My first grade teacher wrote on my report card “she is an excellent student, but so sensitive!” Some of those qualities don’t change much with years and experience.
And you’ve never forgotten that! I wonder if the teacher had said “& so wonderfully sensitive,” or even used the word AND instead of BUT, what you’d have taken away?
You’ve so clearly articulated the artists never ending struggle. If we weren’t sensitive we wouldn’t be able to interpret the world and people in a special way that others admire.
Amazing, absolutely amazing! I am an HSP with Bipolar Disorder. My father called me Sarah Bernhardt constantly. I cried through this whole thing. I have a psychologist and a psychiatrist and an amazing husband who gets it. He is a musician. Thank you 1000 times. You get it. And so few people do. Thank you.
I spent a lot of years shielding myself from the world around me and the people in it. Any contact with other people just hurt too much. As I have slowly recovered my arts, my sensitivity has begun to return. I don't always consider this a good thing, but I won't run from it anymore. Keep the faith, Danny.
bro. I come from a long time depression and I found out a couple of months ago that I struggle from depression and I started to train my creativity. you described me really on point. I started drawing a couple days ago and it feels so relieving to finally have something to express my feelings. you showed me that iam on the right track to become who I really am. you videos are so full of wholesomeness and they really touch me. thank you PS: you really made me cry
I'm creative a lot of my sensitivity is due to my autism which I found out about 2 years ago. Yes Ive had a lot of autistic meltdowns without knowing why. I lot of what was in the video applies. But I think in terms of handling of criticism in terms of art i find it easy. I think if I was doing professionally the stress of situation and pressure would compound criticism not because i need positive feed back all the time just because i'm feeling overwhelmed in general. So I preempt and have decided not put myself in situations that I know I find overwhelming unless accommodations can be made. Although at min i need to learn to trust people again which im finding rather difficult as I have found people like to kick you when your down. Not everyone but enough to make feel like being very very introverted. I think for know I am just tipping my toes back into society by going to social groups like arts and crafts, art lessons and volunteering. So if anyone feel like this i suggest starting very slow it can be just taking a walk once a day and building form there. Remember your own personal needs and Goldfish need water to live. That is all. Wishing everyone well on their creative journeys. :)
All my life, 63 now, I was told that I was too sensitive and I knew I certainly was different a bit odd, however a couple of years ago I came across a web site called Highly sensitive refuge and all of a sudden it was like I belonged, other people were like me. Ever since I have embraced my sensitivity. My art has come on in leaps and bounds and actually now feel confident enough to call myself an artist although I have soooo much to learn. Thank you Danny look forward to your essays and vlogs.
Thank you❤ I used to think that i was not good enough, because i was this sensitive, introvert, artistic soul. That EVERYONE else was so good at getting great educations and working hard at normal jobs. And i was the only one who just couldnt bear it. Now at least i know im not the only one. It is more normal to be like this than i thought. Ive struggled so much with figuring out what im supposed to do with my life. I cant find a job that fits me. Being around people wears me out and i need my alone time. I think that we make art because it is a place where we can be ourselves fully when we dont fit into the world. It is a channel to prosess and express what we feel. It is a way to make the fine things that we pick up on visible/tangible to the world.
First I got goosebumps, then teared up a little. Felt incredibly seen in this one and wanted to thank you for putting this out there. I‘m still learning how to treat myself right (I don’t drink or do drugs, but I wear myself out) and I hope to transform my curse into a blessing over time… ❤️
You’re speaking truth! I find it a burden when around people who are not sensitive or care to be. Which for me is a vast majority of the people I’m around. I do know it’s a gift but …
I did very little art during high school, because the teacher told me that I shouldn’t take art because I couldn’t draw. Luckily when I was in my late twenties, I ended up in an art class instead of a computer class and got the best teacher who was able to steer me in the right direction. Every now and then I have to get past the block and start again. Your videos help with that, thank you
Bless you, I felt that you were speaking directly to me with both understanding and compassion. It is a difficult experience of being a creative and a highly sensitive person. Thank you for helping us see that our experience of being in this world is not entirely unique nor insurmountable.
