The trademark of an empath is that they feel and absorb other people’s emotions and/or physical symptoms because of their high sensitivities. They filter the world through their intuition and have a difficult time intellectualizing their feelings. But an empath doesn’t have to feel too much and be overloaded once they learn how to center themselves. The first step is to acknowledge that you are an empath. Here are the top 10 traits of an empath – see if you can relate to them!
- Empaths are highly sensitive – Empaths are naturally giving, spiritually open, and good listeners. If you want heart, empaths have got it. Through thick and thin, they are there for you, world-class nurturers. But they can easily have their feelings hurt. Empaths are often told that they are “too sensitive” and need to toughen up.
- Many empaths are introverted – Empaths become overwhelmed and crowds, which can amplify their empathy. They tend to be introverted and prefer one-to-one contact or small groups. Even if an empath is more extroverted they prefer limiting how much time they can be in a crowd or at a party.
- Empaths absorb other people’s emotions – Empaths are highly attuned to other people’s moods, good and bad. They feel everything, sometimes to an extreme. They take on negativity such as anger or anxiety which is exhausting. If they are around peace and love, their bodies take these on and flourish.
- Empaths are highly intuitive – Empaths experience the world through their intuition. It is important for them to develop their intuition and listen to their gut feelings about people. This will help empaths find positive relationships and avoid energy vampires.
- Empaths need alone time – As super responders, being around people can drain an empath so they periodically need alone time to recharge their batteries. Even if a brief escape prevents emotional overload. Empaths like to take their own cars when they go places so they can leave when they please.
- Empaths can become overwhelmed in intimate relationships – Too much togetherness can be difficult for an empath so they may avoid intimate relationships. Deep down they are afraid of being engulfed and losing their identity. For empaths to be at ease in a relationship, the traditional paradigm for being a couple must be redefined.
- Empaths are targets for energy vampires – An empath’s sensitivity makes them particularly easy marks for energy vampires, whose fear or rage can sap the energy and peace of mind.
Vampires do more than drain and empaths physical energy. The especially dangerous ones such as narcissists (they lack empathy and are only concerned with themselves) can make them believe they’re unworthy and unlovable. Other vampires include the victim, the chronic talker, the drama queen and more.
- Empaths become replenished in nature – The busyness of everyday life can be too much for an empath. The natural world nourishes and restores them. It helps them to release their burdens and they take refuge in the presence of green wild things, the ocean or other bodies of water.
- Empaths have highly tuned senses – And empaths nerves can get frayed by noise, smells, or excessive talking.
- Empaths have huge hearts but sometimes give too much – Empaths are bighearted people and try to relieve the pain of others. A homeless person holding a cardboard sign, “I’m hungry” at a busy intersection; a hurt child; a distraught friend. It’s natural to want to reach out to them, ease their pain. But empaths don’t stop there. Instead, they take it on. Suddenly they’re the ones feeling drained or upset when they felt fine before.
As an empath myself, I use many strategies to protect my sensitivity such as fierce time management, setting limits and boundaries with draining people, meditation to calm and center myself, and going out into nature. Being an empath is a gift in my life but I had to learn to take care of myself. Empaths have special needs. It’s important to honor yours and communicate them to loved ones. ~Awakening People