Being an Empath

Being an Empath

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.

Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others.

Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.

An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.

Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (ie: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.

Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.

There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individuals awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.

Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners.

Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.

Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another.

They can become very proficient at reading another persons body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others.

In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.

While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.

Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.

Empaths are often poets in motion.

They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous.

They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.)

The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world.

Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area).

They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so.

In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, lifes daydreamers, or even narcissistic.

They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live.

The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.

Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs.

In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears.

Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light.

Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously.

It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding.

Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things.

As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer.

They often will search until they find one--if only for peace of mind.
Grounding: A Vital Part of Empathic Protection

Grounding is one of the most vital and healthy self-care activities you can do. It is easy and should be done on a regular basis. But what exactly is grounding?

Grounding is the process of bringing your energy in harmony with the resonance of the earth. Grounding slows, calms, and infuses you with strength and steadiness. It is a vital practice for everyone, but particularly for sensitive people who may often feel "wound up, " "ungrounded, " or drained by our surroundings.

Grounding is also important because our modern lifestyle sometimes rips us away from the healing, strengthening qualities of nature and the earth. Luckily, you don't have to go on a woodland retreat to reconnect with nature. Grounding can easily be done in various way around your own home:
Six Ways to Ground Yourself

1. Garden Mindfully. The next time you work in your garden, yard, or tend to your houseplants, take time to truly notice the plants. Pay close attention to the shapes of their leaves, the saturated color of the flowers, and feel their textures. We often take plants and trees for granted, never taking the time to appreciate their spectacular diversity.

2. Grounding Bath. A bath can be made grounding with bath salts (or with Epsom Salt from your drugstore for a less expensive alternative). Salt is very grounding and purifying. Add salts to your next bath, and picture the salt extracting your worries and unwanted energies, while you feel yourself connecting with water and earth.

3. Eat Grounding Foods. Many foods are very grounding including root vegetables (such as carrots and potatoes) and unrefined grains. Cooking with plenty of herbs and spices enhances the grounding quality of your meals.

4. A Regular Routine. The times when we feel most "spacey" and vulnerable often coincide with feeling our lives are "out of control." You may be on autopilot all day, meeting the needs of one demand after the next. Bedtime comes and you realize another day has past during which you never stopped to breathe, ground, or take care of yourself. Setting a regular routine of self-care can help. Allot time in the early morning, afternoon, AND evening for yourself. Even if it is just 5 minutes each time, use these times wisely to breathe slow, deep breaths, meditate, and ground. Your day will take on a much different tone with this slight adjustment to your schedule. Make these self-care times part of your daily routine, and stick to it! If you are a parent with small children, use your child's nap time, favorite TV time, and a time when your partner can watch the children to implement these small, but extremely important grounding rituals.

5. Trees. Get to know the trees in your neighborhood and nearby parks. Many of us walk, jog or run for stress-relief when all the while we are zooming past one of the best stress-relievers on the planet - trees! Trees are more than happy to help teach you how to ground. During your next walk, take time to stop and notice particular trees that stand out to you. They may be particularly majestic or unusual. Feel the tree's bark, appreciate its form, and let the tree's energy flow through you. Especially take the time to get to know the trees on your property.

6. Grounding Meditation. Grounding meditations should be a regular part of your meditation practice. Following is an example of a grounding meditation. If practical, try this meditation outside sometime, on the ground, or near a tree. If you are sitting inside, make sure your feet are planted firmly on the floor. You can also listen to this meditation in mp3 audio format at meditations.
Quick Grounding Meditation

Sit peacefully and relax. Let the ground or chair support you. Let your muscles go. You don't have to exert any effort to sit there. Take in an easy, deep breath...and let it out your mouth, parting your lips slightly as you exhale. Let your arms feel heavy, pulling down your shoulders. Breathe... Let that heavy feeling flow down your torso and legs, so you feel heavy and relaxed all the way down to your feet on the ground.

Now picture and feel roots growing from your feet down into the ground. Just like a tree's roots...going down into the layers of cool dirt...growing around rocks...traveling further and further down into the earth. Let the roots grow as deeply as you wish.

Now feel the healing, rhythmic energy of the earth itself flowing up through your roots...slowly traveling up...through your roots, up to your feet and quickly filling your entire body. Feel this positive, grounded, earth energy throughout your being. Take in a deep, cleansing breath... and release.

When you are ready, open your eyes and know that this grounded energy will remain with you throughout your day.