Thank you for this. I have, at times, felt so raw I didn't think I could bear people at all. Yes, "too sensitive" was hurled at me often. One relative remarked, as I broke down in tears over something as a young teen, "boy, I hate to see her go out and face the world." I have not been productive with my art which I regret (late 60s) but another commentor used this wording: "I use my art to regulate" which you were alluding to, as well. I hope I can get to the point where that is what I am doing. There's so much I'd like to do! So much beauty, so much that is a marvel, so much to touch & be touched by. 🤞
Thank You, Danny, this has been extremely helpful to me at a time when I needed it most of all! I found it to be very helpful as well as being very inspiring. I grew up with much older parents, so I'm also a bit too serious of a person for most people...But, I am happiest when I am sketching, drawing, or engaged in other artwork...It's refreshing to my spirit each and every time. Good thoughts coming your way today...Kassandra
Thanks! I've always been much more sensitive than other people and it's always been seen as a flaw and I felt like a burden. I'm still working on my self esteem because of this.
This is all so true! As an artist we are more in tune. My mother passed away last year and after her death we did a genealogy test. Come to find out we are related to Van Gogh! Depression runs on my mother’s side too. So does creativity. And the trials that come with it.
What a beautiful and balanced look at artists and sensitivity. That you touched on the light, and the dark of the subject, gave it depth from your totally real perspective. I have lived all of that in my daughter, who is an artist, and very sensitive, a beautiful spirit who felt misunderstood by her world. Thank you for the clarity you have shared that will help so many, me included.
Yes, sensitivity is a gift. From this perspective, most sensitives develop coping skills later in life (almost too late). Imagine if there were thousands of years of learning to cultivate the sensitive/artist aspect of self? Instead there are many who discount your experience, observations and creative self. You have to ask why that is? There are probably a myriad of reasons for it, but sometimes I wonder if it is fear. I am fine being sensitive now, and have a couple of tools to help me navigate, but sometimes I do feel alone in the crowd. And when someone does say something...I tell them, yes, it's my job to be sensitive. Are they up for the task? Great video, thank you.
When it comes to sensitive people we need to really learn how to be responsible for ourselves. As we easily feel responsible for others. This phrase you quote really applies to people who wield power over others when in leadership roles..
Being an artist means opening your heart to the world and perceiving the world with all its clarity. Artists feel the pain and compassion in the world more. This is why artists feel the pain of those in Gaza more deeply. But words and drawings are no longer enough to describe the pain:(
Karel here so many as long as they are comfortable an ruled by greed an power could care less. It's a blessing there are people like us. I think it's a cooing problem with sensitive people.Learn to channel it. I stated before I exercise, build walls around sad , an surround myself only with positive people.
This really speaks to me, and it's a bit of a revelation. Someone told me that I was sensitive, and I took it to be negative. I thought it was a symptom of a mental or emotional disorder, but listening to this tells me that it's not because of some perceived inadequacy (of not being "normal" or neurotypical), I'm beginning to understand that it's part of a creative's nature. And I appreciate that; it helps me accept this part of me, and that I need to give myself grace and let it help me in my creative endeavors, or in life in general. Thank you for sharing your insights.😊
I am a sensitive creative. I never really connected the two pieces of myself until I saw this video. You described me perfectly! It makes so much sense. I have learned to "appear" thick skinned at work (I do customer service and have a tightly wound type A boss) but I am really just hiding everything from everyone until I reach a breaking point. My creativity has always been my therapy. Lately I have been too wrapped up in the emotions to relax enough to be creative. Watching this video, along with the one you did on procrastination, has convinced me to create no matter how I feel. Even if the art is as ugly as I feel inside, it may resonate with someone else...and make me feel better at the same time! Thank you so much for the gentle push. I needed that! Now, no more distractions...I have things to create...even if it isn't beautiful and perfect! 😂
I'm so glad i found your channel. Thank you! I always was "artsy" and sensitive, and difficult. And i struggled big time. Burned out a lot, could not do art anymore, then, got diagnosed with ADHD. Half a year ago i began drawing again, just for me, this time. In my childhood and youth everyone told me to become an artist, it was the only thing i could do and got compliments for- so it put a lot of pressure on producing something valuable and good...and it nearly destroyed my ability to enjoy it. Now, after i decided to quit trying producing art for others, or illustrating stuff. I can just paint and try new stuff, have fun. Draw in a train and take my sketchbook home with my "harvest of moments" and its a delight. And suffering from some obsession, and making art out of it, it hurts, but it becomes something beautiful. It makes it more bearable. I would not want to miss that ability to feel all of that, but it sure is hell of a job. I went through many treatments in my life and some medication i got, numbed me from feeling the art itch, and the deep felt stuff, and it felt worthless for me. (Other pharmacological stuff helped me a lot, not to say that it all is bad. It can help a lot). This evening im struggling, with emotional stuff. And i thought about buying alcohol and numbing myself a bit, and then i saw this video, and you reminded me that its worth feeling the feels. There is just so much wisdom in your videos, its been a few times now that you saved a day for me, and lifted my spirits.
