30 Traits Of An Empath - How To know If You're An Empath

[rgray222]

This list has been added to and slightly modified to be a bit more accurate.

What is an empath?

Being an empath is when you are affected by other people’s energies, and have an innate ability to intuitively feel and perceive others. Your life is unconsciously influenced by others’ desires, wishes, thoughts, and moods. Being an empath is much more than being highly sensitive and it’s not just limited to emotions. Empaths can perceive physical sensitivities and spiritual urges, as well as just knowing the motivations and intentions of other people.

You either are an empath or you aren't. It’s not a trait that is learned. You are always open, so to speak, to process other people’s feelings and energy, which means that you really feel, and in many cases take on the emotions of others. Many empaths experience things like chronic fatigue, environmental sensitivities, or unexplained aches and pains daily. These are all things that are more likely to be contributed to outside influences and not so much yourself at all. Essentially you are walking around in this world with all of the accumulated karma, emotions, and energy from others.

Source: Spirit Science & Metaphysics: To Read More (http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/30-traits-of-an-empath-how-to-know-if-youre-an-empath/)

http://www.evolutionezine.net/wp-content/uploads/empath.jpg

Here are 32 of the most common traits:

1. Knowing: Empaths just know stuff, without being told. It’s a knowing that goes way beyond intuition or gut feelings, even though that is how many would describe the knowing. The more attuned they are the stronger this gift becomes.

2. Being in public places can be overwhelming: Places like shopping malls, supermarkets or stadiums where there are lots of people around can fill the empath with turbulently vexed emotions that are coming from others.

3. Feeling others emotions and taking them on as your own: This is a huge one for empaths. To some they will feel emotions off those near by and with others they will feel emotions from those a vast distance away, or both. The more adept empath will know if someone is having bad thoughts about them, even from great distance.

4. Watching violence, cruelty or tragedy on the TV is unbearable: The more attuned an empath becomes the worse it is and may make it so they eventually have to stop watching TV and reading newspapers altogether.

5. You know when someone is not being honest: If a friend or a loved one is telling you lies you know it (although many empaths try not to focus on this because knowing a loved one is lying can be painful). Or if someone is saying one thing but feeling/thinking another, you know.

6. Picking up physical symptoms off another: An empath will almost always develop the ailments off another (colds, eye infections, body aches and pains) especially those they’re closest to, somewhat like sympathy pains.

7. Digestive disorders and lower back problems: The solar plexus chakra is based in the centre of the abdomen and it’s known as the seat of emotions. This is where empaths feel the incoming emotion of another, which can weaken the area and eventually lead to anything from stomach ulcers to IBS (too many other conditions to list here). Lower back problems can develop from being ungrounded (amongst other things) and one, who has no knowledge of them being an empath, will almost always be ungrounded.

8. Always looking out for the underdog: Anyone whose suffering, in emotional pain or being bullied draws an empath’s attention and compassion.

9. Others will want to offload their problems on you, even strangers: An empath can become a dumping ground for everyone else’s issues and problems, which, if they’re not careful can end up as their own.

10. Constant fatigue: Empaths often get drained of energy, either from energy vampires or just taking on too much from others, which even sleep will not cure. Many get diagnosed with ME.

11. Addictive personality: Alcohol, drugs, sex, are to name but a few addictions that empaths turn to, to block out the emotions of others. It is a form of self protection in order to hide from someone or something.

12. Drawn to healing, holistic therapies and all things metaphysical: Although many empaths would love to heal others they can end up turning away from being healers (even though they have a natural ability for it), after they’ve studied and qualified, because they take on too much from the one they are trying to heal. Especially if they are unaware of their empathy. Anything of a supernatural nature is of interest to empaths and they don’t surprise or get shocked easily. Even at the revelation of what many others would consider unthinkable, for example, empaths would have known the world was round when others believed it was flat.

13. Creative: From singing, dancing, acting, drawing or writing an empath will have a strong creative streak and a vivid imagination.

14. Love of nature and animals: Being outdoors in nature is a must for empaths and pets are an essential part of their life.

15. Need for solitude: An empath will go stir-crazy if they don’t get quiet time. This is even obvious in empathic children.

16. Gets bored or distracted easily if not stimulated: Work, school and home life has to be kept interesting for an empath or they switch off from it and end up daydreaming or doodling.

17. Finds it impossible to do things they don’t enjoy: As above. Feels like they are living a lie by doing so. To force an empath to do something they dislike through guilt or labelling them as idle will only serve in making them unhappy. It’s for this reason many empaths get labelled as being lazy.

18. Strives for the truth: This becomes more prevalent when an empath discovers his/her gifts and birthright. Anything untruthful feels plain wrong.

19. Always looking for the answers and knowledge: To have unanswered questions can be frustrating for an empath and they will endeavour to find an explanation. If they have a knowing about something they will look for confirmation. The downside to this is an information overload.

20. Likes adventure, freedom and travel: Empaths are free spirits.

21. Abhors clutter: It makes an empath feel weighed down and blocks the flow of energy.

22. Loves to daydream: An empath can stare into space for hours, in a world of their own and blissfully happy.

23. Finds routine, rules or control, imprisoning: Anything that takes away their freedom is debilitating to an empath even poisoning.

24. Prone to carry weight without necessarily overeating: The excess weight is a form of protection to stop the negative incoming energies having as much impact.

25. Excellent listener: An empath won’t talk about themselves much unless it’s to someone they really trust. They love to learn and know about others and genuinely care.

26. Intolerance to narcissism: Although kind and often very tolerant of others, empaths do not like to be around overly egotistical people, who put themselves first and refuse to consider another’s feelings or points of view other than their own.

27. The ability to feel the days of the week: An empath will get the ‘Friday Feeling’ if they work Fridays or not. They pick up on how the collective are feeling. The first couple of days of a long, bank holiday weekend (Easter for example) can feel, to them, like the world is smiling, calm and relaxed. Sunday evenings, Mondays and Tuesdays, of a working week, have a very heavy feeling.

