Being an Empath in a Negative World – Part 1

Being an Empath in a negative world isn’t easy. Whether you’ve decided you are an Empath or not (see previous blog), taking the time to understand their traits may help to create a healthier relationship with yourself or with someone who is an Empath.  After years of thinking I was just strangely tuned into the emotions of others, even when they didn’t show them on the outside, I finally found the reason for my unusual feelings.  I’m an Empath. Are you?

An Empath’s perceptions go beyond what would be considered the HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). There are many similarities between the HSP and the Empath. In fact, all Empaths are HSPs, but not all HSPs are Empaths.  Both are overwhelmed by large groups of people, loud noises, bright lights and highly emotional people and situations (good or bad). Sights, smells, sounds, and even words are all filtered through the HSPs intuition.

Speaking of sounds, I had an interesting thing happen the other day. I’ve been working on opening my intuitive senses, so my sensors must be wide open. A fire truck went by as I was filling my gas tank, its lights and horns blaring, and I immediately broke out in tears—deep emotional tears. I’m not sure if it was the loud wailing horn, or if it was my perception of what it meant which caused the reaction, but either way I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of anyone reacting this way before. But, I digress…

Although both absorb the emotion of others, the difference is the Empath absorbs the emotion and frequently the physical symptoms of other beings to where it becomes their own.  Only, the feeling becomes amplified for the Empath, sometimes to an extreme. At times this can be extremely difficult for them to decipher whether these are their own, or the feelings of others. Especially when there is so much negativity grabbing hold of the people around us. This can sometimes lead to depression (which occurs when I’m unable to ward off negativity), chronic fatigue (I’ve also experienced, especially during a particularly draining experience in my life), panic attacks, binges with food, sex or drugs (comfort substitutes), and a myriad of other unexplainable symptoms.

Considered by most to be overly sensitive, Empaths are spiritually open, naturally giving (sometimes to a fault) people, who are good listeners willing to be there for you when you need them. Most Empaths are introverted, preferring a one-on-one or small group situation to the overwhelming experience of a crowd. Sometimes snubbed as being party poopers, if you don’t understand the draining effect a party can be to an Empath you definitely don’t understand what they have sacrificed to endure the appearance to your Holiday get together.

Emotional energy vampires (which I will talk more about in the next posting) seem to seek out the Empath because of their willingness to listen and help whenever they can. You know the type: the Narcissist, who believes everything revolves around them; the Victim, with their “poor-me” attitudes; the Controller, who dictates everything you should be and do; the Constant Talker, not interested in you at all, but talks on and on about themselves; and finally, last but not least, The Drama Queen, making everything that happens into a big stage production.  Protection for the Empath from this type of energy is a must, as without it you are destined for a life of never feeling anything but tired, depressed, and unable to accomplish anything for yourself.

One of the biggest gifts an Empath can receive is the gift of alone time. If you know an Empath, grant them the gift of serenity. The need to recharge is paramount to their survival. My excuse to get away for long periods of time as a writer is one of my saving graces. It’s explainable, when I say I’ve got to get more done on my latest work.  But, even so, get away sometimes and clear all the energies of others from your being. Meditate, become one with nature, breathe deep and find yourself again. You’ll be glad you did.