The Proper Care and Feeding Of Empaths
“You’re too sensitive!” When I was young, I heard that phrase a lot from family members, friends, and classmates. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained some new insights around what being sensitive means to me.
When you call someone sensitive, it can have different meanings ranging from being touchy, too emotional, or easily offended to being extra tuned in and intuitive.
A Highly Sensitive Antenna
As a psychic medium, my sensitivity has always come from being tuned into the energy of others. The same “antenna” that can easily pick up messages from Heaven tends to be affected by other people’s emotions in a very personal way. In fact, when someone is sensitive in this way, they actually take on the anger, sadness, or joy of others. There’s another word for people like that – they’re called empaths.
Empaths relate to others in a way that goes beyond caring or sympathy. Empathy is defined as the ability to strongly relate to and understand the thoughts and feelings or emotions of someone else. An example of empathy is feeling the same amount of excitement as a friend does when they tell you they’re getting married.
This is great when someone has good news, but being around people who are grieving, in pain, or holding onto a lot of negative emotions can be draining for an empath.
Feeling Other People’s Pain
Empaths sense the emotions of others. Psychic empaths feel other people’s pain without them saying a word and often experience it as their own. Psychic empathy is a type of empathic ability that allows an empath to tap into someone else’s emotional state or energy, usually without even knowing that they’re doing so.
This can be hard on the empath! When a psychic empath takes on the feelings and emotions of others, it can affect them in these ways:
– They typically feel drained after spending time with certain individuals.
– They may exhibit physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
– They can have lingering anxiety after taking on another person’s fear or sadness.
– They may feel depleted after spending time in large groups or around people who are physically ill.
Shielding your Sensitive Energy
People like being around empaths because they’re understanding and caring. They can have an easier time making friends and getting jobs because they tune into the other person and instinctively know what to say and how to relate to them.
But it’s not all fun and games! To experience more of the benefits and less of the discomfort of their unique nature, empaths must learn to safeguard their energy using psychic protection and shielding techniques.
The best way to shield your energy is by paying attention to people and situations that drain you and trying to avoid spending too much time there. Practice mindfulness to help you protect yourself. You might find that focusing on your breath quiets the mind and centers you in your body.
Energy Vampires
I’ve known people who make me feel uneasy and even physically uncomfortable for no obvious reason. These people might be energy vampires. When it comes to these individuals, I first try to avoid contact, but it’s not always possible or practical. That’s when I deploy my psychic buffer! I imagine myself surrounded by a thick wall of light and picture the negative emotions bouncing off before they can reach me. It sounds crazy, but it works! If I know I’m going to be around energy vampires, I take time to meditate and visualize my protective shield before I see them.
Emotionally Charged Situations
There are situations that are especially tough for empaths. Imagine if you were super-sensitive to being around other people’s fear and pain. If you’re an empath, you don’t have to imagine because you KNOW what this is like. How would you feel at a funeral, a hospital – even an airport or a dentist’s office? Your energy would be cluttered with the feelings of others. You can’t lock yourself inside, but you can be aware of the assault on your energy. Don’t linger in places that make you uncomfortable, and if possible, bring a calm, grounded friend along with you as a buffer. Finally, imagine yourself tuning your “antenna” down, so it’s not picking up every little vibration.
Clearing Out Energetic Debris
When you leave a triggering person or situation and still feel a little weighed down, take a moment to clear out that energetic clutter! Meditate, take a bath or a swim, or turn on some music and dance it out. Different techniques work for different people so try a few things and see what replenishes you.
Getting Used to Life as an Empath
The best way to shield your energy is by paying attention to people and situations that drain you and trying to avoid spending too much time there. Practice mindfulness to help you protect yourself. In any situation, you might find that focusing on your breath quiets the mind and centers you in your body. Spending time outside and connecting to nature is also grounding and helpful.
At the end of the day, there are upsides and downsides to being an empath. But when it comes to being a good friend and compassionate human, empathy can be a superpower. Use the techniques I’ve shared to set boundaries and shield your energy – then enjoy the upside of empathy!