28. Will have an overwhelming feeling of deep sadness without knowing why. When a close friend or family member experiences an event that touches their soul with deep sadness the empath may feel the same and have no idea why. If they are lucky the info will eventually be shared and the reasons for the sadness will become clear.

29. Sense the energy of food: Many empaths don’t like to eat meat or poultry because they can feel the vibrations of the animal (especially if the animal suffered), even if they like the taste.

30. Can appear moody, shy, aloof, disconnected: Depending on how an empath is feeling will depend on what face they show to the world. They can be prone to mood swings and if they’ve taken on too much negative will appear quiet and unsociable, even miserable. An empath detests having to pretend to be happy when they’re sad, this only adds to their load (makes working in the service industry, when it’s service with a smile, very challenging) and can make them feel like scuttling under a stone.

31. Most people can feel music but an empath can also feel colors, art and even numbers. Many empaths can look at or hear a string of numbers and know that they feel right or wrong. Many can recite odd numbers that carry special meaning from decades ago. Also empaths (at least the one that can see color) feel something when they see paintings or strong images and colors.

32. Has occasionally felt a moment of clarity with the universe. Most empaths describe the feeling as a fleeting moment of absolute clarity that cannot be sustained for long periods.

If you can say yes to most or all of the above then you are most definitely an empath.

Empaths are having a particularly difficult time at the present time, picking up on all the negative emotions that are being emanated into the world from the populace.

[Snowflower]

Well, I was right there until #28 and #29. Other than those two, that's a description of me. One problem is putting #17 and #21 together. I can't stand clutter, but I find it very difficult to clean because I don't like doing it, lol.

[Zaya]

Wow. Thanks so much for this. This literally describes me to a T.

I did not know I was an empath for most of my life (because I did not know what that was -- had never heard of it), but I always always always knew I was different. Being an empath is definitely considered a gift, but take it from me: it is something you have to take an active role in or else you will end up like I did -- medicated for extreme anxiety and panic attacks and a huge wreck. If you are an empath, the best thing you can do for yourself is cut out all those "energy vampires" from you life RIGHT NOW. My life has greatly improved since learning that I had to do that.

[Blacklight43]

Yes to 28 of the 30.
thanks for this thread. Confirms my suspicions of many years.

[Shezbeth]

Add me to this list. Only 24 and 29 seem less/not applicable; all others carry from strong to emphatic agreement.

I would especially like to hang banners and ribbons around Zaya's above post; 100% consistent with my experience.

Food for thought: Is a greater empathy the natural (unmodified and/or unadultered) expression of human potential?

[DeDukshyn]

Hmm ... the only trait I don't have on that list is 28 .. heh, but at the same time, the antiques have to "feel" right to me. ;) Not surprising, I always have been an empath - extremely strong traits as a child.

Being an empath is a horrible double edged sword. Number 9 is the story of my life ...

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

14.

if an empath is introduced/pressured into hunting during childhood, the talents may develop in a different (dark/evil) direction.

respect for life in general MUST be enforced or there is a chance that the empath may become predatory.
Treatment of animals also affects what kind of positive/negative entities may focus/inhabit an empath.

Just FYI, and one of the reasons these people can be really scary in addition to really wonderful.

[Zaya]

Hmm ... the only trait I don't have on that list is 28 .. heh, but at the same time, the antiques have to "feel" right to me. ;)

Being an empathy is a horrible double edged sword. Number 9 is the story of my life ...

Number 9? HECK YES ME TOO, DeDukshyn. And it is ROUGH. I actually started writing a book at one point that told the stories of strangers who offloaded on me. I called it Conversations with Strangers ha. I decided to abandon the project because I found that it caused me to hold on to their problems rather than get rid of them.

Sometimes, I feel like I must be "pinging" them a bit more than usual because there will be certain periods of time where it just overflows! I even avoid grocery shopping because of it sometimes. Do you fid that too?

The worst, though, is definitely not the strangers. The worst is when your friends/acquaintances/coworkers or even boss start doing it. I have noticed that it becomes almost an addiction to them. I have unfortunately had to cut out a few close friends from my life for this very reason. It hurts because I still care the exact amount I always did for them, but emotionally I cannot support them and stay sane. And when I make the mistake of letting space and time make me believe that we CAN fix it, they fall immediately back into their dumping habits.

Being an empath is a paradox for this reason. You feel totally connected to almost everyone like you know them -- because you DO! You know them on a deeper level than would be possible. However, no one really knows you on that same level, so it can be very isolating.

[DeDukshyn]

Hmm ... the only trait I don't have on that list is 28 .. heh, but at the same time, the antiques have to "feel" right to me. ;)

Being an empathy is a horrible double edged sword. Number 9 is the story of my life ...

Number 9? HECK YES ME TOO, DeDukshyn. And it is ROUGH. I actually started writing a book at one point that told the stories of strangers who offloaded on me. I called it Conversations with Strangers ha. I decided to abandon the project because I found that it caused me to hold on to their problems rather than get rid of them.

Sometimes, I feel like I must be "pinging" them a bit more than usual because there will be certain periods of time where it just overflows! I even avoid grocery shopping because of it sometimes. Do you fid that too?

The worst, though, is definitely not the strangers. The worst is when your friends/acquaintances/coworkers or even boss start doing it. I have noticed that it becomes almost an addiction to them. I have unfortunately had to cut out a few close friends from my life for this very reason. It hurts because I still care the exact amount I always did for them, but emotionally I cannot support them and stay sane. And when I make the mistake of letting space and time make me believe that we CAN fix it, they fall immediately back into their dumping habits.

Being an empath is a paradox for this reason. You feel totally connected to almost everyone like you know them -- because you DO! You know them on a deeper level than would be possible. However, no one really knows you on that same level, so it can be very isolating.