This is a really interesting reflection on sensitivity. I have listened to it twice and will probably return to it several more times. Love it, thanks.
Thank you for talking about it ! This talk speaks so much to me, this confirms what I was thinking for a while now, about why I lost my creativity. I used to be very sensitive, unfortunately at that time I didn’t know it was my strength for creativity. Then, 8 years ago, I was fed up being so sensitive because I was not understood by people around, and it hurt so much. so I did everything I could to shut down my heart and my emotions. It became easier to deal with people…. But I didn’t realise I was drawing less and less, writing my poems less and less, being completely sucked into a reality without emotion, focusing on my job. Since then, I am unable to draw with my heart. The magic for drawing like I used to is not there anymore. When I realised it, it was too late. Now I am trying to find my way back, to find my emotions and creativity again. I don’t know how to find it back, but I will try. Thank you for this interesting talk !
Thank you. The world, especially the online world, can be a very difficult place for sensitive people. It can feel like a curse rather than a blessing.
Our parents give us the best they know, but they can send you to a shrink, misunderstand your acting out, raise you to feel like there's something wrong with you, and all the time it's a gift. Thank you for your words!
I'm so glad I came across this video. It truly justifies all the emotions I've been dealing with as an artist. It also showed me how I can cope and manage them. Thank you so much!
Wow! This video, your words… Made a lot of my world make sense… and yes, I have all this emotions, feeling special ways of perceiving things… I’m a professional dancer… but I used to draw a lot in the past and I stopped when the adult life came to me. I think dancing is not enough… I always have a journal but never thought of doing a sketchbook a journal! That’s amazing! Thank you so much!
This came a t the right time for me I’ve struggled all my life with most of what you spoke about thank you for doing this video I’m taking notice now 😊
It is indeed a great gift and a burden, but over the last 10 years or so I did manage to find such a mental health routine for myself that I now can say that I wouldn't want to miss my creative, sensitive self anynmore, although the burden can still be very heavy. Having 2 dear friends who can relate because they are creative and sensitive helps enormously, and I'm very grateful for being in that position ❤
I’m definitely what oeople would call a highly sensitive person. It can be so bad that sometimes I just overreact and come to the wrong conclusion. We just feel like people don’t like me for no reason if that makes any sense. When I feel completely overwhelmed by all the noise and energy plus all the feelings that come with that being a highly sensitive person I find myself just shutting down, which is how I handle things plus art. It’s funny never realized that has to do with being a creative person. I just thought that’s how I was, I really enjoyed this little chat that you shared with us
I am sensitive. I gave known this all of my life. I used to feel shame over it. Not being good enough. In my teens I learned that this was a good thing. It helped my artistic expression. I have learned to stay away from energy vampires. I value and protect my time and space. Art has always been an anchor for me. My art is my expression of who I am. I don't share this carelessly. Art has healed a lot of pain in my life also. Thank you for giving me sonething to think about.
You have made me think about myself. Yes i am sensitive. I am a creatjve person enjoy painting, drawing and creative writing. Embroidery, knitting and crochet. Ì need support to cope but life gets better as i get older. Thank you for your video
You are always such a wealth of knowledge and compassion. It feels like you are a good friend, just across the way, talking to me. Thank you for all you do for the art community - it doesn’t go unnoticed - we are so appreciative of you! ❤
A friend once said to me that he thought a picture I'd drawn wasn't as good as the previous one and that one comment stopped me drawing for years. Absolutely NOT his fault, but it could've been phrased better. I was highly *over* sensitive until I was diagnosed with ADHD. The medication removed a lot of that and things improved considerably.
I relate to a little bit of what you said, but not most of it. I'm sensitive, yes but not uncontrollably so. But I've been in therapy and have been working hard on myself spiritually and mentally since my early twenties. So maybe all that has paid off. I think the artistic expression I've done over the years, be it writing or drawing, has helped me regulate. I like how you called it a safety valve. Sometimes it's easy to overthink and over feel. And you have to find your way of winding it down. Calming your inner self down and chilling out. ❤
When you said about noticing details in someone’s face that they haven’t even noticed themselves. I remember our art teacher commenting about my friend’s portrait of me and saying that she hadn’t drawn my crooked jaw!! I’ve been conscious of it ever since! Hahaha (Despite that, she was still my favourite teacher)
Thank You❤️ this is one of the best videos and explains alot of my quirks and sensitivity! And now that i recently retired I can focus on my creativity and explore without feeling crazy
I've always considered my creativity intimately linked to my soul.. to my spirit, to my essential Self, my spirituality. It's definitely all linked. I consider my creativity both curse and blessing. It's lonely, horribly so, so many of my friends have been alienated by my writing, my art at every level, at all periods of my life, I don't want to ever share again, anything... I don't know how to collapse the last few blocks to releasing the flood, inside and I've lost the desire to do so. This has been a terribly frustrating lifetime. I'm at a cross-roads ... I've always considered life, living, itself, a form of art. We weave the warp and weft of our lives and it becomes a tapestry that we give to God, at the end of our lives, as gift.
