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Are you frequently accused of being overly sensitive? Do you feel weighed down by emotions for which there is no explanation and that don’t seem to belong to you? Have you ever felt someone else’s physical pain? If so, there’s a strong possibility that you are an empath. Being an empath is not the same as feeling empathy. When you feel empathy, you may be moved by a situation in an emotional manner such that it generates compassion and may prompt kind words and actions. An empath, on the other hand, is a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual. An empath has the ability to physically feel and experience what another person is going through, literally embodying that which is going on with other people and with the energy around them. Their ability to show empathy is huge, because they understand deeply what it is like for another person. Empaths often feel alone, and consider their sensitivity to be a burden, but: About 20% of the population are genetically predisposed to be more aware & empathic Being an empath is not a disorder — it is an innate quality you should never feel shameful about “Remember that your presence, your sweetness, your tender appreciation for people and all of life are gifts, for you and others. Your intuition and your refined sensitivities are healing. I want you to appreciate yourself, your openness and your ability to feel. Realize how special and perfect you are.” (Quote by Judith Orloff)
Not all empaths are cut from the same cloth. There are different areas and various ways in which empaths are gifted. Here are nine from Thrive.com: Emotional - sense and absorb the emotions and energy of other people, and feel them as well Physical - feel or know where other people’s aches, pains, and illnesses are located Mental/Intellectual – able to communicate with different vocabulary Intuitive - possess an innate sense of knowing, such as when someone is lying; are very perceptive about other people’s overt or covert intentions. Intuitive types include Telepathic, Precognitive, Dream, Mediumship, etc. Natural/Animal - have a sense of what an individual animal is feeling, experiencing and needs Natural/Plant – have strong connections to nature, and know what plants and trees need and offer Natural/Environmental - sense what has happened or may happen in nature or in a physical space Spiritual - have a direct connection to other realms and may connect with the deceased or other spiritual beings Heyoka - have the empathic ability to move between physical and spiritual worlds and act as a medium to communicate between worlds; absorb emotions and feelings of others; act as a mirror to show others what they need to see about themselves. (Heyoka is a Native American term referring to a disrupter or trickster, but not in a negative sense.)
Which of those do you believe you are? It is possible and perhaps even likely that you identify as more than one type. The more open and in touch you are with your empathic abilities, the more easily you will identify your type(s), and also recognize how, when and where your empathic skills arise. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by your empathic gifts, it is imperative that you stay protected. A few ways to do so are: Stay grounded within yourself and to the earth Set boundaries, knowing that it’s OK to say no! Clear & cleanse with white sage, palo santo, sweetgrass, etc. Practice self-care with meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, time in nature, and solitude Protect yourself by visualizing yourself surrounded with protective white light and/or utilizing crystals such as Tiger Iron, Hematite and Carnelian Define & express your relationship needs. Finding your voice is equivalent to finding your power and will help prevent you from becoming exhausted, anxious, or feeling like your relationship needs are not being met. Spend time with other empaths. It is extremely beneficial to connect with people who understand what it’s like to be an empath, where you can exchange experiences and share coping mechanisms.
Still have questions or doubts? The resources section below just might help you to address those. As long as you have the knowledge and resources to work with, I believe that you’ll find that being an empath is a true blessing.
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