Having these traits quickly led me to be able to see the disease that exists in almost all human minds. It is a complex disease and has a life or energy of its own, or rather, it feeds off emotions. Empaths feel their emotions much more strongly than others, and thus are good food for this disease.

Imagine a foreman getting reamed out and basically **** on by a grumpy manager for no reason. The disease has now affected the foreman if he in any way has any reaction to the verbal / emotional vomit that was directed at him. Once he contracts this disease he becomes angry and subconsciously seeks to rid it so he yells at a worker for no good reason, and feels better. Now if the worker reacts emotionally in any way the cycle starts again. Strangely the "disease" seems to be able to pick its own targets.

Thus, this concept has been "personified" as the work of demons or archons but it really can be seen as a simple disease of the mind that affects everyone.

The only way to combat it is to work on a healthy relationship with your emotions which means distance from them -- not detachment, because your strong emotional system also allows you to "feel" and is responsible for other empathic traits. But to distance from them means you stay fully aware that you are not your emotions, and others people thoughts or problems have nothing to do with you. This can help tame those emotions from reacting, and with practice immunity to reacting to other peoples emotions is the goal, while maintaining your subtle communication system (your emotions) so you can still be a good empath.

All that said. it is still rough and requires constant self "training"

My 2 cents ;) This is a conceptual description.

[heretogrow]

Yes to all but 28 and 29. I would also add that empaths can feel the negative and positive values of sounds and frequency.We can also feel plants crting for water or sunlight. We seem to be very much influenced by the actions of our sun and solar system, and storms both natural and manmade. The winds from a natural storm seem to invigorate and stir our creativity. Manmade disasters have the feeling of being an evil entity or spirit, like someone's death or pain was used to conjure up the storm.

We are also food for the energy suckers, and I would go so far as to say that maybe we smell different, because those narcistic, vampiring types can pick us out of a crowd any day.

These are just a few personal observations. Thanks for this thread!

Much Love,
Julia

PS- As children growing up we don't have the knowledge of what is polite or tactful so we blurt out what we know or sense. We can be miss understood as sneaky, or eavesdroppers or know- it-alls. In our innocence, we feel everyone else is just like us and we do not know we are doing anything wrong. It is too often to our disadvantage when people find out how different we are for that can be used against us in manipulative ways.

[Imagift]

When I first saw this "30 Traits of an Empath" I was shocked as I finally found something that clicked. All of them apply to me. I've always been sensitive, so much that I absorb peoples handwriting when I sit next to them. Thanks for posting.

[Lone Bean]

I fit the bill for most by far except I have no problem buying second hand. Often I sense the previous owners of clothing/items have passed on. I tell them "thank-you" and that I will treat the items with respect. A large cooking pot was a particular favorite item of a lady who had passed, but she was glad I got it and that i enjoyed using it.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

Yes to all but 28 and 29. I would also add that empaths can feel the negative and positive values of sounds and frequency.We can also feel plants crting for water or sunlight. We seem to be very much influenced by the actions of our sun and solar system, and storms both natural and manmade. The winds from a natural storm seem to invigorate and stir our creativity. Manmade disasters have the feeling of being an evil entity or spirit, like someone's death or pain was used to conjure up the storm.

We are also food for the energy suckers, and I would go so far as to say that maybe we smell different, because those narcistic, vampiring types can pick us out of a crowd any day.

These are just a few personal observations. Thanks for this thread!

Much Love,
Julia

What if the outgoing vs. narcissistic people who "prey" on them, are as I was saying, just two sides of the same coin;
i.e. both classes have high-grade psychic ability, but one one side you have energy incoming, on the other side, outgoing,
much like a black hole, lol.

In the other post I mentioned behavior toward animals, i.e. hunting animals vs. nurturing animals, as a major point of divergence in the development of "normal" and "dark" empaths.

lol

To the Batcave!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/10/Batcavelee1.jpg

"Batman's Psychic Twin: Episode 155"

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_large/0/3125/309922-796-123223-1-batman.jpg



http://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/pet-sixth-sense.htm

Can animals predict death?
by Jacob Silverman

In July 2007, a fascinating story emerged in the New England Journal of Medicine about a cat that could "predict" the deaths of patients in a nursing home several hours before they died. Oscar, a cat adopted by the staff of the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, R.I., has at least 25 successful predictions, in which patients died hours after the cat sat down by their beds.

After the nursing home's staff caught on to Oscar's ability, they began alerting families whenever the cat took up his post next to a patient. Most families tolerate or even welcome his presence, though Oscar becomes upset if forced out of the room of a dying patient, meowing outside the door.

Oscar's actions appear deliberate. He regularly wanders around the home's unit for patients with advanced dementia. He sniffs and watches a patient before sitting down with her. Oscar then purrs while sitting with the patient and usually leaves soon after she dies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silence_of_the_Lambs_(novel)


The Silence of the Lambs is a novel by Thomas Harris. First published in 1988, it is the sequel to Harris' 1981 novel Red Dragon. Both novels feature the cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, this time pitted against FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling.

http://www.vectorsland.com/imgd/l4687-scary-yin-yang-4757.jpghttp://www.literaturebitch.com/wp-content/uploads/drama-masks-233x300.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMnnzEyG5ug/TjWAsRnbWhI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/Cjf4DKsu39Q/s1600/angels%2Band%2Bdemons-3.jpg




.....You are your own worst enemy....

....Into the mirror black.....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/62/Silence3.png/330px-Silence3.png

Jame Gumb (silence of the Lambs) dancing in the mirror

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8cpwjMLzSts/TB_6iu_PK8I/AAAAAAAAAbE/tUa8QQ0Jzq0/s1600/n47220839045_1637735_4125.jpg

[heretogrow]

Ok so now I will let you know how weird I really am, :). Some of us feel like we can communicate with mother earth and the sun as well as her inhabitants. I think I may have mentioned this on another thread a long time ago, but each time I greet the son, I do so with a melodious, Helloooo Gorgeoussss! I know some will say this is my imagination but the sun will actually twinkle or ramp up at this greeting as if to say it acknowledges my admiration. Often times, not always depending on my state of awareness, the earth seems to answer with her wind.

