I’d like to ponder the word ‘sensitive’; it may need reclaiming
Sometimes an individual is called sensitive because they take things to heart – criticism or whatever
‘They’re a bit sensitive!’
But in my world, this isn’t sensitive; this is just insecure
They are unlikely to be aware of other people’s situations; only aware of their own hurt
Sensitive, on the other hand, is a positive state; one in which we are aware of something or someone other than ourselves
We may be aware of others needs and feelings
Or we may be aware of the history of a place, of the people who have passed through here before us
Sensitive suggests generosity of spirit in some way, a de-centering into worlds other than our own
This is not the same as someone who gets upset easily, who is quick to take offence, who takes words said about them to heart and around whom we must walk carefully
This is simply insecure and the consequence of a fracture in our past
Those who are sensitive are open to a story other than their own
Removed from the screaming ego, it’s a rather beautiful word
