Living as an Empath

It wasn’t until recently that I truly understood the word empath. I knew the word “empathy” and understood what it meant but didn’t realize a person’s entire being could be surrounded be this word. For me, I just thought I was over sensitive to other people’s feelings. Once I realized there are a large percentage of empaths in the world, I was thrilled. My life made more sense now. Growing up I thought I just cared about people. I had a very abusive childhood so the fact that I felt other people’s emotions was my way of always treating others the way I wanted to be treated. So if they were sad or angry or happy I “understood” and shared in their emotion.

I also want to state that there is a difference with feeling empathy and being an empath. Feeling empathy is when your heart goes out to someone because you feel bad (or good) about a situation they are going through. Being an empath, you actually feel the emotions the other person is going through.

I don’t believe empaths were completely understood until recent years. In fact, research is still being done on the topic. Over the years, as more of the psychology was researched the word empath became more of a household word. Thankfully this research has helped many people understand who they are and why they feel the way they do. Including me!

Being an empath can be viewed as good. You are normally looked upon as a kind and caring person. Which can be true, but it doesn’t just end there.

I have read that about 20% of the population are empaths. I even know a few other than myself. We do try to be kind and caring people. But it is also quite exhausting.

A few examples of how I see being an empath affects me:

1. When I am out socially and there are a lot of emotions in the room, I feel them all. Someone may be happy because they got a promotion, someone may be sad because they lost a pet, someone may be angry because someone hit their car, someone may have just fallen in love, and someone may be grieving the loss of a loved one. Everyone has an energy field and these emotions are being emitted through their energy field. Being an empath, I “feel” these emotions coming through people’s energy fields. Since I am feeling the emotion I want to either make them feel better (if a sad or angry emotion) or join them in their celebration (emotionally). The highs and lows can be pretty overwhelming.

2. There are times I have to block out or numb myself to the emotions. When I was younger I would say to myself, “I need to put my walls up”. At the time I thought this was only to block out sadness. What I realize now is that I need to do that for any large amounts of emotion.

3. Being an empath is often described as having extra sensitivities. This explains my dislike for loud noises, bright light or any excessive anger or meanness.

What type of empaths are there? Many! Physical, emotional, intuitive, plant, animal, dream………. the list goes on. I, personally tend to lean toward the emotional and the pet.

How do you become an empath? No one really knows. Some doctors and psychologists believe you can be born with these traits. In addition, studies have shown that childhood abuse or neglect can play a part. I don’t think there is any one answer.

There are so many areas of your life that can be affected because of this trait. Health – you can become fatiqued, depressed, anxious, etc. Addictions are common among empaths. Numbing yourself with drugs or alcohol is one way to escape the hypersensitivities.

I have now learned to embrace my empathetic ways (my inner quirk!). I recognize emotions that I am feeling and can often calm myself by understanding what is going on.

Some questions to ask your self if you think you are an empath: – Do crowds overwhelm me – Do large noises both me – I am easily startled – Do people that talk non-stop exhaust me – Do you take walks in nature by yourself to recharge These are just a few of the many questions you may want to ask yourself. There is a really good book out that was very helpful to me in understanding myself. The Empath’s Survival Guide. Whether you are an empath yourself or know someone who is, you may enjoy this book and find it helpful. I am trying to learn to use my traits in good ways that can help others. One thing I have definitely learned is that if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t be of use to anyone else. This book is a good start for me learning to Be the Magic! 🙂

Thanks for listening everyone! Peace and love to all!

#empathempathymotivationinnerquirkbethemagicruthielanigan