Join World Sensitivity Day next 13 January

We are happy to introduce you to World Sensitivity Day, an initiative I launched on 13 January 2019 under the auspices of the Observatory of Sensitivity, in partnership with Psychologies magazine. This annual event, held every 13 January, aims to highlight human sensitivity and raise awareness of high sensitivity, a trait that affects nearly 30% of the global population.

Since 2019, this non-profit initiative has grown significantly. Today, we seek to expand its reach further across the world, and we rely on your support to achieve this goal.

Why is this day essential?

In a world characterised by the rising tide of daily violence, the rapid advancement of digital technologies, the erosion of cultural landmarks, celebrating human sensitivity becomes vital. It reminds us of the importance of a living body rooted in reality, a respectful relationship with nature, which we must protect, trustworthy human connections, regardless of ethnic or social background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or personal philosophy.

Who are we?

The Sensitivity Observatory is an independent, apolitical, and secular research organisation. We promote humanist values tied to sensitivity, deeply embedded in European culture since the 16th century.

How can you contribute?

We would be honoured if you could help us spread the celebration of this day among the communities you serve. We invite you to share this day through your communication channels or organise a local event. Your support would enable us to:

Raise awareness among an ever-wider audience,
Foster dialogue around this theme,
Strengthen bonds between individuals, respecting their diversity.

Thank you for your attention to this initiative.

Yours faithfully,

Saverio Tomasella, PhD.

January 13th World Sensitivity Day

Every 13 January, we experience a decisive moment. A moment that did not exist a few years ago. A moment that recognizes what too many people still experience in silence: their sensitivity.

Every 13 January, we celebrate World Sensitivity Day.

13 January is not just a day, it legitimates a way of being that the world has long overlooked.

Sensitivity has often been left in the shadows, set aside, misunderstood, when in reality, it enlightens. It connects. It humanizes! Our sensitivity is a treasure...

This day is a vibrant call, a powerful breath, a gesture of recognition.

For us, who feel more keenly, who see what others miss, and who carry the world in your heart. Our sensitivity deserves its place in this world, it always has and always will!

January 13th is not “just another day,” it is World Sensitivity Day, your sensitivity day.

World Sensitivity Day

Date: 13 January

Scope: international

Purpose: This day aims to promote human sensitivity in all its forms and to raise awareness of high sensitivity, which affects 30% of the world's population.

Created in 2019 by Saverio Tomasella, with Leduc Publishing, and Psychologies Magazine.

Suggested activities for this day: meetings, conferences, round tables, workshops, films, podcasts, etc.

(This day has always been a global day, a world day, since its inception.)

World Sensitivity Day is an initiative aimed at raising public awareness of this psychological trait that affects many people. High sensitivity manifests itself in increased sensory and emotional reactivity, which can influence one's perception of the world and social interactions. Long misunderstood or equated with simple heightened emotionality, it is now better understood thanks to advances in psychology and neuroscience.

This day is an opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by highly sensitive people, as well as the advantages that this trait can represent in various areas, including creativity, empathy and intuition.

Origin of the day

The idea of dedicating a day to high sensitivity arose from the desire of certain psychology professionals, notably Saverio Tomasella, who initiated it in 2019, and community activists to raise awareness of this characteristic and combat preconceived notions. Inspired by the work of American psychologist Elaine Aron, who popularised the concept of high sensitivity in the 1990s, this initiative has gradually gained ground in France.

This day was officially established to provide a space for dialogue and information on the realities of high sensitivity, based on scientific research and testimonials from people affected.

Why this day?

World Sensitivity Day has several objectives:

To inform and raise awareness about the specificities of high sensitivity, explaining its mechanisms and implications in everyday life.
To combat stereotypes that often associate high sensitivity with excessive fragility or a pathological disorder.
To encourage acceptance and self-esteem among highly sensitive people by valuing their qualities and offering them tools to better live with their sensitivity.
To promote integration into the professional and social environment by offering solutions tailored to the needs of those affected.
To support research and initiatives aimed at better understanding high sensitivity and developing appropriate approaches.

Good to know

According to studies conducted by Elaine Aron, Michael Pluess and other psychology researchers, approximately 30% of the population is highly sensitive.
High sensitivity is often associated with great empathy, strong emotional reactivity and heightened perception of sensory stimuli.
Many artistic and scientific figures are known for their high sensitivity, which can be a driver of creativity and innovation.
Greater consideration of high sensitivity in the workplace would improve the well-being and productivity of those affected.

Activities surrounding this day

To mark this day, several events are being organised across France, Belgium and Switzerland:

Conferences and round tables led by psychologists, researchers and highly sensitive people sharing their experiences.
Emotional regulation workshops, offering techniques such as meditation, sophrology and art therapy to help people live better with their high sensitivity.
Testimonials and awareness campaigns, shared on social media and in the media to break down prejudices.
Meetings and discussion groups, allowing those affected to exchange and share practical advice.
Interventions in schools and workplaces, aimed at better integrating high sensitivity into these environments, particularly through a free guide to support highly sensitive students.

These initiatives contribute to greater recognition of high sensitivity and a change in attitudes, promoting a more benevolent and inclusive view of this characteristic.

The Sensitivity Observatory

Important note on the name: Saverio Tomasella has always wanted to call 13 January ‘World Sensitivity Day’. It is not a ‘national’ day, but a world day. In any case, this World Sensitivity Day aims to promote human sensitivity in all its forms and to raise awareness of high sensitivity (SPS) and Highly Sensitive Persons.

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