From an early age, my family labeled me as a sensitive soul. It wasn’t just that I occasionally shed tears; it was more profound. I have always been an individual who deeply feels the emotions of those around me. Like a sponge soaking up water, I absorb the energy of others, whether they’re joyful or sorrowful. This heightened sensitivity emerged when I was quite young.
In kindergarten, I vividly remember a moment when my classmate, Mia, fell on the playground and scraped her knee. The sight of blood frightened her, prompting tears. I rushed to console her but felt an overwhelming sense of panic when I couldn’t alleviate her distress. The fear in her eyes consumed me, and I struggled to maintain my composure. My attempts at comforting her—offering hugs and soothing words—proved futile, and I too found myself in tears. When the teachers arrived, they assumed we had both been hurt and took us to the nurse for care. At the end of the day, the nurse informed my mother that I seemed very upset but had no visible injuries.
My mom, familiar with my intense feelings, treated my emotional turmoil as seriously as Mia’s physical injury. She understood that, in many ways, I internalized the pain of those I cared about. While she may not have used the term, she recognized that I was more than just a sensitive person—I was an empath.
The distinction is essential. As Judith Orloff, MD, author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, explains, sensitivity exists on a spectrum. At one extreme are empaths, the most sensitive individuals, while the other end includes narcissists and sociopaths, those with “empath-deficient disorders.” My childhood self didn’t fully grasp why Mia’s pain affected me so deeply, but I now understand that empaths have a unique ability to absorb emotional and physical energy from others.
Yes, we’re diving into the realm of energy here. I know it may sound a bit out there, but many Eastern healing traditions have long acknowledged the existence of subtle energies, often referred to as shakti or prana. You might think of them as simply the “vibes” we give off. Recent studies have even confirmed the concept of “contagious emotions,” validating what many of us have intuitively known.
Empaths do more than relate to others’ feelings; we truly soak them in. Our experiences can be so intense that we struggle to differentiate between our emotions and those of others. This transfer of energy—what some might call superhuman empathy—is the hallmark of a genuine empath.
While it’s tempting to view empathy as a superpower, it comes with significant challenges. In a world filled with turmoil, empaths often feel weighed down by the emotional burdens of others. News stories and distressing images on social media can become overwhelming, as we find it difficult to compartmentalize pain. Our deep connections to others mean we care deeply, and this can lead to feelings of exhaustion and depression.
People often label empaths as overly sensitive or dramatic, but that doesn’t reflect the truth. As writer Jamie Lee puts it, “Empaths aren’t ‘too’ emotional; instead, they are simply in tune with their feelings and those of others.“
If you’ve ever found yourself rolling your eyes at the notion of heightened sensitivity, you’re likely among the many who fall somewhere in the middle of the sensitivity spectrum. But if you’ve experienced strangers opening up to you within minutes or felt an overwhelming connection to others, you might be an empath, too.
Being highly empathetic in a flawed world can be tough, but remember, you’re not alone. There are plenty of us out there who resonate with your experiences, sharing in your emotional journey.
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Summary
Being an empath is both a unique gift and a significant challenge, as it involves absorbing the emotions and energies of those around us. This sensitivity can lead to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion, particularly in a world filled with negativity. However, recognizing this trait can help empaths understand their experiences and find solidarity with others who share similar feelings.
Keyphrase: Being an empath
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