Laugh if you must but both of them have become a part of my everyday life!

Much love,
Julia

[Lone Bean]

I didn't know I was an empath. If those 30 traits are truly representative of empathy, then there is no doubt I am one. Thanks for the information-it helps me understand something about myself tha has been puzzling and somewhat irritating.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

Ok so now I will let you know how weird I really am, :). Some of us feel like we can communicate with mother earth and the sun as well as her inhabitants. I think I may have mentioned this on another thread a long time ago, but each time I greet the son, I do so with a melodious, Helloooo Gorgeoussss! I know some will say this is my imagination but the sun will actually twinkle or ramp up at this greeting as if to say it acknowledges my admiration. Often times, not always depending on my state of awareness, the earth seems to answer with her wind.

Laugh if you must but both of them have become a part of my everyday life!

Much love,
Julia

I am not laughing at you, I think there's something to this stuff.

Have you tried bird-calling?
You might be very surprised -- to get them warmed up, make a few physical noises (similar to their calls).
Then when you feel like calling to them again, stop (but imagine the feeling and also imagine "sending" the request to the bird to approach you).
And see if the birds pick up on your intentions/mental image/psychic call.

You might end up feeling a lot like Snow White by the end of this.
A good time to make friends with birds is during fishing, apparently.
Since it's a mutual interest, any predatory bird will be curious about humans fishing.

they might be extremely excited about what you are doing and very open to suggestion from another fisher. lol!

Today, I had an owl, two ospreys (one directly over my head), and a crane sitting next to me, all within 75 feet,
and they were all making noises except for the crane. LOL

The ospreys were answering whistles very readily, and they were answering other sorts of summons, apparently.

i was impressed by their sensitivity.

birds of prey actually suffer great loneliness in the wild.
like wolves and dogs, they have emotional needs that humans often indulge.

p.s. owls are extremely happy and proud after making a catch/kill, and vocalize afterward. they make a sort of "coughing" noise while happy, it's sort of like a morbid owl version of a laugh. and they get super excited when they see another predator get something.

p.p.s. ospreys are hugely cheerful birds who love people. they fly over fishermans' heads looking at the stringers/buckets to see who is catching the most. they pick a "favorite fisherman" and follow him/her around. they sing and whistle constantly, and love answering whistles and are very aware of people.


p.p.p.s. cranes are not hugely social but appreciate knowing when they are "safe". they are very shy and particular about WHO they spend time with.

[heretogrow]

Thanks Tesla! I try not to be my own worst enemy, lol! Though I know in all honesty what you have stated is exactly true. The key to balancing this has been to allow those whose feel the need to use lower based vibrations or negative energies, to just be themselves. Otherwise, I take those on in an attempt of resistance and become just like them or worse. Somehow we need to learn and often relearn not to control how others process things and use the energy the way it works for each of us. I am not at all there yet! Sometimes, when it gets to be too much I react, and cause negative karma to myself. Other times I just run away. But I am really trying to learn from all of it. I will be the first to admit I have a long way to go!

Much Love,
Julia

[DeDukshyn]

I didn't know I was an empath. If those 30 traits are truly representative of empathy, then there is no doubt I am one. Thanks for the information-it helps me understand something about myself tha has been puzzling and somewhat irritating.

Its not a definitive test, I'd say, but an indication. Most humans have most of those traits to some extent. Having most of those as main traits is indicative.

My 2 cents ;)

[heretogrow]

I have never tried bird calling but my mom and I joke that if we are witches the birds are our familiars. I do know birds are very sensitive to human emotion. Once while meditating in my back yard, I stopped, and it took a few seconds for my consciousness to enter back into the body. To my surprise, them moment I felt connected to the body, hundreds of birds (which unbeknownst to me in that state had settled in the bushes and trees in my back yard) all flew away in a giant flock at once. It let me know that they were attracted to the bliss that I felt during meditation.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

I have never tried bird calling but my mom and I joke that if we are witches the birds are our familiars. I do know birds are very sensitive to human emotion. Once while meditating in my back yard, I stopped, and it took a few seconds for my consciousness to enter back into the body. To my surprise, them moment I felt connected to the body, hundreds of birds (which unbeknownst to me in that state had settled in the bushes and trees in my back yard) all flew away in a giant flock at once. It let me know that they were attracted to the bliss that I felt during meditation.

Your mom's joke holds water. They apparently are THE most sensitive animals in terms of raw ability.
Maybe not the most caring or emotional themselves, but the most perceptive.
Cats are hard to beat but they care less about engaging. Birds are always open, so to speak.
Parrots maybe a bit less so, they're grouchy.


Your experience must have been really wonderful with the flock of birds.
Once when I tried meditating, first time actually that I tried it myself in public, a red helicopter with water pontoons on the legs landed right in front of me in the lake.
I took it as a great insult from whoever it is told us to meditate in the first place.

With you, they are attracted to the bliss, with me, the piss lol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taking_the_piss

Taking the piss is a British term meaning to take liberties at the expense of others, or to be unreasonable. It is often used to mean (or confused with) taking the piss out of, which is an expression meaning to mock, tease, ridicule, or scoff.

_______________________________



Do you ever wonder if you were cursed in your last life, or perhaps some unwanted godling etc lol

[heretogrow]

Here is a very sad truth to being so feeling... sometimes animals and inanimate objects are easier to deal with than actual people. When I say I run, sometimes it just gets so overwhelming that I have to be off by myself in nature to replenish. Nothing else seems to work. It can make for a lonely life as far as handling people on an intimate basis. Acquaintances don't really cause a problem. It is as if I am most affected by those I love. It makes being very close to people exhausting.

