What is an Empath?
‘Empath’ is a modern term that describes individuals who share a unique set of traits, including heightened sensitivity, deep intuition and advanced empathy. If you have always felt the emotions of those around you intensely, you are likely an empath.
A Little Neuroscience
Current research in neuroscience shows that some of us produce a high number of ‘mirror neurons’ in the brain. These neurons are responsible for reading subtle cues in body language and the environment. This heightened sensitivity often develops as a survival mechanism during childhood.
In many empaths this wiring, is also combined with higher baseline levels of cortisol during times of stress. Because of this, neuroscientists believe heightened empathy is frequently found in individuals who experienced childhood trauma, though this isn’t always the case. The combination of increased mirror neurons and cortisol production creates a unique nervous system – one that can be overly sensitive to perceived threats and easily triggered, but also one that brings the beautiful gift of advanced empathy.
A Double-Edged Sword
By sensing how other people feel, we are able to respond intuitively to what they need the most. When balanced with awareness and self- care, we have so much to contribute to the healing of others, animals and our planet.
However, when it feels like a gift that cannot be switched off, or turned down, we can quickly become drained. Because we absorb so much, dedicated recovery time is essential for us to recharge our energy.
Over-Giving as an Empath and the Impact on Your Energy
Empaths are some of the kindest, most giving people. Your innate empathy brings a natural desire to help others and contribute toward a better world. However, it is incredibly common for us to over-empathise with the suffering of others, which can make our own energetic boundaries blurry. This is especially true if you are operating from survival trauma, which continuously impacts your sensitive nervous system and empathetic pathways.
As an empath, you might unconsciously ‘take onboard’ the emotions of those around you in an attempt to alleviate their unease, trying to process their discord through your own energy system. This disrupts your natural energy flow, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and depleted.
When we try to transform other people’s emotions for them, we essentially hold energy frequencies in our system that that don’t belong to us. We cannot change the choices of others or take away their personal learning and growth, no matter how much we desire harmony. By establishing clear boundaries and protecting our own resources, we become far more effective. We can then help others from a balanced place of personal resilience.
If this resonates with you, you can find out more about how we can work together.
You may also be interested in my blog post “Maintaining Self-Care in Relationships”.
Why Energy Clearing and Protection is essential for Empaths
Everything in existence is made up of energy and constantly interacts with the environment around it. This is why we naturally ‘pick up’ energy from people, places and objects. Cleansing your aura regularly is vital to keeping your energy clear so you feel vibrant, healthy, and positive.
Whilst we all master physical hygiene- showering, washing our hair and wearing clean clothes – most people aren’t aware that every aspects of our lives is reflected in our energy bodies, or Aura.Your aura benefits immensely from regular clearing and protection from the ‘elements’. Think of it like putting on a coat before you step outside to protect yourself from the weather.
What is Energetic Protection?
Energetic protection shields and clears our energy bodies from dense frequencies that can accumulate and drain your vital life force. There are many simple, active methods of using intention to protect, ground and clear your energy field.
If this resonates with you, we can work together to explore more effective ways to clear, ground, and protect your energy. Together we will look at the deeper patterns that maybe contributing to any imbalances so you can strengthen and maintain your energetic boundaries permanently.