It’s really helpful what you saying i feel i need to watch the video again! Artist are always deferents from other people they think that they are weird or crazy ! I believe that if they are normal and see like others how they see the thinks they will be now Surrealism for example! I don’t think normal people can see and expresses them self ! Thank you Danny
So many of your videos as insightful and powerful Danny. This one really touched me profoundly. Thank you so much for the work you do. You are changing lives in a really positive way. So very glad I found your channel ❤❤❤
Sometimes I feel like I'm falling apart. Can't keep a dry eye most days. Get super anxious. Often find myself in the midst of an existential crisis. I never used to be like this. I used to be able to wall off my most sensitive emotions. But it seems like the older I get, and the more I paint and draw, the more that wall crumbles, leaving my innermost bits n pieces blowing in the wind...
Karel here good advice I build walls, exercise an don't waste my time on negative people. Nature is a healer. At least I understand why I'm so sensitive. I'm a artist that people don't realize how much we notice about the world an there are lots of evil people out there so let's praise us, the good people of the world that care about others.
Of course I'm sensitive! How else would i know my response to cropping a ¼" more or less makes or breaks an image. Or if this red doesn't go with that red but if you add a chartreuse sort of glaze in between it really sets them both off? If i weren't so damned sensitive. And I've trained and honed that sensitivity through my life. Being sensitive means knowing my response to something. I'm an artist to give it something to do. Aloha
Ah!! This is a great reminder... of who and what i am!! And love that me... accept that me . Thank you. Last Friday i didnt get this essay..i received a different one!?
You must be a new subscriber. Welcome! You can read this essay and all the past free ones here in your library: dannysessays.com/posts/why-so-sensitive
My teacher, during my time of training, told me, that I am someone who is always catastrophizing.. She didnt really get me ^^` But to be honest, i didnt get myself either
I've been considered "too sensitive" all of my life. In over half a century I still haven't grown a "thick skin" when it comes to criticism. I try to take lessons from honest feedback and use it to make better art, but I still find myself stinging from the comments--I always remember the negatives and forget about all the positive feedback I've received. Maybe after another 50 years I'll retain the lessons from the praise as well as the criticism.
'We pick at the scabs where others bandage with denial'. Love that.
creatives are not sensitive due to creativity. Sensetive people are more likely to be creative.
Basically, what came first, the chicken or the egg?
@@kathleenhensley5951 Exactly. Thank you!
Makes sense
That's interesting. Never thought of it that way.
There are lots of sensitive people who aren’t creative though
My first grade teacher wrote on my report card “she is an excellent student, but so sensitive!” Some of those qualities don’t change much with years and experience.
And you’ve never forgotten that! I wonder if the teacher had said “& so wonderfully sensitive,” or even used the word AND instead of BUT, what you’d have taken away?
You’ve so clearly articulated the artists never ending struggle. If we weren’t sensitive we wouldn’t be able to interpret the world and people in a special way that others admire.
Amazing, absolutely amazing! I am an HSP with Bipolar Disorder. My father called me Sarah Bernhardt constantly. I cried through this whole thing. I have a psychologist and a psychiatrist and an amazing husband who gets it. He is a musician. Thank you 1000 times. You get it. And so few people do. Thank you.
I spent a lot of years shielding myself from the world around me and the people in it. Any contact with other people just hurt too much. As I have slowly recovered my arts, my sensitivity has begun to return. I don't always consider this a good thing, but I won't run from it anymore. Keep the faith, Danny.
bro.
I come from a long time depression and I found out a couple of months ago that I struggle from depression and I started to train my creativity.
you described me really on point.
