Open Your Empathic Tool Box

By Lynn Zambrano

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people’s energy. Empathy may be genetic, passing from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternativeempa healing practitioners. Wikipedia states that it appears that  “observing another person’s emotional state activates parts of the neuronal network involved in processing that same state in oneself, whether it is disgust, touch, or pain”. Empaths have the ability to scan another’s energy for thoughts, feelings and possibly for past, present, and future life occurrences. Most empaths are unaware of how this really works, and have accepted that they are sensitive to other people’s energy. The ability to correctly perceive and to some extent mirror the energy of another is a challenge.  This gift allows us to steer ourselves through life with added perception.

Traits of an Empath: 1. Quiet achievers 2. Can be the opposite of what an empath ‘should’ be due to overwhelming feelings. They block their feelings. 3. Focused outwardly, toward what others feel, rather than themselves.

4. Uncomfortable with disharmony, and sensitive to loud noise and tv.  5. Daydreamers that have difficulty staying focused. 6. Have large mood swings due to overwhelming thoughts, feelings and emotion.

7. The ability to draw others to them, animals and children especially. 8. Good listeners 9. Déjà vu and synchronicities occur more frequently.

10. Have had, other paranormal experiences in their life.

 Empaths need to be selective and have coping skills in place, if not they will easily be overwhelmed. Recognize your emotional limits. Create boundaries for yourself.  If you reach the point of being overwhelmed, pull back and detach. Learn relaxation methods (yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and visualization). Spend time alone when you need it. Schedule regular time to spend with animals or to walk in nature, this will be soothing. Friends, family, and coworkers may have personality types that overwhelm you. It is important to recognize this, and limit the amount of time you spend with them. If you feel yourself withdrawing from others, to the point of isolation, take small steps to rejoin your community.  Joining an empathy support group is also a great option for additional support.  It is also important that if you get into major overwhelm it may be necessary to consult traditional medicine for support.

OM Times Magazine » syndicated