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Question Time: Empaths

Do you think one can be an Empath and dont have much empathy for the human race? Do you think that an Empath are to involved with empathy as an emotion to be able to split the ability from the person?

This is why I am asking this question: I have always been a bit more sensitive and early on in my life long before I discovered paganism, I use to "switch on" to people and like most Empaths will tell you I had my ear bend in all directions to accommodate peoples fears, pain and sadness... however as I became older and discovered Paganism and subsequently researched more about being an Empath, I chose to switch this off, as I was emotionally drained and I have become intolerant of people and their constant need to blab their lives to me... I just did not care anymore and anger and pain was driving me insane... (more than likely theirs) - over the years I have managed it very well, by staying away from crowded places, keeping people at a distance etc., however it seems the box I have put it in - no longer wants to stay shut. I want to re-discover this - but with more control.

Do you have tips to share, especially ones which I can use to keep myself sane!!!

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Permalink Reply by Chrissylynn~Starlight Butterfly on March 9, 2011 at 11:04pm
Can't wait to hear the responses as I deal with all of the things you talked about and I would like to be able to switch it on and off. There are times were I am so drained...

Right now especially, I am very close with the girl who lives next door we are becoming super good friends, well her bedroom butts up against ours and her boyfriend and her at ends with each other. I can shield during the day but at night I seem to not be able to block myself and I am having terrible nights sleep.

A light switch would be great. ON- OFF (my choice)
Permalink Reply by Benjamin on March 10, 2011 at 3:14am
LOL Chrissie - I think we both know there is no switch and we both would love to have one... I am hoping to get an answer that would help me focus and teach me to block unwanted feedback at will even whilst sleeping...
Permalink Reply by Wren Silverleaf on March 10, 2011 at 5:27am
Hi Ben,

This is a great question. I am the type of empath that, if not careful, will soak up other's emotions like a sponge. It can sometimes be difficult to realize that I don't own the emotions, as I can be an emotional person on my own. If I do my daily shielding, I can in general stay within my own emotional boundries.

After an emotianal rollercoaster of a weekend a few years ago, a friend of mine recommended a book to me. Empowered by Empathy : 25 Ways to Fly in Spirit by Rose Rosetree. I recommend this all the time to people. Rose Rosetree teaches techniques to use your empathy, share space with others without loosing yourself and how to come home to your own space. She doesn't just teach how to use your empathy, but how to do so when you want to. She understands that untrained, an empath can be overwhelmed by outside influences.

~Blessings
Laura
Permalink Reply by Benjamin on March 10, 2011 at 10:19am
Laura that is great advise - do you have the ISBN Number (the bar code number at the back typically)
Permalink Reply by Wren Silverleaf on March 12, 2011 at 9:01am
ISBN 0-9651145-8-9

Here you go. :D

~Laura
Permalink Reply by John Thomas on March 10, 2011 at 9:50am
You attune to the emotions and even the thoughts of everyone.
Don't switch off this, just focus it in order to help yourself and those who want your help.

It isn't a gift. It is something anyone can develop.
Accept that not everyone wants your help and that they may refuse your help.
So don't help them. Let them continue their bad habits and laziness to ruin.

The last case that I have been asked to help on, I met with a police group that refused to give the person in question a lie detector test, and they refused to follow-up on tips given by famous psychic Sonja Grace.

The crime will be solved if they follow-up, yet they still refuse. And they have let the case grow cold. No justice for the murdered.