I started drawing a couple days ago and it feels so relieving to finally have something to express my feelings.
you showed me that iam on the right track to become who I really am.
you videos are so full of wholesomeness and they really touch me.
thank you
PS: you really made me cry
I'm creative a lot of my sensitivity is due to my autism which I found out about 2 years ago. Yes Ive had a lot of autistic meltdowns without knowing why. I lot of what was in the video applies. But I think in terms of handling of criticism in terms of art i find it easy. I think if I was doing professionally the stress of situation and pressure would compound criticism not because i need positive feed back all the time just because i'm feeling overwhelmed in general. So I preempt and have decided not put myself in situations that I know I find overwhelming unless accommodations can be made. Although at min i need to learn to trust people again which im finding rather difficult as I have found people like to kick you when your down. Not everyone but enough to make feel like being very very introverted. I think for know I am just tipping my toes back into society by going to social groups like arts and crafts, art lessons and volunteering. So if anyone feel like this i suggest starting very slow it can be just taking a walk once a day and building form there. Remember your own personal needs and Goldfish need water to live.
That is all. Wishing everyone well on their creative journeys. :)
OMG !!!! It made me cry ! I feel so alone !!!! Thank you very very much, you just putted words on my feelings 🤗🤗🤗
All my life, 63 now, I was told that I was too sensitive and I knew I certainly was different a bit odd, however a couple of years ago I came across a web site called Highly sensitive refuge and all of a sudden it was like I belonged, other people were like me. Ever since I have embraced my sensitivity. My art has come on in leaps and bounds and actually now feel confident enough to call myself an artist although I have soooo much to learn. Thank you Danny look forward to your essays and vlogs.
I am so checking that out.
Me too!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you❤ I used to think that i was not good enough, because i was this sensitive, introvert, artistic soul. That EVERYONE else was so good at getting great educations and working hard at normal jobs. And i was the only one who just couldnt bear it. Now at least i know im not the only one. It is more normal to be like this than i thought.
Ive struggled so much with figuring out what im supposed to do with my life. I cant find a job that fits me. Being around people wears me out and i need my alone time.
I think that we make art because it is a place where we can be ourselves fully when we dont fit into the world.
It is a channel to prosess and express what we feel.
It is a way to make the fine things that we pick up on visible/tangible to the world.
Thank you for putting introvert in there, now it all adds up for me 💖
First I got goosebumps, then teared up a little. Felt incredibly seen in this one and wanted to thank you for putting this out there. I‘m still learning how to treat myself right (I don’t drink or do drugs, but I wear myself out) and I hope to transform my curse into a blessing over time… ❤️
Karel here you are a good person. It's not a curse. Thank God for us. We care about the world. Don't beat yourself up.
You’re speaking truth! I find it a burden when around people who are not sensitive or care to be. Which for me is a vast majority of the people I’m around. I do know it’s a gift but …
Yes. Many people are toxic to sensitive people.
That being aware and sensitive is an artist's job is a deep message. Thanks.
I did very little art during high school, because the teacher told me that I shouldn’t take art because I couldn’t draw. Luckily when I was in my late twenties, I ended up in an art class instead of a computer class and got the best teacher who was able to steer me in the right direction. Every now and then I have to get past the block and start again. Your videos help with that, thank you
Bless you, I felt that you were speaking directly to me with both understanding and compassion. It is a difficult experience of being a creative and a highly sensitive person. Thank you for helping us see that our experience of being in this world is not entirely unique nor insurmountable.
You are so welcome
I was listening and crying my eyes out, felt understood, thanks
Thank you for this. I have, at times, felt so raw I didn't think I could bear people at all. Yes, "too sensitive" was hurled at me often. One relative remarked, as I broke down in tears over something as a young teen, "boy, I hate to see her go out and face the world." I have not been productive with my art which I regret (late 60s) but another commentor used this wording: "I use my art to regulate" which you were alluding to, as well. I hope I can get to the point where that is what I am doing. There's so much I'd like to do! So much beauty, so much that is a marvel, so much to touch & be touched by. 🤞
Thank You, Danny, this has been extremely helpful to me at a time when I needed it most of all! I found it to be very helpful as well as being very inspiring. I grew up with much older parents, so I'm also a bit too serious of a person for most people...But, I am happiest when I am sketching, drawing, or engaged in other artwork...It's refreshing to my spirit each and every time. Good thoughts coming your way today...Kassandra
Thanks! I've always been much more sensitive than other people and it's always been seen as a flaw and I felt like a burden. I'm still working on my self esteem because of this.
This is all so true! As an artist we are more in tune. My mother passed away last year and after her death we did a genealogy test. Come to find out we are related to Van Gogh! Depression runs on my mother’s side too. So does creativity. And the trials that come with it.
What a beautiful and balanced look at artists and sensitivity. That you touched on the light, and the dark of the subject, gave it depth from your totally real perspective. I have lived all of that in my daughter, who is an artist, and very sensitive, a beautiful spirit who felt misunderstood by her world. Thank you for the clarity you have shared that will help so many, me included.
