What we’re about
This group was founded by and for Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) in the Greater Toronto Area, to allow people with this trait and temperament to connect with others like them, and maybe even learn more about themselves.
(Please note that this group is intended for people who are HSP. There are hundreds of other meetups in town for non-HSP events. Please only attend our meetups if you believe you are HSP yourself, and are interested in meeting other people with the same trait. Thanks for your understanding!)
A great starting point for learning about HSP is some of the following information:
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Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) constitute about 15-20% of the population. People born with this trait may have a greater sensitivity to their surroundings, often greater empathy (generally involuntary), a tendency to pick up on myriad subtleties in their environments, as well as to be overwhelmed more easily, due precisely to their perception involuntarily picking up on so much.
It's important to keep in mind that HSP is a genetically-based trait (that is to say, you are born with it). And also that the term "sensitive" may not frankly be entirely ideal-- as this can have a negative connotation, or can just mean someone who is "overly sensitive" and gets offended easily all the time. That's certainly not what we mean to suggest by "sensitive" (and probably not a good quality to cultivate or promote either!). "Sensitivity" in this context refers more to a sensory trait and capacity, which has both 'positive' and 'negative' valences. I may expand on this more but for now I'll mostly paste some information from my previous groups and from Dr. Aron and others.
Just a few signs of HSP: (from Elaine Aron's site):
Are you…. easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into some place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
(From Dr. Aron’s website:) (Take the test here: [http://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-t…](http://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/) )
If you find you are highly sensitive, I’d like you to know the following:
Your trait is normal. It is found in 15 to 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’. To learn more about this, see research.
You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.
This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.
Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told “don’t be so sensitive” so that they feel abnormal.
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For more information on HSP, feel free to check out these links as a start:
The HSP Self-test:
http://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/
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Sister HSP meetup groups in other cities (send a message if you want your group added to this list!):
**Highly Sensitive Asians in Markham**
Community and events to connect about experiences as sensitive people in immigrant, Asian communities.
https://www.instagram.com/highlysensitiveasians/
Highly Sensitive Persons of Metro Vancouver
https://www.meetup.com/highly-sensitive-persons-of-metro-vancouver/
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As some astute members recommended, I am adding a "liability waiver" here as other meetup groups have done. All this said, please do be careful on walks and take care of your own safety- look both ways before crossing the street, and avoid being reckless. It is not worth the cost if your or someone gets hurt. In any case, please do refer to the waiver below, please and thank you.
Liability Waiver: By joining Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) of Toronto and RSVPing for or attending any event, you acknowledge and accept the following Liability Waiver: I do hereby absolve, release and waive any and all civil or criminal liability litigation claims or demands against Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) of Toronto (including its Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and/or event hosts), which may arise out of or be related to any injury, damage or monetary loss to me, my guest(s), or any member(s) of my family by reason of involvement in any group or group-related activities. By joining HSPs of Toronto, I accept this waiver, and hereby acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my own safety during, before, and after any event or group-related activity and that, if intoxicated, I will not operate a motorized vehicle after leaving any HSPs of Toronto Meetup- event.
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Harassment/ Pestering/ Cold DMs policy:
This statement's inclusion was requested by members of our group.
This group has zero tolerance for pestering, harassment, or cold-solicitation of members. This means, for example, sending a DM to someone you do not know. If you are engaging in this activity, you will be removed from the group. Please, if you are receiving DMs from individuals you do not know, send screenshots of such messages to the Organizer right away, and such persons will be banned from the group immediately.
As well, it has been noted to the organizer that at times some individuals seem to join meetups with the only purpose of trying to 'pick up' individuals or to solicit dating. This can be felt as harassing or annoying to others, and really can ruin other members' experience. Nobody deserves to be targeted or bothered just since they exist. Being an arena for harassing or solicitation is not the intention of the group.
If a person in the group is making you uncomfortable, please share this with the group organizer right away (or as soon as you are able), and the organizer will speak with the person in question, and they be removed from the group if their actions are inappropriate.
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Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at HSP events! :)
Upcoming events (2)
See all- North Toronto Trails Hike/WalkToronto Public Library - Locke Branch, Toronto, ON
Hi friends,
On this first day of one of the better months in our clime we plan to re-visit the North Toronto trails, beginning at the Yonge/Lawrence library and Alexander Muir gardens, passing through Blythwood ravine, Sherwood park, Sunnydene, and onwards.
This is a very beautiful trail which we last walked last fall, and we look forward to revisiting it. Here is some more info on the walk:
The Northern part of Toronto (around the border formerly dividing the municipalities of Toronto and North York, formally amalgamated in 1998) has a lush and under-rated trail system, including large gardens, ravines, parks, hiking trails, lookouts, etc.