I have washed my hands of it all.
Permalink Reply by Wild Juniper on March 12, 2011 at 6:55pm
I know what you mean about becoming emotionally (and even physically) drained because people would come to you about their problems. For as long as I can remember people have been telling me things that begin with, "I've never told this to anyone," or just everyday frustrations and grievances. I also tend to pick up on people's emotions. When they are happy, that's great, I feel fine and energetic. But when they are upset, it's hard not to let it get you down too. I will be honest, I too, have had moments where I just felt like I didn't care anymore. We bring so much upon ourselves and then feel as if it happened TO us, not because of us. Also, because of all this listening, I find I start to think with a victim's mindset as opposed to someone who deals with it.
I am getting better though. My solution: Meditation. Nowadays it feels like that is what I am telling everyone to do, but really, do not underestimate the power of meditation!! Relieves stress and helps me let go of so much of the icky. And I would also say that through meditation or spells you can learn to develop a sphere of protection. You can psychically protect yourself! I know some have suggested books, I am sure those books include exercises and suggestions on how to protect oneself. I wish you luck!
Permalink Reply by Cerridwen Freya on March 14, 2011 at 12:08am
MM everyone. I'm glad to have found this discussion and felt better that there were a few brave souls here that wanted to discuss about EMPATH. I, too, had a hard time "turning off" what I've always called "waves of feelings" that I encounter everyday. Working in the medical field doesn't make it any easier when all you hear about is complaints of pain. It takes only 2 mins to sit with a patient and I get all their feelings and emotions of sadness, confusion, pains, anger, distrust, and anything in between, to just tower over me if I don't get myself in the right mindframe before going into each patient's room.

Just like Wren, I'm like a sponge and will soak up anything presented to me if I don't Block/Shield and Ground myself everyday. In the morning, I sit in front of my devotional altar even just for 5-10 mins to prepare for the day. Mediation before going to work, during my lunchbreak (so I can recharge) and after work, preferably before I get back into my vehicle. I really don't want to take any of those "ill-feelings" and negativity back home with me because it makes me very irritable and my hubby and dogs will get it. Thanks to some of the books I've read about it and the classes I'm taking here @ WSI, I'm learning more and more about Meditations, Blocking/Shielding and Grounding and keeping my Chakras in-check and balance as well so I can prepare for what's ahead of me everyday.

As much as would like to just flick an "On-Off" switch, I chose not to. I don't want to end up missing on some important information while talking to my patients that may help me help them with their issues or info that can be for "life & death" situations. As for my non-medical life, I've learned to just "filter" out unnecessary stuff. I don't know it all but I think at 40, I can honestly say using my common sense has saved me a lot of grief.

Love and Light.
Cerridwen Freya
Permalink Reply by Benjamin on March 16, 2011 at 6:29am
Dont know how many of you are in the UK... here is a simple situation which I have experienced just a few days ago... I was walking along Oxford Street (London) minding my own business... next thing I am in a state - wave after wave of emotion spilling over me - I had to stop and compose myself. Tears were forming in my eyes and I just wanted to roll into a ball and cry... I desperately started to scan the people around me to see if I can "test" myself to see if I can find the source - but it was all around and my first thoughts were - oh god, London is in danger, please just no bombs...

Fast forward - 6pm news... Japanese citizens in London were having an impromptu concert for Japan at a nearby store from where I was, raising money for the survivors... This grouping can certainly raise a lot of emotion... was I tapping into these emotions?

Is meditation enough to protect yourself - or is there a "12 step program" to learn how to deal with this (WS any course material?)
Permalink Reply by Pumpkin Eater on March 14, 2011 at 2:48am
If your Question is: Can I be Empathic without being a doormat for humanity.

Then the answer is: Yes.

I'm also trying to discover my empathic spine. :)
Permalink Reply by Benjamin on March 14, 2011 at 3:15am
Davin, nice way of explaining. Yes I think that is what I meant! In the past I have been a "doormat" and as I am getting older I feel the need to reach out and try to help where possible, but I dont want to be a rubbish collector or doormat.
Permalink Reply by Pumpkin Eater on March 15, 2011 at 5:26am
Hi Benjamin,

Yes I think it's part of us (you and me) creating healthy human boundaries. We have a human right to those boundaries. The responsibility rests with us.

I am far too sensitive over things. I often 'mull' over emotional situations more than is healthy.

I need my space. I'm probably too much of a loner, but it's a survival mechanism.

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