All About Those Empaths

It’s both a blessing and curse to feel everything so deeply.

An empath is someone who can intuitively and physically feel the thoughts, emotions, and energies of another person. They tend to take on other people's (or the collective) emotions because they can transmute and release them faster than most.

It can be exhausting. Especially if you're unaware of this psychic ability or are unsure of how to deal with it properly.

For years, I struggled with social anxiety, anxiety, and shyness because I was feeling so many emotions all at once and I wasn't even aware of it. I hated being in crowded places because my stomach would start to hurt and I would feel overwhelmed. Looking back now, in elementary school, I often went to the office to lay down because my stomach hurt (but, it was actually filled with anxiety). It took me a long time to understand what was happening within my body. If I had this knowledge sooner, it would have saved me a lot of trouble.

My shyness was created because I needed to feel out the energies of others' (to know whether someone was good or bad) before I could talk to them. I still do this. I'm still quiet, a lot. I like to listen and observe. I like space.

Where are all my fellow empaths at? Find out below.

TRAITS:

1. You're sensitive

You probably cry a lot, at everything - friends' problems, animals, the world, commercials, etc. Not only are you emotionally sensitive, you're body may be sensitive as well. My body doesn't like medications, certain foods, alcohol, and anything that disrupts it's natural flow.

2. You have social anxiety

This is because you are picking up on the energies around you and feeling as though they are your own. It creates anxiety because there are so many different thoughts and feelings happening at once and you're feeling them all. When you can learn to recognize what is your own and what is someone else’s’ energy or feelings, you can simply say “it’s not mine” and release it back to them.

3. You experience stomach problems

For a lot of empaths, they receive their intuitive feelings through their stomach and it tends to weaken the solar plexus chakra (located at lower ribs). When this area is weak, people tend to experience digestive issues or stomach pains. People tend to hold more weight in this area to protect themselves. Once you learn how to shield and protect yourself, you may actually lose weight in this area!

4. People tell you their problems

Often complete strangers will open up to you and tell you every problem they're experiencing. This can be awkward because without knowing the person, you don't always know what to say. You are the friend that your friends always come to and trust. You're the best listener!

5. You love animals

Not only can you feel the emotions, thoughts, and energies of humans, but you can feel those of animals, too. You are attracted to animals because you intuitively understand them on a deeper level. They are attracted to you because they intuitively know you have a deep love and compassion for them. Often times, empaths are vegan/vegetarian because they don't want to harm another being or want them to that feel that pain or feel that pain themselves.

6. You are compassionate and understanding

You have the ability to understand people on a deeper level and this allows you to show compassion and empathy to others. You can connect with people because you know how and what they are feeling. You can put yourself in their shoes and you know what to say to make others' feel better.

7. You hate small talk

It's the worst, isn't it? You connect with people on an extremely deep level that you want to talk about things of value - their goals, their dreams, their feelings, etc. Talking about the weather is like, torture. People may think you're quiet, but you can talk forever about things that are important to you.

8. You know what other people are thinking and feeling

If you say something that people don't agree with, you know. If someone wants to leave a conversation or situation, you know. If someone is lying, you know. If someone is being manipulative, you know. If someone is being genuine and authentic, you know. If someone is happy, you know. If someone is sad, you know. If someone is angry, you know.

9. You're kind to everyone

You never want to upset anyone or make them feel angry or embarrassed because you will feel it all. You try to make everyone happy because then you will feel happy. Since you can feel everything, it upsets you when you know someone else is upset. You know that you don't like to feel a negative emotion, so you don't want anyone else to feel that way.

10. You're an introvert

You need you're alone time to recharge. You may feel as though you don't fit in with the rest of the world. You may feel like a loner - but in a good way because you enjoy spending time alone. Other peoples' 'stuff' can be too much sometimes and we need alone time to be with our own energy.

The journey can be difficult, but in the end, it’s a wonderful trait to have. Here are a few tips that have helped me:

WHAT TO DO:

1. Meditation

Sitting in meditation for a few minutes everyday will help you decipher between your energy and the energy of those around you. It will help you feel what your energy feels like. It will help you clear your mind from anxious thoughts. It will help you have a more positive mindset.

2. Crystals

I carry crystals around with me all the time. You can put them in your bra, your pocket, your purse or wallet. Some of the best crystals for empaths are citrine, hematite, and smoky quartz.

Citrine removes all negativity by absorbing, transmuting, and dissipating energy. It is a self-clearing stone, meaning it doesn't need to be cleansed. It's also great for abundance!

Hematite is an extremely grounding stone. It harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit (if these are unbalanced, depression occurs). It protects the soul and grounds it back into the body. When our energy is all over the place, we can pick up on even more energies.

Smoky quartz is a grounding and protective stone. It raises vibrations, assists in detoxification, and helps you let go of anything that no longer serves you.

3. Ground

As I said earlier, when our energy is all over the place, we can pick up on even more energies and then feel as though they are our own. It's important to be grounded and in your own body to help you recognize what is yours and what isn't. You can simply set the intention by saying, "I am grounded", you can ask your guides and angels to ground you, or you can imagine you are a tree and visualize roots growing from your feet to the core of the earth.

4. Shield

When you put your energetic shield on, you are impeding the flow of energy that reaches yours. You can still feel the emotions and thoughts of others', but you will stop feeling as though they are yours. This will reduce the anxious and overwhelming feelings. You can simply set the intention by saying, "shield on", you can ask your guides and angels to protect you, or you can visualize a protective white light around you.

5. Set Boundaries

This is so important. Being an empath, you want to help everyone because you don't like to feel their suffering. But the truth is, we can't save everyone and holding that responsibility is exhausting. Don't let people take advantage of your kindness and compassion. If people are always unloading their problems on you, tell them to stop. If you feel everyone else's' happiness relies on you, know that it's not, as everyone is responsible for themselves. If you need alone time to recharge and that means cancelling plans, do it and don't feel bad about it. Remember to take time for you and do things for yourself, as well. Self-care is necessary and super important because you can't pour from an empty cup.

6. Listen to your body

Listen, listen, listen. If you are feeling out of the ordinary or exhausted or drained, ask yourself, "did I put my shield on?", "am I grounded?", "do I need alone time?", "what am I feeling?", "why am I feeling this way?". Listen to what your body is telling you and give it what it needs.

7. Clearing your space

I like to clear my space with white sage, palo santo, or sandalwood incense. These are extremely effective in removing negative or stagnant energy. Since we are so sensitive to different energies, if the energy in our home or workplace is negative, then we will start to feel that way too. Salt lamps and opening windows are great for cleansing the air as well.

8. Ask the Archangels for help

There are so many spiritual helpers just waiting for you to ask for their help. Unlike humans, they don't have free will. You can ask Archangel Michael to protect you and surround you in white light. You can simply ask your own guides and angels to help you - to shield or ground and to help you decipher what is yours and what isn't. You can ask them for whatever you want!

9. Be present

Becoming more present and paying attention to you're emotions allows you to notice the moments when you are feeling an emotion that doesn’t make sense with your situation.

10. Spend time in nature

Being in nature is very grounding and cleansing. By spending time in nature, it transmutes negative energy and brings your energy back into your body. Whenever you're feeling super ungrounded or a lot of "blah", walk outside barefoot. Positive electrons can build up in our bodies, but direct contact with the earth balances this out, as it is a negative grounding charge.

It’s a beautiful thing to be able to feel what others are feeling. It’s our super power. We can be more understanding, compassionate, and overall nicer people. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Love Lisa xo