Responses
I suddenly and tragicly lost my dad 4 years this December. I’ve gone down an dark path after losing him and if I could get the chance to get a reading with you to get some answers from him I feel that would help me sooo much more to come back from the dark path that I find myself in. I know he wouldn’t have wanted any of what’s going on right now and I feel so bad and guilty for it…. I’d give anything just to hear him say that even in a dark time of my life, he’s still proud of me and proud to call me his daughter…. my mom sometimes reminds me that shes proud of me but its not the same as it would be to hear it from him…. I feel like he’d have more nice things to say then my mom would and she’s still here… that might be one of the biggest things that suck…. hearing your mom say she’s proud of you but can’t say anything else posative it’s hard to belive that she is or anyone is proud of me…. I hope my dad, AND my gram are both proud…. it breaks my heart to think there not but that’s not enough to kick me out of this dark hole I’m stuck buried in…. I feel like the only thing that would help me get better and not even think about turning down this road again…. would be to just hear from them one more time…. I need it right now, I need their guidance on what to do… please help Matt.
Hi Matt my name is Lindsay and I live in Richmond, VA. I desperately need to do a reading with you because I am losing more and more of my willpower everyday and I’m all my little boy has left. I don’t trust anyone else but you to help me with this.
One of the goals that the ‘higher powers’ sets is self improvements. All mortals have this ability, but it is a choice…should I go through this lifetime hoping others will help me, or will I strive to create a personal self that thinks about helping others… and then does it.
I really love the way you break things down. You really make it easy to understand the gifts that we all have inside of us, and to be honest it puts so many things for myself into a huge perspective! I am not at the level you are with your ability to see and hear the spirit world (NOT YET) but with so many of your videos and now this website (which I can’t believe this is the first time I am actually even seeing your site, SHAME ON ME, lol) all the things you say and the way you break down how to develop ones own psychic abilities and ways to cope with the gifts that we are aware that we already have; they all are beyond helpful and I appreciate the knowledge and the work you do! I love that your not stingy with your gift and that you push to make people believe in themselves. It must be a Rhode Island thing cause I too am from good ol “Little Rhody” we grew up 10 minutes away from each other. Wanna be best friends? I’m actually the best kind of friend to have! Not to toot my own horn but toot toot! But I love what you do and the way you love yourself and the way you love your family and the way you genuinely love what you do! It’s all very admirable. Keep bringing loved ones together being a healer isn’t always easy but it’s worth it in the end. And that’s why I was given the gifts I have because being able to help heal others makes me feel amazing. Knowing I made a difference for someone in there time of need (without even knowing it sometimes) gives me motivation and confidence and more love to keep believing in myself. Who knows maybe I’ll see you in the market, and get to meet you in person! I deserve that for sure. The universe is already putting us in place as I speak this into existence. Thanks again!
I, Walt Landers in California admire your positive energy. Good fortune to you.
Hi m .I no this is sumthink diffrant .but I had a visitation from my dad .After he past away in my sleep I can not Wright everything that happened as it will take to long .but it was amazing thing that happened I fort I was going crazy .but after this happened to me it was like sumone entered my body took all the hurt out and put a since of love and pice in me .the room I was in felt very strange .but after all this I never cried again .and I no its a beautiful place to be .so am not afared to die .but don’t want to yet as I have lots to do before my time is up .just wanted to share this regards Julie donnelly
Hi Mat I listen to most of you reading that you do for people and I am amazed I lost my Son in1994 he was only 23 and I never got closer I always wondered when he got hit with a pick up truck with a plow I ask God to save him but he did nt he was brain did I always thought that it was my fault as I was the one how had to say pool the plug , I really need to no If he is alright hope I hope so My husband pas in 2016 I would like a reading sometime.but if I can I would like it as a video read. I pary and hope you understand were l am coming from. Hope to here from you at some point I live In FLORIDA. GOD GOD BLESS
I’ve come to realize in the last few years that I am an empath. Being around a lot of noise and people can be difficult so I spend a lot of time alone. I am glad to learn of some techniques to shield myself so I can be mire social again.
Hello Matt,
I just finished reading your new book and it has really touched my life. Thank you for writing it. It is so well written and the purpose is so clear to me – you truly use your gift to help people. At the end of the book I was led to this place where I just read this a out being an empath. I have been crying because this describes me!!! I am a psychic empath and have been since early childhood. When I was in college I met and began training with Rev Helene Gerling. Her spirit was so amazing. I learned about meditation and discovered that I was able to use psychometry to give readings. I even did readings with her at a large auditorium in Tampa. Then I have a blank in my memory which is normally excellent. I just cannot recall why I stopped there with my training. Later I married a man who turned out to be horrible. I will leave all that at but the point is that I lost myself during the years I was married to him. I am trying to get back into meditation and trying to find me again. I always have a weird sensation that tells me I am meant to do something else with my life. I have had this on and off for a few years but just cant quite read the message enough to know what to do. I am getting to old to figure it out at 67. I feel extremely young though. Thank you for letting me talk here. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOK AND THE WORDS ON THIS PAGE!!! Renee
after a coma i feel a certain blackness or darkness if im talking with someone or hear a conversation and its potentially bad or can i feel lead to a harm it will not go away until i tell them about it even as crazy as it may sound but after ive told them wheter or not they believe me or change the course my blackness or dark feeling goes away ..its almost like i need to give them a chance at a change in course …please dont think im a crazy ..
