Music, empathy and being highly sensitive

I’ve always loved music – its melodies, rhythms and beats.  The way notes can soar and lyrics can capture experiences and emotions.

There’s always something to match the mood and energy of the moment.

One of my favourite things to do when I’m on my own is to put on a playlist, turn up the volume and sing to my heart’s content.

Which can seem a bit of a contradiction because – as an HSP – most of the time I love peace and quiet.  But something about music turns that on its head

And it offers me a place of solace when I need it.   As the lyrics of John Miles say:

“Music was my first love and it will be my last

Music of the future and music of the past

To live without my music would be impossible to do  

‘Cause in this world of troubles, my music sees me through.”

There’s just something about music that feeds my soul.  And I’ve seen the same in other HSPs – it gets us singing and moving and dancing.  Connecting to something.

It’s not by chance either: research has shown there’s a link between deep appreciation of music and high levels of empathy.  And we HSPs tend to have truckloads of both.

The research in 2018 by Wallmark, Deblieck and Jacobini found that music triggers our reward centre and makes us feel good.

They described music as “a portal into the interior lives of others”.  And found it to be the equivalent of an enjoyable social encounter – even when you listen alone.  In effect, it promotes a sense of connection

So, what’s your relationship with music?  Is it important to you?  Do you feel there’s a link between music and your empathy and sensitivity?

Maybe other forms of expression – like reading or poetry – are more your thing?  Whatever the source of inspiration, I hope it brings joy and connection to you, as well as the empathy you so easily offer others.