Thank you for your generosity and the way you express what we are feeling 🥰
Yes, sensitivity is a gift. From this perspective, most sensitives develop coping skills later in life (almost too late). Imagine if there were thousands of years of learning to cultivate the sensitive/artist aspect of self? Instead there are many who discount your experience, observations and creative self. You have to ask why that is? There are probably a myriad of reasons for it, but sometimes I wonder if it is fear. I am fine being sensitive now, and have a couple of tools to help me navigate, but sometimes I do feel alone in the crowd. And when someone does say something...I tell them, yes, it's my job to be sensitive. Are they up for the task? Great video, thank you.
What you said, all of it, that’s me. Being outside helps me. It is infinitely bigger than I am, thankfully.
i am old, yet found your words eye-opening and wise. thank you ❤
With great power comes great responsibility.
When it comes to sensitive people we need to really learn how to be responsible for ourselves. As we easily feel responsible for others.
This phrase you quote really applies to people who wield power over others when in leadership roles..
I struggle with this. Thanks for your eye-opening thoughts.
Being an artist means opening your heart to the world and perceiving the world with all its clarity. Artists feel the pain and compassion in the world more. This is why artists feel the pain of those in Gaza more deeply. But words and drawings are no longer enough to describe the pain:(
Karel here so many as long as they are comfortable an ruled by greed an power could care less. It's a blessing there are people like us. I think it's a cooing problem with sensitive people.Learn to channel it. I stated before I exercise, build walls around sad , an surround myself only with positive people.
This really speaks to me, and it's a bit of a revelation. Someone told me that I was sensitive, and I took it to be negative. I thought it was a symptom of a mental or emotional disorder, but listening to this tells me that it's not because of some perceived inadequacy (of not being "normal" or neurotypical), I'm beginning to understand that it's part of a creative's nature. And I appreciate that; it helps me accept this part of me, and that I need to give myself grace and let it help me in my creative endeavors, or in life in general.
Thank you for sharing your insights.😊
I love this guy!
I am a sensitive creative. I never really connected the two pieces of myself until I saw this video. You described me perfectly! It makes so much sense. I have learned to "appear" thick skinned at work (I do customer service and have a tightly wound type A boss) but I am really just hiding everything from everyone until I reach a breaking point. My creativity has always been my therapy. Lately I have been too wrapped up in the emotions to relax enough to be creative. Watching this video, along with the one you did on procrastination, has convinced me to create no matter how I feel. Even if the art is as ugly as I feel inside, it may resonate with someone else...and make me feel better at the same time! Thank you so much for the gentle push. I needed that! Now, no more distractions...I have things to create...even if it isn't beautiful and perfect! 😂
I'm so glad i found your channel. Thank you! I always was "artsy" and sensitive, and difficult. And i struggled big time. Burned out a lot, could not do art anymore, then, got diagnosed with ADHD.
Half a year ago i began drawing again, just for me, this time. In my childhood and youth everyone told me to become an artist, it was the only thing i could do and got compliments for- so it put a lot of pressure on producing something valuable and good...and it nearly destroyed my ability to enjoy it.
Now, after i decided to quit trying producing art for others, or illustrating stuff.
I can just paint and try new stuff, have fun.
Draw in a train and take my sketchbook home with my "harvest of moments" and its a delight.
And suffering from some obsession, and making art out of it, it hurts, but it becomes something beautiful. It makes it more bearable.
I would not want to miss that ability to feel all of that, but it sure is hell of a job.
I went through many treatments in my life and some medication i got, numbed me from feeling the art itch, and the deep felt stuff, and it felt worthless for me. (Other pharmacological stuff helped me a lot, not to say that it all is bad. It can help a lot).
This evening im struggling, with emotional stuff. And i thought about buying alcohol and numbing myself a bit, and then i saw this video, and you reminded me that its worth feeling the feels.
There is just so much wisdom in your videos, its been a few times now that you saved a day for me, and lifted my spirits.
You always speak to things so very relevant to my thoughts. Thank you for being so sensitive to our needs.
This is a really interesting reflection on sensitivity. I have listened to it twice and will probably return to it several more times. Love it, thanks.
This is such a great pep talk! Our world needs sensitivity and art! Thankyou!!!!❤️😊🙏
Absolutely!!
Thank you for talking about it ! This talk speaks so much to me, this confirms what I was thinking for a while now, about why I lost my creativity.
I used to be very sensitive, unfortunately at that time I didn’t know it was my strength for creativity.