[Zaya]

Seems like we have a lot of empaths here. Very interesting! Maybe it is more common than I thought?

EDIT: Also, anyone else here basically refuse to watch war movies? I only do when basically pressured into it lol. I own probably 250 movies and not one of them is a war film.

[DeDukshyn]

Ok so now I will let you know how weird I really am, :). Some of us feel like we can communicate with mother earth and the sun as well as her inhabitants. I think I may have mentioned this on another thread a long time ago, but each time I greet the son, I do so with a melodious, Helloooo Gorgeoussss! I know some will say this is my imagination but the sun will actually twinkle or ramp up at this greeting as if to say it acknowledges my admiration. Often times, not always depending on my state of awareness, the earth seems to answer with her wind.

Laugh if you must but both of them have become a part of my everyday life!

Much love,
Julia

I really get what you are saying.

When I was young, we rented a trailer (poorer times I guess .. heh, irony ;)) next to a field and backed on to crown land. A little creek ran nearby, with willows growing along it. In the fall the creek would dry up completely but get pretty heavy in the spring. Nothing much around, two neighbours within about 4 square miles; I had to walk a mile to the bus stop (for real).

My mom grew up on a farm and was pretty casual about allowing me to have a lot of freedom of movement around there, maybe she felt bad I had no one close enough to be able to play with almost ever. Surprised she wasn't more worried about dangerous animals.

This freedom I had on this land made it like paradise to me. I spent almost all my time just "out there", exploring, watching animals, searching for new plants / fungi; just taking it all in. I "felt" it completely. I could "feel" each day - each day had its own "feeling" I don't know how to really explain it - like a complex form of emotion where I could feel everything distinct like how we see distinctly. Each season felt distinct and thinking back, I would have had no need for a calendar if I knew they existed.

I was fully connected with the land. I had no fear of animals; I recall walking to the bus stop one morning and seeing a bear. I chose to see how close I could get to it before it ran away. Pretty close actually! But it had no interest in me - I put it to the fact I had no fear. I used catch snakes and "play" with them, didn't even know they could bite, lol. Never bit.

I lived at this location for three years when I was 6-9 yrs old. When we moved, I was devastated. I fell into a depression, and I was never able to get that connection to land and nature again quite back as it was. But at the same time I haven't had the opportunity to regularly be with the land the way I would like, or was at that time. The way humans mostly live rules this out completely. A trip here or there to the forest isn't even close.

So that's my long way of saying I know exactly of which you speak ;)

[Sidney]

Yep, all but 28 and 29 although the more time that passes the less meat I ingest. And the second hand stuff, I happen to find most new things kind of offensive somehow. I prefer second hand and antiques, as I find the energies from older things soothing somehow, kind of like broken in jeans. They just feel good.
However, buildings, thats another story. :)

[DeDukshyn]

... sometimes animals and inanimate objects are easier to deal with than actual people ...

I just busted a gut laughing at this ... "sometimes"???!! ;)

[Sidney]

I have know for a while that I am empathic, but I have to say this is the best list of traits I have seen. Thanks for sharing. I would like to add something to the list and would like to know if you guys agree. ........I find that NOBODY understands me.

[rgray222]

EDIT: Also, anyone else here basically refuse to watch war movies? I only do when basically pressured into it lol. I own probably 250 movies and not one of them is a war film.

One of my rules that I have followed for many years is not to watch any TV or movies that makes its money from human suffering. This is not to say that I don't watch documentaries about poverty and sickness, I do and I also love a great suspense movie because I know that it is not real. That said more and more television is about man's inhumanity towards humanity. While there is much of that happening they refuse to tell the positive story and there is much more of that happening everyday.

It is unfortunate that the media focuses on the negative, it would lift mans consciousness quicker if we had as much positive, honest news. Positive news simply does not sell.

[heretogrow]

Thanks DeDukshyn for sharing that. I felt as kids we must have been two peas in a pod! I can still get lost in the woods and nature which is one of the main reasons I moved back in with my parents when they got older and needed help. I gave up many freedoms and became "a kid" again because in their eyes I am still their kid. The woods behind their house has been a godsend to my trying to integrate this new life hear into my path. I had other ideas for my future. But it is all good. I have noticed though when people get old and they are afraid of dying they have a need to control what they can around them. That is a challenge. Old people also like routine and familiar things and are not so tolerant of doing whatever feels right on a given day. That is seen as irresponsible. My daughter who lives here too, is learning many wonderful traits. Like how to be patient, how to look beyond herself and think of others and their needs, how to accept others for their fears and vulnerabilities, and how to see the seasons of life and accept change. When it all gets too much we still head off into the woods and get lost in tis magic.

[heretogrow]

Sidney, I have to admit that not until this list, I didn't understand me! Let alone all the others who just shake their heads. It is weird. I was considered strange all of my life and now I have a daughter who is just like me which I have felt guilty for passing on such unpopular traits to in the past. There are challenges but perhaps it is better to be so vulnerable and felling than totally out of touch. Time will tell!

I also connect with many people who are considered to have mental illness. I have stopped lying though. I have begun to admit that I am seen as having the same afflictions. I won't take medications so I have to develop new ways to handle it. You would be surprised how many people who think, act and feel different from others are labeled and considered mentally ill and unworthy. I don't hide anything anymore and just let it all out in the open. I figure then I don't have to carry the weight of pretending to be something entirely different from what I am discovering I am.

[shadowstalker]

I match up to all but this 24. Prone to carry weight without necessarily overeating

[heretogrow]

Shadowstalker! Love you sister! Lucky you not to carry the extra weight. I have trained my mind not to see it! LOL!

[Dorjezigzag]

I don't usually like these put people into boxes type classification questionnaires but this one I did find interesting.

Of course this is not the definitive 30 questions, it is someone's ( or maybe group) opinion based on their own experience.

