Empath. Finally a word to describe what I’ve known all along.
Empaths are those born with a deep sense of knowing. Empaths feel the energy of the world around them. This includes the energy behind the thoughts and feelings of other people. Hearing the truth, feeling the truth even when it contradicts what the person is actually saying. Plagued with mood swings, dreams, déjà experiences. Constantly seeking to find the “meaning” behind everything. Empaths have a natural interest in cultures and systems of belief that are different from their own. Empaths attract people but are difficult to get to know. We throw ourselves into all of our relationships. Attempting so hard to heal, repair, and please to the point that we neglect ourselves. This is only a brief summary, interpretation of who an empath is. There’s a whole science behind it that I won’t go into here.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had the innate ability to intuitively feel and perceive others. Feel their intentions, motivations, and energy. I could sense that something was troubling them even if they had a smile on their face. I could feel that they had a burden on their heart even if they acted like everything was okay. Sometimes I could feel the burden so strong, that it would even start effecting me.
I’ve never been able to watch certain TV shows..its gotten to the point now that I’ve cut out all television. I can’t enjoy the shows my friends do like Game of Throngs, Power, and Scandal to name a few. I literally have a physical response to the images and scenes as if I’m personally going through them in the moment. I remember closing my eyes and ears as a child while watching TV. Even the simplest things like a brief moment of embarrassment experienced by one of the characters was almost unbearable.
The Struggle
Empaths are often loners. Feeling alone with the weight of the world on your shoulders leaves you feeling down…heavy. Constantly, I try to “figure things out”. Troubling my mind constantly. I’ve had to learn to break these negative thought patterns and relieve myself of this weight. Its tough, but I’m learning.
In the beginning, I didn’t trust these feelings and senses. Mostly, because I did not understand them. Its difficult, because I often feel drained. However, as I’ve grown older, the gift has matured. Developing strategies to safeguard my sensitivities and maintaining healthy boundaries has not been easy. If by chance, you’re an empath and you know it. I want to share a few things that have helped me:
1. Meditation
Meditation helps me remove negative energy, balance my chakras, and it gives me clarity.
2. Honor Your Needs
If you need quiet time, take it. If your comfort level is four hours max for socializing (even if you love the people) take your own car so you can escape when needed. If someone asks too much of you, the answer is “no.”
3. Find Nature
Find nature, especially water. You will feel the difference in just a few moments. Nature, in general, helps people release negative energy and keeps us grounded.
4. Write it down
Writing helps to organize my thoughts and feelings. It helps me process them, making sense of things. When I’m burdened, its as almost as if I’m lifting the burden from me and putting it on paper.
Empath : A spiritual gift from God
There are those that associate empaths with psychics and mediums…voodoo or even “magic”? No. I guess you could take that route if that’s your intent.
However, I have accepted it as a gift. A gift from God. A gift that is to be utilized to serve others and to live out my calling in this earth experience.
Its kind of tough learning this gift, trusting it, and using it when appropriate. Knowing when to use your gift is a skill in and of itself. That is a journey in and of its own. Overall though I’m learning to use my intuitive abilities. Learning how to tap into the universal consciousness to gain wisdom and advice then pass it on.