The term Empath is used to describe a person who embodies Empathy. This person has an innate ability to understand, feel and live the experiences and feelings of others. Often times, these individuals have difficulty distinguishing and separating their emotions and feelings and even physical symptoms from other’s. Empaths feel the emotions and energy of animals, the environment and people in their surroundings. They have the ability to see the things (subtleties and nuisances) beyond what many can perceive. For those who master the ability, they can almost seem mystical to others. Most Empaths are natural healers. Once balanced and with training, they can even become intuitive readers, coaches and counselors. They just by being in a group or space absorb positive and negative energy. When in crowded or busy places, the sensitivity can seem magnified to the point of being almost unbearable. As Empaths filter the world through their intuition, they sometimes have a difficultly intellectualizing their feelings. Being around others can cause over-stimulation which is most often difficult to express. This can create irritability, extreme thirst and even tiredness. It can create an overwhelming sense and need for a nap or time of seclusion. Interestingly, needing alone time doesn’t necessarily mean they’re an introvert. Some Empaths also can be extroverts. Since an Empath feels so much, when they are too secluded they may need interaction with people to energize them. This works until it starts the cycle over again. If they stay too long and begin to absorb the energy, they then begin to carry the weight of everyone around and become overwhelmed. It is almost as if they are so conditioned to feeling some much around them that if they are away from it for too long, they are pushed to reengage for the stimulation. I like to describe it as being in the hot sun for so long you want air conditioning. This works until your body adjusts to the cool air. The process of adjusting is like the need for the stimulation. Then once you start becoming too cold, you turn the air conditioning down or off because you need a break from the cold. Once the interaction becomes too stimulating the Empath becomes overwhelmed and needs a break. Empaths tend to have higher sensitivity which makes it easier for someone to hurt their feelings. They feel the intent behind the words even if the words seem harmless and it cuts more deeply. This tends to make them take criticism more personally. Empaths have tremendous difficulty with arguments and fights as they’re not only dealing with their own feelings and reactions. The Empath also is absorbing the emotions of the others involved. This not to say they will not fight or argue. In fact, they sometimes come off as irritable and even rude because they have such difficulty being around what feels like negative energy. The irritation is a reflection of the people and the circumstances. Often times, an Empath will become negative and argumentative because they are so uncomfortable. This discomfort also can take a physical effect like a headache or stomachache. Others often label them as easily stressed, aggressive and irritable if they have not learned to find balance. Empaths are people with huge hearts but often give too much. They do not want to hurt people or see them hurt which can lead them to self-destructive behavior through a need to please. The overwhelming desire to help puts them in a place where they would go against what is best for them as they are concerned it will hurt another. Empaths tend to allow the fear of being perceived a certain way to cause them to fall into situations which are very unhealthy. They’ll do it and then have tremendous regret. The consequences of an unbalanced Empath are the tendency to self-medicate through binges with food, drugs or even sex. When overwhelmed they seek comfort. Again, this sometimes results in unhealthy binges. The stress and being overwhelmed from the emotions and energy (either overwhelming or depleting) may cause panic attacks, depression, and chronic fatigue. Empaths if in an environment that does allow easy expression of what they feel and see often finds them feeling disengaged, disinterested, and as if they are struggling to thrive. Empaths also have to guard against the natural inclination to be vulnerable to manipulation and toxic behaviors. Is there hope for Empaths? Yes, it lies in learning how to find balance. Is it very important to give themselves permission to say no. Saying no without anger or any of the more negative emotions is a place of balance. We each have a path and on that path, there are life lessons. We would not grow if everything we ask for is given. Some people who appear to be in need are truly trying to take advantage. So, once the Empath identifies what is theirs and what belongs to others coupled with a healthy "no" when needed, the more at peace they will be. Understanding the overwhelming desire to help all in need opens them up and often makes them blind to toxicity. Extroverted Empaths should work to find the right balance between spending time with others and restoring their emotional reserves. Understanding engagement with others under the influence only makes the draining of their energy worse. An off balanced Empath creates a perfect playground for those who thrive on draining energy. Quiet time in nature and in peaceful spaces helps with grounding. Think about it, understanding they feel everything around them, when in nature what are they feeling? They are feeling the peace and harmony of the environment. A walk in the park or exercise paths surrounded by water and other types of nature is restorative. They can choose to lay out looking at the stars or any other type of experiences that give them moments to ground and center. These things are very essential to their health mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Good self-care practices and working to set healthy boundaries can help insulate them, especially from negative emotions and energy. For those reading this, which now, have discovered they are an Empath, it is very important to understand the emotional “noise” of the world and how it affects them. It can be overcome if they do not use tools to protect themselves and manage it. It can be an asset instead of a liability. When we look closely, we see many of the people who help humanity are Empaths. Those who love working alone and jobs which allow them to be in nature are most likely Empaths. Some helpful techniques:
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WORLD ACCORDING TO KAREN...Almost two decades ago, I set out on a quest to uncover the true meaning and purpose of my life. This quest led me to establish daily habits and practices that enhance balance, clarity, vitality, and concentration. Visit My YouTube Channel:
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