SENSITIVITY,
SENSIBILITY AND EMPATHY
Sensitivity is defined as the state
of being prone to, being sensitive to or it is the degree of responsiveness
that people exhibit, to changes or challenges or demands. As we see these
definitions, each individual have their own perception of using the same term
for various reasons in various situations. But the term has different meaning
in medical field, stating it as the capacity to respond to a stimulus.
How are we sensibly applying these
terms to the situation happening around us? This term has been used by many
people to exhibit their intolerance to criticism or feedback. Statements like
“I am too sensitive so please talk politely to me” or “I am too sensitive to
people”. A personalized usage of this term has led to creation of walls around
themselves, not allowing to other to express their views, ideas or thoughts.
Very wrong usage among children has made the parents go blank, leading to
suicides for not purchasing a game or scolding them for time wastage to
failures.
During the past decade, people mindset
has changes and sensitivity levels have further reduced towards society and
also towards each other. One mile walk with friends was a fun, but today it is
done only as exercise and not in routine life. If a person approaches for help,
people used to welcome them home but now, such things are rare, except for
partying and time pass. Elders stand in bus while youngsters avoid giving them
place out of respect. Wishing each other is gone except of good morning wishes
in social media. We do not move out of house to help neighbors, while sit in
our comfort zone and share stories of social awareness. We never plant trees,
take care of environment or any living creature around but share posts and
videos in social media. We talk of sensitivity and we are insensitive towards
social happening around. We talk of pollution and we ignore when it is our turn,
to switch to Ecofriendly celebrations. We participate in competitions on social
awareness, Swatch Bharath and patriotism, but we don’t mind spitting in public
places, littering roads and cause lots of noise pollution whenever we feel
like. We are aware of air pollution and we still neglect our emissions from
vehicles.
One of the pathetic situations which
I observed in recent days was that a dead body was not allowed into a apartment
premises in the name of custom. Society has advanced, and still bringing a dead
person home, is objected by neighbors. Big people with small hearts. The agony
of the family has melted many around, and with long persuasion the body was
allowed for its final rituals. You don’t touch hearts of your family members,
but talk about sensitive heart. We cannot render a helping hand to your colleagues
and still say am sensitive. You cannot feel the pain of desperate and destitute
people, but expect immediate help. Man has become a mere taker and never a
giver.
Sensitivity always goes with
sensibility and empathy. A person, who can empathize with others, feels
sensitive about other situations and feelings too. Sensitivity comes with
social responsibility as well as responsibility towards family. It is term
which is to be used with utmost care. We see this in small children who have no
prejudice. They care for everyone around. A small boy of the age of 5 years,
pushes his mother tricycle happily enjoying the journey with her till home. A
little girl talks about good and kind words to elders whose language of
addressing changes with age. Small girl who is punished by teachers wipes off
her tears and tries not to repeat mistakes with responsibility. Watering road
side plants, taking care of animals, feeding destitute, social service, taking
care of aged people within family, all these are the acts of sensitive people.
Sensitivity comes with
understanding. A person who is quickly sensitive is inseparable from his ready
to understand nature. Sensitivity is always strength and it is not a
representation of weakness. Insensitivity is always a selfish attribute and is
ugly, while sensible and empathizing people are always humble and beautiful.
LET
YOUR SENSITIVITY BE A POWER THAT TRANSFORMS THE UNIVERSE AROUND.
Dr P.Mary Anupama