I think I can relate to all of them accept the weight protection thing although I have seen this in some people I perceive as being sensitive, Anodea Judith often talks about this in her books. She writes how the location of the fat protection can often relate to the chakra of that area and is often a result of childhood abuse

So yeah I can really relate but if you can't I don't necessarily think that means you are definitely not an em-path.

As Tesla was talking about I think empaths can get pretty nasty, one reason is possibly because they are so sensitive they develop techniques to switch off (cut off), which can make them the opposite of empathetic.

After frequently having everyone's rubbish offloaded on them you can't blame them from wanting some form of protection.

There is a comedy called Paul about an alien and he heals people by basically taking the illness into himself, he then has to overcome this illness himself. There is a scene where he nearly does not manage to do this, which I can really relate to.
http://www.geekpeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/PaulMovie.jpg
Most people see healing as something that is emitted from a person and I think that often this is the case but healing can often be drawn from the person as well, which the healer then has to deal with. This is the struggle of the empath

[Frederick Jackson]

Great thread. It seems like it should always have been here! I have a little story:

There used to be an "empaths" board on AOL that I joined even though I am not an empath. I did it because the people were open and honest and caring and intelligent. I participated with a number of postings in mid to late 1997. Then one day something bad happened. Someone came in who I felt was evil and I decided then to leave the forum rather than deal with it. (Maybe I was a coward. But I also subscribe to Jesus' dictum "resist not evil" as when you tangle with evil you are generally going to be taken down by it Remember, you are the one with something to lose, so save the fight for when it really matters or you have no choice.)

Can anyone here tell me if they find this peculiar: I had left a message where I had said something to the effect that one may experience a state of oneness from time to time if one is fortunate, but to be in this state of being most of or all of the time it seemed to me was something only "masters" such as a Jesus of Nazareth might experience. You might call it the difference between a state of being and being in that state as your "station". Well, next thing I know I see a message posted in response to this post of mine stating that (I paraphrase) "Nonsense, you do not need to be a Jesus to arrive at this station, it is not that hard." Tell me please, why did I react so strongly to this statement, feeling without any doubt that there was something evil about this person? It does not seem like such a big deal on the face of it. Or does it?

Well, some years later I contacted one of the empaths by email. When I mentioned the empath board she said that she quit the board too at about the same time I did. She felt that something had gone bad (I forget her exact words).

It is bad enough when evil enters any forum to subvert or poison it, but for empaths it must be many times worse. i wonder if there is any forum now for empaths. It seems from the posts above that the Project Avalon Forum has enough empaths for it to be -- to a certain extent -- just such a forum!:sing:

[ghostrider]

I never thought about being an empath but, dang I got all 30 , all those things I do them normally, I thought it was just the way to live ...

[skyflower]

Over the years I have gone to the other extreme for an empath, which is to block out everything. It was a survival mechanism kicking into high gear, after being the dumping ground for most of my life. Finding a balanced middle ground is not easy, but I guess that's part of the lesson.

[crosby]

i learned a while back here on PA that I was an empath, but your list really confirms it for me. thanks so much. now i know a little bit more, an it is very helpful. again, thanks!
warmest,
crosby

[Joanne Shepard]

This is a cool thread, I don't want to leave. Wow
Thank you for starting it.

[jagman]

Excellent Thread rgray222!

I share many empath characteristics.I really dont know if that makes me an empath but
I find it very interesting. I remember when I was working at the prison before my shift
would start I would sit in the parking lot sometimes an hour before my shift would start
and I wouild try to talk myself into walking in.I knew once I entered the prison gates
a deep troubling feeling would come over me. ( It felt like death)

[Wind]

In addtion to being an empath, are you highly sensitive (http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm)? I know that I am, but most of the time I wish I wasn't. I can relate to the suffering of others as it if was mine. Especially when I see animals being abused it hurts my soul, after all they are our companions. Humans are more responsible because we are free to choose... And wisely we should choose. Pros and cons of being a highly sensitive empath? Well, I can "see" and feel more, like multidimensionally. I see it all. Otherwise, it's a a burden.

In addition, I wonder that how many of us empath's are INFJ's or INFP's? See this (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58489-Free-Personality-Test-and-Type-Descriptions). :rolleyes:

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

Did the empaths get tired at the same time or what???

*stirs the cauldron*

I ordered DOUBLE toil and trouble, please??

p.s. how weird, right after posting this, a crow tapped on my balcony railing,
looks like I have a new familiar :)

p.p.s. just because animals are motivated by food doesn't mean they can't love you. Feeding an animal is like giving part of your life to them. that's how they see it. not all of them care how cheap it is either, a life is a life, and they are grateful when we make their easier.


it was crows and ravens who brought bread and hope to the prophets of the ages.
and it is the prophets who bring bread and hope to them, when it looks like nothing but war and darkness coming.


they are one of the few animals capable of enjoying life as it is, an ironic accident watching the anvil fall on itself... lol



THE WILD HUNT

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Aasgaardreien_peter_nicolai_arbo_mindre.jpg/1200px-Aasgaardreien_peter_nicolai_arbo_mindre.jpg

see the little black shock troops? lol

[Sidney]

In addtion to being an empath, are you highly sensitive (http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm)? I know that I am, but most of the time I wish I wasn't. I can relate to the suffering of others as it if was mine. Especially when I see animals being abused it hurts my soul, after all they are our companions. Humans are more responsible because we are free to choose... And wisely we should choose. Pros and cons of being a highly sensitive empath? Well, I can "see" and feel more, like multidimensionally. I see it all. Otherwise, it's a a burden.