Then, 8 years ago, I was fed up being so sensitive because I was not understood by people around, and it hurt so much. so I did everything I could to shut down my heart and my emotions. It became easier to deal with people….
But I didn’t realise I was drawing less and less, writing my poems less and less, being completely sucked into a reality without emotion, focusing on my job.
Since then, I am unable to draw with my heart. The magic for drawing like I used to is not there anymore.
When I realised it, it was too late.
Now I am trying to find my way back, to find my emotions and creativity again. I don’t know how to find it back, but I will try.
Thank you for this interesting talk !
Thank you. The world, especially the online world, can be a very difficult place for sensitive people. It can feel like a curse rather than a blessing.
Our parents give us the best they know, but they can send you to a shrink, misunderstand your acting out, raise you to feel like there's something wrong with you, and all the time it's a gift. Thank you for your words!
I'm so glad I came across this video. It truly justifies all the emotions I've been dealing with as an artist. It also showed me how I can cope and manage them. Thank you so much!
Wow! This video, your words… Made a lot of my world make sense… and yes, I have all this emotions, feeling special ways of perceiving things… I’m a professional dancer… but I used to draw a lot in the past and I stopped when the adult life came to me. I think dancing is not enough… I always have a journal but never thought of doing a sketchbook a journal! That’s amazing! Thank you so much!
This came a t the right time for me I’ve struggled all my life with most of what you spoke about thank you for doing this video I’m taking notice now 😊
It is indeed a great gift and a burden, but over the last 10 years or so I did manage to find such a mental health routine for myself that I now can say that I wouldn't want to miss my creative, sensitive self anynmore, although the burden can still be very heavy. Having 2 dear friends who can relate because they are creative and sensitive helps enormously, and I'm very grateful for being in that position ❤
THANK YOU, SIR
I’m definitely what oeople would call a highly sensitive person. It can be so bad that sometimes I just overreact and come to the wrong conclusion. We just feel like people don’t like me for no reason if that makes any sense. When I feel completely overwhelmed by all the noise and energy plus all the feelings that come with that being a highly sensitive person I find myself just shutting down, which is how I handle things plus art. It’s funny never realized that has to do with being a creative person. I just thought that’s how I was, I really enjoyed this little chat that you shared with us
Beautifully articulated. Yes, art as a safety valve and outlet!
I am sensitive. I gave known this all of my life. I used to feel shame over it. Not being good enough. In my teens I learned that this was a good thing. It helped my artistic expression. I have learned to stay away from energy vampires. I value and protect my time and space. Art has always been an anchor for me. My art is my expression of who I am. I don't share this carelessly. Art has healed a lot of pain in my life also. Thank you for giving me sonething to think about.
You have made me think about myself. Yes i am sensitive. I am a creatjve person enjoy painting, drawing and creative writing. Embroidery, knitting and crochet. Ì need support to cope but life gets better as i get older. Thank you for your video
You are always such a wealth of knowledge and compassion. It feels like you are a good friend, just across the way, talking to me. Thank you for all you do for the art community - it doesn’t go unnoticed - we are so appreciative of you! ❤
Very well put. Thank you for your soulful words, Danny.
Thank you for your lovely words.
Exactly what I needed to hear. Ready to channel my deep sensitivities into creativity. Thanks for sharing! 💝
You are so welcome!
Subscribed to your essays because of this video ❤️
Awesome
A friend once said to me that he thought a picture I'd drawn wasn't as good as the previous one and that one comment stopped me drawing for years. Absolutely NOT his fault, but it could've been phrased better. I was highly *over* sensitive until I was diagnosed with ADHD. The medication removed a lot of that and things improved considerably.
I relate to a little bit of what you said, but not most of it. I'm sensitive, yes but not uncontrollably so. But I've been in therapy and have been working hard on myself spiritually and mentally since my early twenties. So maybe all that has paid off. I think the artistic expression I've done over the years, be it writing or drawing, has helped me regulate. I like how you called it a safety valve. Sometimes it's easy to overthink and over feel. And you have to find your way of winding it down. Calming your inner self down and chilling out. ❤
When you said about noticing details in someone’s face that they haven’t even noticed themselves. I remember our art teacher commenting about my friend’s portrait of me and saying that she hadn’t drawn my crooked jaw!! I’ve been conscious of it ever since! Hahaha (Despite that, she was still my favourite teacher)
Thank You❤️ this is one of the best videos and explains alot of my quirks and sensitivity! And now that i recently retired I can focus on my creativity and explore without feeling crazy
Glad it was helpful!