It’s truly a blessing and a curse…sometimes I’m at war within myself bc I let the emotions take over…when that sudden rush hits like a ton of bricks! A semi trurk collides with my soul…awesome if it’s positive, but awful if it’s negative. How can I take a step back before reacting? Thanks Matt and congrats on the wedding!
First of all Congratulations on you 2 getting married. What a blessing you have in each other!!! I to have been bullied by telling certain people things in my childhood. Also had to deal with not only good but evil spirits as well. Growing up in a very haunted house was complete terror for my sister, my friends. and pets to. I also pick up on the past, present and sometimes the future. Pick up on feelings of pain and happiness. God’s creation helps. At times it’s hard to block or read. Especially since my daughter passed. I saw it before she was born. Right afterwards and a few times before she passed. I saw if her name was Bridgette Leanna she would have a hard life. No one believed me. She saw her own death to. To turn it off and on is hard for me. As a kid it was easy when I was young. It freaked out my mom, sister and friends so I tried to shut it off. My grandparents and my uncle had this gift along with a cousin.
My husband still gets freaked out at times.
Goodness me.. I could not have explained that better my self.. it’s a tough ability to have. But it tought me to trust my gut more than anything.. My gut talks more than my mouth hahaha.. stay safe Matt og congrats on the wedding ❤
I LOST MY SON 16 YEARS AGO VERY SUDDENLY I AM 76 WHY DID God take my son Jim I need to know why I miss hi. So much very sad Mom.
I’ve always felt weird or different from others and way to sensitive. But reading this gives me insight on why I can walk into a house or around some one and feel the feeling I get. I’m a server and sometimes its hard to deal with people and when I have my off days I feel so drained that I would rather just be with my family.
I recently lost my brother and after the sadness of him passing, (He died in the ICU unit from COVID with no family there) After that, I felt so peaceful and telling everyone he was happy that his whole family was talking and getting along.
I have been pleased with my acquaintance with Fraser’s abilities. We watched John Edward’s exhibitions for several years, along with Allyson what’s her names :)… I have enjoyed the psychic education from these leaders. I am ‘gently’ envious of psychics who can communicate with our non-mortal friends and relatives. I border on it… have experienced some contacts, and was told by a panel of psychics in Marin County that I have advanced ‘healing’ powers. Then I was photographed by an Aura discovery exhibit, who confirmed that my aura was, is orange… for healing. I only use it for close friends, my wife and relatives. (skepticism seems to stop the ‘flow’) Anyway, good luck in your psychic pursuits.
I Melissa Calcitrai am an Empaths & a HSP a Highly Sensitive Person & certain things I can’t watch because , every little thing gets to me even watching a Soap Opera because, I just get drawn into the Soaps Opera that I usually cry even going to church & certain songs I just want to cry . On rainy days I get depressed it’s just tiring & I wish I wasn’t like this. I also know when people pass away because I get lower back pains . I always know a head of time & sometimes I wish I wasn’t like this & I stay away from negative people that never has anything nice to say & also people who are Narcissist & Energy Vampires .
Very helpful information. Thank you!
I am so happy i found you today. I have been an empath for as long as I can remember. I feel everything so deeply. I am very sensitive, so try to limit my contact with people. I do not associate with negative people anymore. I have found them to be so draining. Big crowds are the worst. I have a hard time shielding myself from all the energy. Reading this article has brought a huge sense of calmness. I’m looking forward to learning more on how to connect with and control this gift.
My youngest sister past away in 2009 and I lost myself for a little over a year after that. It was the most painful time of my life. It still hurts today. I refer to this period of time as my crazy days. I know my sister is my guardian, I feel her presence when she is near. I also can feel the presence of other family members. I am hoping I can learn how to communicate with them all.
I am so sensitive to people Im connected to that I can sense how they are feeling before they call. I even get music playing in my head letting me know they’ll be calling. I can feel where people are hurting. My back starts seizing up when around stressed or anxious people. It can leave me in agony and unable to walk if im around too long. Its rough at times. I will react to things other people are feeling and it wont have anythibg to do with whats going on in my life.
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