TRAITS OF AN EMPATH

Part 1

Empaths are often quiet achievers and not ones to brag about their talents and interests.  They 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 if another cares to listen (regardless of how much they like to listen to others). 

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 more inclined to pick up another’s feelings and project it back without realizing its origin in the first place.   Talking things out is a major factor in releasing emotions in the more aware empath.  Empaths can develop an even stronger degree of understanding so that they can find peace in most situations.    The downside is that empaths may bottle up emotions and build barriers sky-high so as to not let others know of their innermost thoughts and/or feelings.  This withholding of emotional expression can be a direct result of a traumatic experience, an expressionless upbringing, or simply being told as a child, "Children are meant to be seen and not heard!"

Without a doubt, this emotional withholding can be detrimental to one’s health, for the longer one’s thoughts and/or emotions aren't released, the more power they build.  The thoughts and/or emotions can eventually becoming explosive, if not crippling.  The need to express oneself honestly is a form of healing.  To not do so can result in a breakdown of Mind, Body and Soul and result in mental/emotional instability or the creation of a physical ailment, illness or disease.

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.  (It takes a great deal of understanding and self-awareness to be more accepting of the harsher realities of life.) 

You will find empaths working with people, animals or nature with a true passion and dedication to help them.  They are often tireless teachers and/or caretakers for our environment and all within it. Many volunteers are empathic and give up personal time to help others without pay and/or recognition.

Empaths may be excellent storytellers of fantasy and reality due to an endless imagination, inquisitive minds and ever-expanding knowledge.   They can be old romantics at heart and very gentle.  They are also likely to be the “keepers�?of ancestral knowledge and family history.  If not the obvious family historians, they may be the ones who listen to the stories passed down and possess the majority of the family history.  Not surprisingly, they may have started or possess a family tree.

They have a broad interest in music to suit their many expressive temperaments, and others can query how empaths can listen to one style of music, and within minutes, change to something entirely different.  Lyrics within a song can have adverse, powerful effects on empaths, especially if it is relevant to a recent experience.  In these moments, it is advisable for empaths to listen to music without lyrics, to avoid playing havoc with their emotions!

They are just as expressive with body language as with words, thoughts, and feelings.  Their creativity is often expressed through dance, acting, and bodily movements.   Empaths can project an incredible amount of energy portraying and/or releasing emotion.  Empaths can become lost in the music, to the point of being in a trance-like state; they become one with the music through the expression of their physical bodies.  They describe this feeling as a time when all else around them is almost non-existent.