I've always considered my creativity intimately linked to my soul.. to my spirit, to my essential Self, my spirituality. It's definitely all linked. I consider my creativity both curse and blessing. It's lonely, horribly so, so many of my friends have been alienated by my writing, my art at every level, at all periods of my life, I don't want to ever share again, anything... I don't know how to collapse the last few blocks to releasing the flood, inside and I've lost the desire to do so. This has been a terribly frustrating lifetime. I'm at a cross-roads ... I've always considered life, living, itself, a form of art. We weave the warp and weft of our lives and it becomes a tapestry that we give to God, at the end of our lives, as gift.
You just said everything I desperately needed to hear. Please accept my deep and heartfelt gratitude. ❤
Yep that 's me! Yes prioritize my self expression ❤
It’s so true and it opens us up to who we are ❤️❤️❤️
I am not an artist but unfortunately very sensitive. Some times I have to take a brake from people and environments
You're an artist if you want to be.
It’s really helpful what you saying i feel i need to watch the video again! Artist are always deferents from other people they think that they are weird or crazy ! I believe that if they are normal and see like others how they see the thinks they will be now Surrealism for example! I don’t think normal people can see and expresses them self !
Thank you Danny
Wow what a most perfect picture of me. Understanding how I'm designed, helps to embrace whoni am.....thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Yes.
Thank you.
You bet!
Thank you. So true. You understand. Art exposes who I am.
Wonderful!
Thank you so much! You really articulated it all. Very helpful!
So many of your videos as insightful and powerful Danny. This one really touched me profoundly. Thank you so much for the work you do. You are changing lives in a really positive way. So very glad I found your channel ❤❤❤
Spot ON! Thank you very much.
Skin to…I am 55 and have a thread ripper next to my bed so I can STILL take tags out of stuff!
You articulate this beautifully. Thank you
Wow, thank you!
So well said and true for myself.
Your channel & your message is a gift to my world 🎁 Thank you for doing what you do ✨
Thank you for such a heartfelt and thought provoking video Danny
I’m so glad it was of interest!
Sometimes I feel like I'm falling apart. Can't keep a dry eye most days. Get super anxious. Often find myself in the midst of an existential crisis. I never used to be like this. I used to be able to wall off my most sensitive emotions. But it seems like the older I get, and the more I paint and draw, the more that wall crumbles, leaving my innermost bits n pieces blowing in the wind...
It is so good to hear this. Thank you Danny
Thank you Danny😊
Your videos are great and very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing!!!
Thank you mr danny it's like you were n my head! Heavy is the head thst wear's the crown!!!!
Thank you So much this just kickstart inspired me to delve deeper into my artwork and My own self Namaste
Thank you for this Danny. You described what a lot of us feel and have felt since childhood. Cheers.
You have such great insights into the creative process! THANKS for a dose of Monday inspiration! 🙂
Spot on
Karel here good advice I build walls, exercise an don't waste my time on negative people. Nature is a healer. At least I understand why I'm so sensitive. I'm a artist that people don't realize how much we notice about the world an there are lots of evil people out there so let's praise us, the good people of the world that care about others.
Love your advices and as always, only one 👍 is not enough‼️❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
You're the best!
Thank you! This was so good!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
So so true....so so hard to live with me😥
i hate when i have to explain my art work, born as a sensitive soul i have intuition as a gift
Wow! I love what you say...thNk you...its like you know me
Thank you for this.
Any time
best advice and relate much sir
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Helpful... hope you are doing well...
Of course I'm sensitive! How else would i know my response to cropping a ¼" more or less makes or breaks an image. Or if this red doesn't go with that red but if you add a chartreuse sort of glaze in between it really sets them both off? If i weren't so damned sensitive. And I've trained and honed that sensitivity through my life. Being sensitive means knowing my response to something. I'm an artist to give it something to do. Aloha
Ah!! This is a great reminder... of who and what i am!! And love that me... accept that me . Thank you. Last Friday i didnt get this essay..i received a different one!?
You must be a new subscriber. Welcome! You can read this essay and all the past free ones here in your library: dannysessays.com/posts/why-so-sensitive
My teacher, during my time of training, told me, that I am someone who is always catastrophizing..
She didnt really get me ^^`
But to be honest, i didnt get myself either
I've been considered "too sensitive" all of my life. In over half a century I still haven't grown a "thick skin" when it comes to criticism. I try to take lessons from honest feedback and use it to make better art, but I still find myself stinging from the comments--I always remember the negatives and forget about all the positive feedback I've received. Maybe after another 50 years I'll retain the lessons from the praise as well as the criticism.
...Thanks!
Beautiful video 🤘🏻