In addition, I wonder that how many of us empath's are INFJ's or INFP's? See this (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58489-Free-Personality-Test-and-Type-Descriptions). :rolleyes:

INFP. I just took it. So far your suspicions are correct. :)

[Zaya]

In addtion to being an empath, are you highly sensitive (http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm)? I know that I am, but most of the time I wish I wasn't. I can relate to the suffering of others as it if was mine. Especially when I see animals being abused it hurts my soul, after all they are our companions. Humans are more responsible because we are free to choose... And wisely we should choose. Pros and cons of being a highly sensitive empath? Well, I can "see" and feel more, like multidimensionally. I see it all. Otherwise, it's a a burden.

In addition, I wonder that how many of us empath's are INFJ's or INFP's? See this (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58489-Free-Personality-Test-and-Type-Descriptions). :rolleyes:

INFP. I just took it. So far your suspicious are correct. :)

I am also an INFP! Curious.....

[Wind]

Hahaa, I knew it! I'm INFJ, borderline INFP. All empaths should try that test and tell their results here. :P

[Hervé]

Dear empaths,

Here are a few words about your "natural" predators...

EMPATHIC PEOPLE ARE NATURAL TARGETS FOR SOCIOPATHS – PROTECT YOURSELF (http://www.addictiontoday.org/addictiontoday/2013/10/empathy-trap-sociopath-triangle.html)

October 30, 2013

The empathy trap: therapists and counsellors almost by definition are empathic, to facilitate clients’ recovery – but this quality can mean those carers are targets for sociopaths, aided by what Dr Jane & Tim McGregor call “apaths”. The first UK article on this cruel sport shows how to identify and thus avoid it.

Print-friendly version: Download AddictionToday145-Sociopath-empath-apath-triad (http://www.addictiontoday.org/files/addictiontoday145-sociopath-empath-apath-triad.pdf)


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00763a59970c-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00763a59970c-pi)


People targeted by a sociopath often respond with self-deprecating comments like “I was stupid”, “what was I thinking” of “I should’ve listened to my gut instinct”. But being involved with a sociopath is like being brainwashed. The sociopath’s superficial charm is usually the means by which s/he conditions people.

On initial contact, a sociopath will often test other people’s empathy, so questions geared towards discovering if you are highly empathic or not should ring alarm bells. People with a highly empathic disposition are often targeted. Those with lower levels of empathy are often passed over, though they can be drawn in and used by sociopaths as part of their cruel entertainment.

Sociopaths make up 25% of the prison population, committing over twice as many aggressive acts as other criminals. The reoffending rate of sociopaths is about double that of other offenders, and for violent crimes it is triple.

But not all sociopaths are found in prison. There is the less-visible burden of sociopath-induced emotional trauma which, if left unchecked, can lead to anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Chronically traumatised people often exhibit hypervigilant, anxious and agitated behaviour, symptoms such as tension headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, back pain, tremors and nausea.

Exposure to and interaction with a sociopath in childhood can leave lifelong scars. This can apply to people in therapy – and for those who in recovery trained as therapists, re-exposure as an adult can trigger old emotions and PTSD.

This article is not about sociopaths per se but about surviving the harm they cause.

EVERYDAY SOCIOPATHS


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00766b1b970b-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00766b1b970b-pi)


Many sociopaths wreak havoc in a covert way, so that their underlying condition remains hidden for years. They can possess a superficial charm, and this diverts attention from disturbing aspects of their nature.



The following case history illustrates how people can be systematically targeted until they feel they can barely trust their own sense of reality – what we call “gaslighting”. Sociopathic abuse is targeted abuse. It can wreck lives. Victims can become survivors, but at huge cost.

At school, ‘James’ took a dislike to a classmate, ‘Sam’, who was sensitive and popular. He would mock him for auditioning for the school play or for getting upset over failing a test. The situation deteriorated when it became known that Sam’s parents were separating. Sam appeared to be taking it with fortitude, to the admiration of his peers. He also got attention and sympathy from the school staff, especially James’ favourite teacher: ie, the one he manipulated most easily.

James decided on a plan of covert bullying. He started a whispering campaign implying that Sam’s parents were not splitting up, that he had said they were in order to seek attention. Sadly, this was all too successful and over the next few days Sam was met with silence and verbal bullying from his hitherto-supportive classmates.

James continued his campaign, targeting Sam’s close friends over the next few days. They found themselves accused of misdemeanours such as sending offensive emails/texts. Then the ‘favourite’ teacher went on “leave with immediate effect” after accusations of assaulting a pupil. Where had the accusations come from?

Guess.

This case shows how deliberately sociopaths, from a young age, can target others. Taking advantage of people’s credibility and goodwill, James exploited the situation. With a more perceptive head teacher, this sociopath might have been found out, but he knew who to manipulate and how far he could go.

SEE THE EMPEROR/EMPRESS’S CLOTHES


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b0076a222970d-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b0076a222970d-pi)


To deal with sociopaths effectively, you first need to open your eyes. In The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Anderson, two weavers promise the emperor a new suit of clothes that is invisible to those who are stupid and unfit for their positions. When the emperor parades before his subjects, all the adults, not wishing to be seen in a negative light, pretend they can see the clothes. The only truthful person is a child who cries “But he isn’t wearing any clothes!”. You, too, need to see sociopaths as they really are.

We are conditioned to keep quiet, which often means turning a blind eye to or putting up with abuse. The boy in the tale represents those who see the problem behaviour for what it is and find the courage of their convictions to make a stand. Sight becomes insight, which turns into action. Awareness is the first step in limiting the negative effects of contact with a sociopath.

INTERACTIONS OF THE SOCIOPATH


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b007646a4970c-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b007646a4970c-pi)


Let’s look at what we term the Socio-Empath-Apath Triad, or Seat. Unremitting abuse of other people is an activity of the sociopath that stands out. To win their games, sociopaths enlist the help of hangers-on: apaths.

The apath. We call those who collude in the sport of the sociopath apathetic, or apaths. In this situation, it means a lack of concern or being indifferent to the targeted person.

