EMPATHS - The Gifted Ones

 

EMPATHS

THE GIFTED ONES 

By Dr Biya Khan

AN EMPATH

Individual with special, psychic abilities to sense the emotions and energies of others are referred to as “an empath”

 There are many benefits of being an empath. On the bright side, empaths tend to be excellent friends. They are superb listeners. They consistently show up for friends in times of need. They are big-hearted and generous. Empaths also tend to be highly intuitive and emotionally intelligent. 

However, some of the very qualities that make empaths such fantastic friends can be hard on the empaths themselves. Because empaths quite literally feel what their friends are going through, they can become overwhelmed by painful emotions, such as anxiety or anger. It is often difficult for them to set boundaries for themselves and say no, even when too much is being asked of them.

Additionally, it is common for empaths to feel drained after spending time around people. Empaths are usually introverts, and they require a certain amount of alone time in order to recharge. A study from 2011 suggests there may be a link between highly empathic individuals and social anxiety. Crowds can feel particularly overwhelming to empaths, who are often highly sensitive to certain noises and incessant chatter. They often feel their best when they are surrounded by nature.

Are you an empath like me?

Dr. Judith Orloff, author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, offers this short quiz to evaluate whether or not you are an empath:

Ask yourself:

Have I been labeled as “too emotional” or overly sensitive?

If a friend is distraught, do I start feeling it too?

Are my feelings easily hurt?

Am I emotionally drained by crowds, require time alone to revive?

Do my nerves get frayed by noise, smells, or excessive talk?

Do I prefer taking my own car places so that I can leave when I please?

Do I overeat to cope with emotional stress?

Am I afraid of becoming engulfed by intimate relationships?

According to Dr. Orloff, “If you answer ‘yes’ to 1-3 of these questions, you’re at least part empath. Responding ‘yes’ to more than 3 indicates that you’ve found your emotional type.”

THE SEVEN TYPES OF EMPATHS

EMOTIONAL EMPATH

They are highly sensitive to the emotions of other people & can tell how they are feeling just by looking at them. Emotional empaths can thrive as counselors, therapists, and do well self-employed.

PHYSICAL EMPATH

A physical empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the physical symptoms of other people. They have an aversion to violent movies, especially horror movies, and violent sports like boxing or wrestling. Physical empaths can make wonderful doctors, acupuncturists, massage therapists or other occupations that deal with physical healing.

INTELLECTUAL EMPATH

An intellectual empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the thoughts and thought processes of other people. They can literally know what someone is thinking. Intellectual empaths also have the ability to understand someone's point of view—they can see how someone's circumstances lead them to think this way or believe this or that. This makes them natural leaders, human resource professionals, or anything that requires critical thinking and relating to multiple people.

SPIRITUAL EMPATH

A spiritual empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the world of spirit. They have the ability to feel the spirit of those who have passed away, and often communicate with them through dreams or thoughts. They may also have strong connections to spirit guides, angels, and other non-physical beings. Spiritual empaths may become professional mediums, or spiritual gurus.

GEOMANTIC EMPATH

A geomantic empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the energies of a specific place. They may have a special connection to a sacred site because they feel the spiritual energy there. Geomantic empaths can make great interior designers, architects, geomatic or spatial engineers, or any other profession dealing the structures or space.

PSYCHOMETRIC EMPATH

A psychometric empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the energy of inanimate objects. Psychometric empaths can become effective investigators, historians, antique dealers, and even product designers, because they can visualize the future use of an object.

EARTH EMPATH

An earth empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the energies of mother nature. If you are an earth empath, you are most likely highly angered and saddened at the current state of the environment. Earth empaths make great activists, environmentalists, geologists, meteorologists, or any other profession that deals with the planet.

“Recognizing that you’re an empath is the first step in taking charge of your emotions instead of constantly drowning in them,” Dr. Orloff says. Once you begin to understand your empathic nature, you can learn to take better care of yourself emotionally.

How to Manage Your Empathy Without Getting Drained

Set Healthy Boundaries & learn to say "no"

Practice Meditation & Self-Compassion

Ignore your inner critic

Spend time in nature!

At the end of the day, it is important to recognize both the blessings and challenges of being an empath. In a world where so many people struggle to identify and express emotions, empathy can seem like a superpower. Embrace yours!