We will start in front of the Locke branch of the Toronto Public Library (Yonge st. side), which is right next to Lawrence subway station. From here we will walk a few minutes to Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, which is where the nature portion of the walk/hike will start.
As noted here, "Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens might be a bit less known than some of the other public gardens in Toronto, but it's just as breathtaking with stone balconies and crushed brick walkways surrounded by lush greenery." It was created in 1933 and made an international list of "25 best urban design projects."
From here, we continue on trails passing through the following ravines/parks:
- Blythwood Ravine Park
- Sherwood Park
- Sunnydene ParkAfter crossing Bayview, we will try to end up at either Sunnybrook park, *or*, if our timing works out, we may make it to Glendon Forest. These are all connected by trails and paths. In the event that the stairs down from Bayview are closed, we will look for a work-around, or go and loop back and rest a bit.
At the halfway point, we will turn around and pass back through the general trail we came (maybe a slightly different path, but generally parallel to our first half)- to wind up by the ending time back at the starting point of the hike (Alexander Muir gates, and then Locke library/Lawrence station).
Probably a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring some water, and a snack if that is something that helps you feel comfortable.
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Btw: If this is your first walk with us, or if you have not paid for membership this year, kindly send $10 for membership (by e-transfer to hsptorontomeetup@gmail.com . This is good for the entire 2025 membership year- we usually do walks every 2-3 weeks during the spring/summer/early fall, and every 3 weeks in winter.Look forward to seeing you :)
- HSPs in Markham: Wismer Park Meditation & WalkWismer Common Park, Markham, ON
Connect with other HSPs locally at our upcoming early summer meditation and walk for highly sensitive people, back at Wismer Park in Markham! We'll begin with a guided meditation from Kashini, followed by a relaxing walk together through the forest loop and park while perhaps connecting about our sensitive nature and common life experiences. As always, quiet moments are welcome and participants are free to walk on their own or leave early if they feel the need.
How we'll spend our time together
- Meet up with the group and introductions
- Guided meditation with Kashini
- Walk and conversation at the park
Getting there
- Wismer Park has free parking lots and there is also plenty of free street parking nearby in case there are sports games that day.
- Exact meeting spot will be updated on this event page prior to the event.
Membership event
This is a Highly Sensitive People (HSP) of Toronto & GTA membership event. By attending, you agree to support the Meetup account fees in one of these two ways:- If this is your first walk with the group in 2025, or if you have not paid for membership this year, kindly send $10 for annual membership (by e-transfer to hsptorontomeetup@gmail.com). This is good for all 2025 membership events; Toronto-based walks are typically held every 2-3 weeks during the spring/summer/early fall, and every 3 weeks in winter.
- If you would like to contribute per Markham walk, please send $3 for this walk only (also by e-transfer to hsptorontomeetup@gmail.com).
- We recommend including your Meetup username in the 'Comments' or 'Notes' field when sending over your e-transfer. Thank you for your support!
Other information
- Open to HSPs of all backgrounds.
- You may participate in the meditation while standing or sitting. If you would like to meditate while sitting on the park lawn, consider bringing along a towel/mat if that would be more comfortable.
- Please keep your registration/RSVP up to date, to allow as many people to attend as possible within the capacity for this event.
Intention and policies
Highly Sensitive Asians events are specifically for people who are highly sensitive (HSP), a born-with-it trait. Please only sign-up to attend if you are HSP yourself, are interested in meeting other people with the same trait, and sharing experiences about living with this trait through quiet, thoughtful conversation. This HSP test, along with other information describing the trait, is available on Dr. Aron's website.
By signing up to attend, you agree to abide by the these policies for fostering a safe, supportive, and low-stimulation environment for connection:- Please practice thoughtfulness and consideration as to the topics you introduce, which should generally align with the event theme and group intention, and avoid raising topics that could reasonably introduce stress for many (e.g., news, politics).
- As we are sharing space with fellow HSPs, please be mindful of volume when conversing, as well as respecting personal physical space.
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of other participants: In short, don't repeat what's not yours to share. Also, audio and video recordings are not permitted. If you wish to take photos during the event, please obtain prior consent from all those captured.
- Finally, to foster a low-stimulation environment for connection, we ask that only human HSPs attend. Thanks for your understanding!
About our community
The Highly Sensitive Asians events provide a unique opportunity explore mindfulness practices and to connect in friendship with fellow HSPs in quiet, thoughtful conversation to explore our sensitivity and experiences, the strengths and incredible gifts of our traits, and how we can show up for our true selves. To learn more about the community and to hear about future events, follow us on Instagram @highlysensitiveasians and on Eventbrite.
