Surviving as an Empath

Empaths are highly sensitive people with the advanced ability to tune into the emotional, mental and spiritual energies of those around them.  They are warm-hearted and caring people that typically are drawn to professions where they are in service to others such as education, counseling, medicine and the healing arts.  


While truly a gift, this ability to feel what others are feeling so deeply can also be damaging if the empath isn't properly protected.  Like a psychic sponge, the empath picks up energy everywhere they go so it's important that they build a strong boundary or shield around themselves using visualization techniques and also that they perform cleansing rituals to rid themselves of negative energies acquired throughout the day.  When an empath starts feeling depressed or angry or develops a headache or tension they must ask themselves, "Is this mine?"  If it is not, they need to remove themselves from the situation or perform the protection and cleansing methods described below.

Traits of an Empath

• Acute senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell)
• Easily hurt or offended and unable to get over it or let it go
• Intuitive awareness of the feelings of others, especially for those in pain or suffering
• Avoids conflict and strives to keep things harmonious between others
• Finds people including complete strangers telling them deeply personal matters
• Uncomfortable in crowds or noisy environments
• Animals and children are drawn to them
• Cries easily when deeply touched emotionally
• Enjoys music and the arts
• Affected by changes in the weather
• Finds water deeply soothing and restorative

Protection Techniques

• Visualize yourself surrounded by a circle of white light at all times, keeping positive energy in and locking out negative energy.
• Meditate and use affirmations such as "I surround myself with divine protection.  I allow nothing but positive thoughts and energy to affect me.  I will not not be influenced by the negativity of those I encounter."  
• Use Donna Eden's Zip Up method seen here:

Cleansing Techniques

• Take a shower, visualize the water washing away all negative energy from your aura.
• Bathe using a sea salt scrub.  
• Burn incense or smudge with white sage.
• Rub a metal spoon over the bottom of your feet to draw out negative energy.
• Walk barefoot in the grass, feeling yourself become grounded.
• Reiki, meditation and crystal therapy are also all beneficial to balancing energies.

While the gift of empathy for many is a double edged sword, with careful diligence to self-care and empath can use their abilities to the highest and greatest good while maintaining their own health and well being.