Empathy is the
ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with
others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.
Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or
for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how
this actually works, and have long accepted that they were insensitive to
others.
Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can
relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those
portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a
learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding
society.
An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to
help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so
desperately alone.
Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates,
complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not
held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and
things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (i.e.: The Horse
Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to
buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.
Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's
abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep
sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate,
considerate, and understanding of others.
There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the
individuals awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or
the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them,
including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these
tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.
Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to
generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing
practitioners.
Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.
Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From
their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they
come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another
persons body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in
itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of
others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.
While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have
some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an
empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes
undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.
Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker.
They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression
is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often
brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word
hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's
feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken,
thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.
Who Is An Empath?
Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and
artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for
many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal
and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a
broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse,
caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... to psychic, clairvoyant, healer,
etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list
is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths
are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world.
Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great
listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They
will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to
do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet,
withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, lifeless
daydreamers, or even narcissistic.
They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty.
One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc.
Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It
is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in
the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with
nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of
empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for
empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.
Traits of an Empath
Empaths are often
quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to
point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas
of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in
respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.
However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive
at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at
blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning
empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own
feelings.
Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what
is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general
an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the
peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in
an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will
endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all
together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will
likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully
resolve the problem quickly.
Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or
emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain
inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At
times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will
struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in
expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and
obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel
and see.
People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine
compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being
empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are
like beacons of light.
Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal
things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls
without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level
that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate
understanding.
Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and
studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so
too is the answer. They often will search until they find one - if only for
peace of mind.
Written By Christel Broederlow
Copyright (c) 2002 Christel Broederlow Shortened Version from The Empath Report
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