What is an Empath

In September of 2015, Joy channelled my spirit guide Amy and during this conversation, Amy discussed a number of terms that people are using loosely throughout the spiritual world of references. One of these references that has been misconstrued throughout the years is the term of Empath.

Over the years, many people have published a variety of information in books and websites, people love to use labels and in some way or another, a term used is bended for someone to fit within those parameters. There are many websites that list criteria for Empaths and Sensitives to try and differentiate the difference but this term is used lightly.

Amy was saying that a true Empath can pick up and feel or sense what others feel AND think, yet for some reason, the term has become synonymous with mere sensitivity or even spirituality and is very much clouded by ego again. It is quite the phenomena and she asked both Joy and/or myself to write a piece of what really an empath is and how to help those whom would like to develop their skills can do.

What is an Empath?

A true empath can pick up and feel/sense what others feel and think.

I’ve gone ahead and created a new category for ‘Guidance’ which offers guidance on various topics. These will be a mixture of channelled messages from Amy and/or others as well as information from personal knowledge/experience from myself or guests that have been asked to write articles.

I began writing an article back in September on my old site ‘forgone.org‘ but never got around to publishing the article as we moved on to another topic. So this is what I found to be the important components of what it is like to be an Empath as I’ve been reminded many times that my strongest ability is being Empathic.

Reference.com defines the following:

EMPATHIC

of, relating to, or characterized by empathy, the psychological identification with the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of others. Also, empathic. [em-path-ik] /ɛmˈpæθ ɪk/

SENSITIVE

– quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences
– endowed with sensation; having perception through the senses.
– having acute mental or emotional sensibility; aware of and responsive to the feelings of others. /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/

As can be seen above in the different definitions of Empathic & Sensitive, the sensitive can also be described as having the ability to be aware of and respond to the feelings of others. Whereas, the only reference that is used in the traditional sense of referring to a dictionary for definitions for empathic does indeed refer to ‘thoughts’. This is the primary difference between an Empath and a Sensitive (also referred to as HSP, Highly Sensitive Person).

There was a recent article that was shared by a Facebook page which discussed that in this person’s own opinion that a HSP is the same as an Empathic. Which, the biggest thing that has not been mentioned in this person’s post on identification (and many other websites about identification) is the reference to being able to understand what another feels and thinks.

In truth, Empaths that aren’t as well versed in their abilities do indeed find it rather challenging at times to cope, especially when it comes to not having the awareness that they are picking up another’s thoughts and feelings. It can be quite daunting for a person whom is also new to learning about this ability, the same as a sensitive as well. One of the things that I’ve discovered that works for me is to strengthen my energy field. I do not believe that one must be shielded to not receive any information as it is the same as living in a cocoon and being shut off to the world. I will also mention, that even someone whom is well advanced in their abilities can also find it challenging when they are not rested enough as they too can be knocked about by other people’s thoughts and emotions. Honestly, whilst it is daunting and sometimes difficult, it is a truly remarkable gift.

As I’m writing this, Amy is reminding me that a good way to work with both sensitivity and empathic abilities is to work with ascension, by raising what we refer to as our ‘internal antennae’ to a higher chakra. Her discussion on Ascension which dates back to June 2015 along with a revised version of how I do my ascension meditation will be the next post.