregiver not being able to ATTUNE to you.
Hearing those words, especially when we’re young, can feel like a rejection of who we are at our core. Over time, many of us learn to suppress our emotions, dismiss our instincts, and ignore the signals our bodies are sending. These patterns often stick with us into adulthood, shaping how we cope with stress, set boundaries, and connect with ourselves and others.
What Happens When We Silence Our Sensitivity?
Sensitivity is often a sign of a finely tuned nervous system. It’s not a flaw, it’s a strength. But when we’re taught to see it as a problem, we may develop coping mechanisms to hide it:
Disconnecting from our feelings to avoid overwhelm
Overworking or people-pleasing to prove our worth
Struggling to recognize or express our needs
Shutting down and dissociating when activated
Putting our needs last due to shame
Feeling insecure for having needs or thinking we’re “too much”
While these patterns might help us feel safe temporarily, they frequently leave us feeling stuck, exhausted, or out of touch with ourselves.
Reclaiming Your Sensitivity
The good news? You can reconnect with the sensitivity you’ve been told to suppress. Somatic work offers gentle ways to listen to your body, process emotions, discover your sense of self worth, and honor your needs in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Here are two practices to you can start doing today to explore your inner world:
Name What You Feel: When emotions surface, pause and notice where they show up in your body. Is your chest tight? Are your hands warm? Simply naming the sensation can help you reconnect with what’s present without judgment.
Create a Safe Container: Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself that it’s okay to feel. This simple gesture sends a signal of safety to your nervous system.
Sensitivity Is a Superpower
Your sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it’s a deep well of insight, empathy, and connection. When you embrace it, you create space to live more authentically and align with your true self.
These concepts are the foundational work I support my clients with. If this resonates with you, I’d love to explore how somatic healing can support you in reconnecting with your sensitivity and uncovering your inner strengths. If you’re ready to step toward healing your relationship with your body so you can feel more in tune with yourself, click the button below to learn more.
About the Author
Shai Maxine is a trained somatic practitioner specializing in helping people navigate stress, chronic pain, and emotional overwhelm. With years of experience guiding clients toward greater ease and connection, Shai offers practical tools rooted in somatic awareness and mindfulness. When not working, Shai enjoys hiking, cooking, creating art, and petting as many dogs as she can. Follow along on instagram @shai.maxine
