I'm an Empath, but I think many in this field are...

[Tammy Lin]

Someone asked me what an Empath was and to describe my ability as one...

This is it in a nutshell kids... Enjoy Tammy Lin

About Empathy and Empaths

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.

Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others.

Empaths Sense Deep Emotions

Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.

An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.

Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (ie: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.

Empaths Have Deep Sense of Knowing

Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.

There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individualís awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.

Empathy is Inherited

Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners.

Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.

Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another personís body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.

How Empathy Works

While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.

Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.

Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world.

Empaths Are Good Listeners

Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life's daydreamers, or even narcissistic.

They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.

Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light.

Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding.

Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one--if only for peace of mind.

Written by Christel Broederlow Copyright © 2002 Christel Broederlow Shortened Version from The Empath Report 101

Updated about a week ago · Comment ·LikeUnlike Write a comment...

[chbare]

While I think some people are good at being empathetic, I am not aware of any evidence that says this ability is preturnatural.

Take care,

chbare.

[Richard B the EMT]

Tammy, do you consider yourself a Medium, in the psychic sense?

A long time ago, I used to date a Medium. Turned out she was the daughter of a Deneh Navajo "Shaman", but she didn't know that at the time. She seemed to have some precognitive ability, as well as having the occasional visions.

How about you? Have you had any "precog" events, or visions? (I, personally, have had one, but will only send it to you on a PM, and only on your request. Suffice to say it involves a storm, an angry crowd, and Kennedy Airport)

By the way, a biography of this woman became partial basis for a Hallmark Hall of Fame Tele-movie on the CBS TV network back some 15 years ago, called "The Lost Child".

Edited April 11, 2010 by Richard B the EMT

[Kaisu]

Unnegated a negative for the OP. Someone posts an intelligent, readable post expressing a point of view not real popular with the just the facts macho EMS types and they get a negative without any explanation. That does not fly in a forum of discussion and debate.

"Touchy feely" stuff makes up some of the most rewarding and lasting experiences of our life. While I have a lot of arguments with the extrapolations and conclusions expressed in the original post I admire the OP's willingness to open him/herself to the flack that often results from these kinds of opinions.

If the post makes you uncomfortable or angry or dismissive, ask yourself why and express it, ideally with the quality of the post you are disagreeing with in the first place.

[chbare]

I do not think I'm being negative or unreasonable. Many of us have beliefs that are more or less faith based. However, if we are discussing empathy, why not debate the various types of evidence that support one view or another. I suspect more conventional concepts such as inflection, body language, and multiple other cues and the ability to be aware and interpret these said cues plays an important role in being empathetic.

Take care,

chbare.

[DwayneEMTP]

I do not think I'm being negative or unreasonable. Many of us have beliefs that are more or less faith based. However, if we are discussing empathy, why not debate the various types of evidence that support one view or another. I suspect more conventional concepts such as inflection, body language, and multiple other cues and the ability to be aware and interpret these said cues plays an important role in being empathetic.

Take care,

chbare.

I don't think CM was referring to your post. I think she was showing frustration at someone posting a negative point to the OPs post without explaining it as well as showing her displeasure at someone giving negative points to an opinion that they don't share, as opposed to an ignorant or purposely shoddy attempt at posting, while being too lazy to back up that feeling in intelligent conversation.

Both of which I whole heartedly agree with.

Be safe brother...

Dwayne

Edited to add text in italics for clarity.

Edited April 11, 2010 by DwayneEMTP

[chbare]

Ok, thanks. I did not see the offending post and assumed my post was interpreted as being overly negative.

Take care,

chbare.

[Eydawn]

There's no evidence for a myriad of beliefs, traditional or non-traditional... (organized religion vs. individual perceptions of the world.)

That's why they're BELIEFS. Someone posted a topic in the PERSONAL SIDE forum to explain their perceptions of empathy. You can disagree with it or agree with it as you choose, but to hit that post with a negative (and Dwayne's follow-up post, which I just corrected that on) is childish and severely unproductive. You don't have to believe in empaths, psychics, ghosts or anything else you don't want to believe in, but you also don't have to take a shit on someone for taking the time to lay it all out in a directed, logical and well-explained fashion.

I believe some people are sensitive to things that other people are not. I also have funny theories about how time works. Does that mean you're going to hit my posts with a negative, too? I think that's as good an explanation as I've seen from pretty much anyone...

I've had premonitions. I've sensed things that other people around me don't sense. Guess you can lump me in with the crazies.

Wendy

CO EMT-B

[DwayneEMTP]

...Guess you can lump me in with the crazies.

Wendy

CO EMT-B

Uh, yeah, did that years ago...Just sayin'...

I'm not a believer, but am also old enough to have discovered that many, if not most, of my most strongly held beliefs have proved to be bull pucky.

I have a hard time believing in those things that that lack empirical evidence, but also believe that there is much that we're unable to prove in a scientific manner. I worship the ground Babs walks on, I adore her, and believe I love her. As of yet I'm unaware of any scientifically verifiable data that proves and quantifies 'love', yet I still believe in it.

I think most paranormal experience is wishful thinking and the belief that "if I can't explain it then it must unexplainable, therefore mystic in some way." My personal experience has shown my paranormal experience to be simply my individual ignorance, not God sent, but I still am grateful that someone with an opposing, and possibly more enlightened intelligent view took the time, and had the courage to post.

Dwayne

[Tammy Lin]

Tammy, do you consider yourself a Medium, in the psychic sense?

A long time ago, I used to date a Medium. Turned out she was the daughter of a Deneh Navajo "Shaman", but she didn't know that at the time. She seemed to have some precognitive ability, as well as having the occasional visions.

How about you? Have you had any "precog" events, or visions? (I, personally, have had one, but will only send it to you on a PM, and only on your request. Suffice to say it involves a storm, an angry crowd, and Kennedy Airport)

By the way, a biography of this woman became partial basis for a Hallmark Hall of Fame Tele-movie on the CBS TV network back some 15 years ago, called "The Lost Child".

I don't consider myself a medium. But I get halos around people in distress and pending on the color of the halo I can tell what they are going through and can help pinpoint problems before even speaking to them. I've always wanted to work with someone to get more intuitive but it's hard to do with my schedule.