Being a Highly Sensitive Person music without words can touch and move me in a deeply intimate way. I’d cry during musicals, church, hearing the National Anthem, and on and on, it’s always been like that, family would comment, friends would be startled, some would be embarrassed, and I was simply perplexed that other people weren’t moved like I was. About a decade ago my son and I were both diagnosed as “Highly Sensitive Person‘s”, or HSPs – music is just one of many forms of sensory input that I react to more strongly than most people, but with 15-20% of the population classified as HSP we are certainly not alone.
I view being a Highly Sensitive Person as a gift, and now that I understand where these passionate responses comes from I feel a sense of gratitude for being made the way I am. The draw back may be that it does have a role with my anxiety and introversion.
These are some of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard, and, of all the most deeply personal, intimate and meaningful things I can think of to share with anyone, they are near the very top of the list. Walking in the woods with these on my iPod is a wonderful way to spend a half an hour.
Classics – without words
- The Ovation by Bill Conti for the movie Slow Dancing in the Big City
- Fantasy on a Hymn Tune by Thomas Canning (in memory of his late wife)
- Adagio for Strings, op. 11. by Samuel Barber
- Joy by George Winston
I’ve included links so you can listen to them now if you’d like; the Bill Conti piece is very difficult to find so it’s not included on the Spotify play list.
Additional Reading
12 signs you’re a highly sensitive person, from Intorvert, Dear
The Highly Sensitive Person Dr. Elaine Aron
