Are You an Empath?

An empath is someone who’s in tune with other people’s feelings. Empaths are usually unaware that they are “reading” other people’s energy and often mistake another person’s emotions for their own. Empaths are a bit like sponges; they soak up and take on other people’s “stuff.” Empaths are very creative, have great imaginations and often act dreamy. They are incredibly sensitive and will get upset over someone else’s sad news as though it’s their own.

Some empaths can take on the physical pain of those around them as well or they might express their excess psychic energy in physical ways.

Empaths are often quiet, enjoy their alone time and are very in tune with nature. They tend to be sensitive to violent TV, news and movies. They cannot understand cruelty. Empaths make great listeners and often find that people tell them their whole life story. They need to beware of energy vampires – people who take advantage of others. Empaths also need to make sure to take care of themselves.

How Does it Work?

When we think a thought, it triggers electrical activity in the brain. Each thought follows a specific path in the brain called the “neuron pathway.” All this electrical activity creates a magnetic field. Empaths are able to read and interpret this magnetic field. For example, when someone is angry, their voice may rise, their heart beats faster, they may begin to sweat or gesticulate. All of this energy creates a magnetic field around the person that empaths can pick up on quite easily. This magnetic field can be felt from very far away. Thoughts are real and they travel easily, so it doesn’t matter how far away someone is. Empaths can feel the emotion of someone miles and miles away.

Empaths Need Solitide

It’s important for empaths to find time alone so they can recharge their batteries. Taking a walk outside, going for a bike ride or doing some gardening are all very healing for the empathy. Empaths tend to be quiet. They don’t enjoy being the center of attention, they don’t like crowds, they don’t enjoy getting compliments and they would rather do for others than themselves. Because they are often called upon to help others in need, they need to make time to withdraw from the world. This includes taking a media break from bad news and violent movies. Because they’re so creative, empaths can release a lot of their excess emotions through creative activities such as painting, knitting, woodwork, gardening, baking, or crafting.

Tips to Help the Empath

So by now you might be thinking, “Yes! That’s me! But what can I do about it?” Well, for starters, empaths need to practice saying NO! True empaths feel so much for others and genuinely want to help others, so they tend to have a hard time saying no. However, in order for an empathy to recharge their batteries and take care of themselves, they need to say no to people’s needs and requests. When in crowds, empaths often take on the chaotic energy of the crowd. To avoid this, they can imagine putting on The Cloak of Invisibility. Just picture wrapping your energy in a magic cloak that makes you invisible to everyone, and you won’t take home other people’s energy. Taking weekly salt baths is also very good for an empath. Simply pour a cup or so of Empson Salts into a bath and soak for around 20 minutes. This will energetically pull all the “stuff” you’ve gathered into your energy and cleanse you leaving you feeling renewed and invigorated.

Daily Techniques for the Empath

Every day, empaths should practice grounding and protection techniques. Each morning, picture tree roots coming out of the soles of your feet and reaching miles into the center of the earth. This will leave you feeling grounded, balance and centered. Next, imagine a bubble of protective light around you. Picture yourself surrounded by large bubble of white light. Imagine this light extending at least a foot above you, around you and below you. Fill the bubble with white light and reinforce it throughout the day. If you encounter negative people, imagine mirrors around the bubble so that their negativity is deflected back to them.

Another simple technique is to cross your arms and legs when sitting. This blocks your energetic circuits from picking up on others’ emotions and allows you to protect your energy. Empaths need to eat a light diet and drink plenty of water. Many empaths tend to carry extra weight as a way to protect themselves, but this is neither necessary nor healthy. Empaths will also benefit from meditation and body work such as yoga. Sometimes just recognizing that you’re an empath is very helpful and leads to that “aha” moment. “So that’s why I feel this way all the time.” Once you know why you’re feeling all these feelings, it’s imperative that you practice these techniques to protect yourself and allow your intuition to operate in a balanced way. For more information, check out Judith Orloff’s book on empaths called Emotional Freedom.