Are you an empath?
That may be a question you have been asking yourself if you have stumbled upon this article.
Rest assured, you have been led here for a reason. If you are wondering if you are an empath, then chances are it’s a very strong yes.
Or perhaps you know someone who has powerful empath qualities?
There are many descriptions of empaths out there in the big wide web. There are also an increasing number of empaths coming to Earth. Their gifts are being activated at this present moment in time as we emerge into the Age of Aquarius.
So – what exactly is an empath?
What is an Empath?
An empath is someone who is able to feel the emotions of others as if they are their own. These people have extraordinary sensory abilities and are extremely sensitive people.
Often, their five senses – sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste – are higher than the average. The sixth sense – intuition – is also highly developed.
Empaths are also strongly connected to animals and nature. It is in nature that they feel most alive and at home because they often find themselves overwhelmed in crowded spaces and among too many people.
An empath’s sensitive and delicate senses can go into overload if they spend too much time among crowds. Hence why it is important for them to recharge their batteries in a place where they won’t be disturbed. Nature provides a wonderful sanctuary for empaths. They are powerfully connected to the Earth and it is through the trees, grass, mountains and soil that they find it easiest to recharge their energies.
Animals likewise provide much comfort and joy for empaths. Like humans, animals have feelings, and the simplicity of these feelings is very appealing to empaths. The human soul is a vessel of great love and sensitivity, and animals embody this vessel too in their own way. As empaths are very much in tune with their own soul, they seek out those who are the same – both animals and nature fall into this category.
The sensitivity of an empath likewise carries its own special branch of superpower. Many empaths have added psychic abilities such as clairvoyance and mediumship. Many are drawn to occult practices where they can develop their abilities in a safe and open environment.
Others are especially skilled in the art of manifestation (empaths are especially pulled to the lunar energies and when the Full Moon and New Moon comes around, empaths naturally gravitate to the pull of the Moon, tapping into these energies to varying degrees).
Read this next: Manifesting Like the Goddess That You Are
In short, an empath is someone with an exceptionally high degree of empathy and it is through this empathy that they are able to connect with other people, animals and the Earth itself.
The Challenges of Being an Empath
Being an empath does not come without its challenges. Being highly sensitive and empathetic in a world that is often harsh and difficult is a big challenge for those with strong empathy.
It is the ultimate challenge for an empath to learn to harness their superpowers while maintaining a balance in and around themselves, and not to get sucked in or destroyed by the horrors that surround them. Because empaths are so sensitive, everything affects them on a deep level, including things that have no direct connection to them, such as a tragic story in the papers or a catastrophe on the other side of the world.
This quote by Andrew Boyd sums up the challenges empaths face very well:
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”
Empaths easily identify with this quote because it is often a struggle between using the great gift of empathy to help and heal while resisting the urge to run from the pain that comes with it.
An empath feels the pain of others as if it were their own. So in a world where pain is a daily thing, empaths must rise to the challenge of conquering this pain so they can spread their light into the world.
This means that empaths often undergo a series of intense trials and challenges in their lives. Through each challenge, they grow stronger and wiser, and the end result is the empath that knows themselves well enough to distinguish between their own feelings and others’ feelings, while harnessing their empathy for the greater good and not being sucked into the pain and difficulties that may surround them.
For the same reasons, empaths can be prone to escapism. An empath who does not yet fully understand their abilities or who denies them may indulge in escapist tendencies in a bid to block them out. It is through a deeper understanding of oneself that healing can take place and ultimately allow the empath light to shine through.
Empaths can struggle among crowds as previously mentioned and they can also have trouble distinguishing between their feelings and other people’s feelings. It can sometimes take long years of practice for empaths to make this distinction and recognize when it is their feelings, and not other people’s feelings, that are overwhelming them.
Empaths are people with very strong souls. They are known for being giving and compassionate, but they are also at risk of being taken advantage of. An empath is excellent at spotting manipulation, but it is often their default position to try and see the best in everyone. As such, they are sometimes magnets for personalities such as narcissists and emotional vampires who are drawn to the empath for their qualities. Empaths may experience hurt time and time again if they are drawn into manipulative behavior and this is something it is important to protect themselves from.
How to Harness Your Empath Superpowers
If you recognize yourself in this description, then you are an empath!
It’s not been an easy road for you. But you were given this gift for a reason. There is a light inside you and it is ready to shine. The following methods can help you along the way:
Meditating
Meditation is crucial for empaths. Not only does it ground your energies, it also helps to clear your mind and relieve you of overwhelming emotions. Aim to meditate for at least ten minutes per day.
Crystals
Crystals are becoming increasingly popular and they are liquid gold for the empath. Crystals help you tap into your natural intuitive abilities and they also promote peace, grounding and love within you. Crystals such as rose quartz and selenite are especially helpful for you, soothing your feminine energy and helping you to connect with yourself at a deeper level.
Read this next: Seven Crystals to Begin Your Spiritual Journey
Journaling
For the empath, journaling is a wonderful way to express your feelings and keep track of the way your empathic journey is going. The more you journal, the more you release your thoughts and feelings. You can also look back on it in the future and assess how far you have come.
Nature bathing
Nature bathing is healing for the empath and helps you to regenerate, especially if you feel zapped of your energies. Spending time near trees, fields and rivers are very helpful. You can also benefit from houseplants as plants have a wonderful way of soothing you too!
Closing Thoughts …
Being an empath is a blessing but at times it can feel like a curse too. Finding the balance that enables you to harness these gifts can be challenging.
But the universe grants you only as much as you can handle. So if you are an empath, it’s because you were sent here to provide a shining light in the darkness of this world. This means you must face the darkness within yourself to let your light fully shine.
Rest assured, the path of the empath is often fraught with challenge and danger. The world battles between light and darkness, a perpetual state that will continue long after we are gone. You are a warrior of the light, and your empath gifts are your sword and shield. Stand up and believe in yourself, for a mighty power exists within you. This world needs you.
Related article: 5 Ways to Heal & Find Self-Love: It’s Time You Give Your Soul Some Love
⊹ Iberia Tor ⊹