We have highlighted the importance of seeing the problem for what it is via the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes, which represents the collective denial and double standards which are often a feature of social life. The apath in this context is someone who is willing to be blind: ie, not to see that the emperor/empress is naked.

Apaths are an integral part of the sociopath’s arsenal and contribute to sociopathic abuse. Sociopaths have an uncanny knack of knowing who will assist them in bringing down the person they are targeting. It is not necessarily easy to identify an apath; in other circumstances, an apath can show ample empathy and concern for others – just not in this case. The one attribute an apath must have is a link to the target.

How apaths, who might otherwise be fair-minded people, become involved in such destructive business is not hard to understand, but it can be hard to accept. The main qualifying attribute is poor judgment resulting from lack of insight. They might be jealous of or angry at the target, and thus have something to gain from the evolving situation.

At other times, the apath might not want to see the ‘bad’ in someone, particularly if the sociopath is useful. Or they might choose not to see because they have enough on their plate and do not possess the wherewithal or moral courage to help the targeted person at that time. Usually, be it active or passive involvement, the apath’s conscience appears to fall asleep. It is this scenario that causes people blindly to follow leaders motivated only by self-interest.

Readers might know of Yale University professor Stanley Milgram’s experiments to test the human propensity to obey orders, as participants gave increasingly large electric shocks to subjects. Afterwards, he wrote an article, The Perils of Obedience: “Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process”.

Apaths are often fearful people. They are the ones most likely to go with the flow, to agree that the emperor/empress is wearing new clothes. They might also fail to perceive the threat: a danger is of no importance if you deny its existence. An apath’s response to a sociopath’s call to arms can then result from a state of ‘learned helplessness’. Apaths behave defencelessly because they want to avoid unpleasant or harmful circumstances . Apathy is an avoidance strategy.


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b007678bf970b-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b007678bf970b-pi)


The empath. Often, the person targeted by the sociopath is an empath. Empaths are ordinary people who are highly perceptive and insightful and belong to the 40% of human beings who sense when something’s not right, who respond to their gut instinct. In The Emperor’s New Clothes, the empath is the boy who mentions the unmentionable: that there are no clothes.

In the 1990s, researchers suggested that there was a positive relationship between empathy and emotional intelligence. Since then, that term has been used interchangeably with emotional literacy. What this means in practice is that empaths have the ability to understand their own emotions, to listen to other people and empathise with their emotions, to express emotions productively and to handle their emotions in such a way as to improve their personal power.

People are often attracted to empaths because of their compassionate nature. A particular attribute is that they are sensitive to the emotional distress of others. Conversely, they have trouble comprehending a closed mind and lack of compassion in others.

Very highly empathic people can find themselves helping others at the expense of their own needs, which can lead them to withdraw from the world at times.

It is odd. Most of us enjoy watching films and reading books about heroes who refuse to go along with the crowd, which suggests there is something admirable about people who make a bold stand. But in real life, watching someone raise their head above the parapet often makes the rest of us feel queasy. Most – the 60% majority – prefer the easy life. It was interesting to discover, when doing the research for this book, how often people see empaths in problematical terms.

Empaths use their ability to emphasise and to boost theirs and others’ wellbeing and safety. Problems arise for empaths, however, when there are apaths in the vicinity. Empaths can be brought down, distressed and forced into the position of the lone fighter by the inaction of more apathetic types round them.

THE SOCIOPATHIC TRANSACTION


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b0076b54f970d-120wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b0076b54f970d-pi)


Often empaths are targeted by sociopaths because they pose the greatest threat. The empath is usually the first to detect that something is not right and express what s/he senses. As a consequence, the empath is both the sociopath’s number one foe and a source of attraction; the empath’s responses and actions provide excellent entertainment for sociopaths, who use and abuse people for sport.

The world of the empath is not for the faint-hearted. In the context we are discussing, empaths often find themselves up against not only the sociopath but often a flock of apaths as well. Apaths are afforded pole position in the sociopath’s intrigues. But this prime spot comes at a price for, in what we call the “sociopathic transaction”, the apath makes an unspoken Faustian pact with the sociopath, then passively or otherwise participates in the cruel sport.

SOCIOPATH-EMPATH-APATH TRIAD


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00765486970c-120wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00765486970c-pi)


The usual set-up goes like this: the empath is forced to make a stand on seeing the sociopath say or do something underhand. The empath challenges the sociopath, who straight away throws others off the scent and shifts the blame on to the empath. The empath becomes an object of abuse when the apath corroborates the sociopath’s perspective.

The situation usually ends badly for the empath and sometimes also for the apath, if their conscience returns to haunt them or they later become an object of abuse themselves. But, frustratingly, the sociopath often goes scot free.

Sociopaths rarely vary this tried-and-tested formula because it virtually guarantees them success.

Sociopaths draw in apaths by various means: flattery, bribery, disorienting them with lies. A sociopath will go to any lengths to win her game. The best way to illustrate the interplay, and the ease with which apaths are pulled in, is by another short story.


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00769e8e970d-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00769e8e970d-pi)


‘Steve and Robin’ were microbiologists at a prestigious university, collaborating on an important vaccine trial. The department head, Ben, hoped to gain substantially; success could see his status in his field rise and prove the catalyst for a glittering career.

His colleagues worked relentlessly collecting data, then Ben drafted a paper for submission to a respected journal. He decided that the outcome didn’t look tantalising, so falsified key results in order to present findings in the best light. On completing the draft, he sent the paper for comment to his colleagues. Steve replied by email that he was happy with the manuscript; he used the opportunity to suck up to his boss. But Robin was aghast, noting colossal errors. With great urgency, he rattled off an email to Ben.

Receiving no response to this or a phone call, Robin went to find Ben in person, discovering him in the cafeteria with Steve. But he was too late. Ben had poisoned Steve’s mind, saying that Robin had challenged him over the accuracy of the results, due to a longstanding grudge. Ben said he had to pull Robin up about his own work several months back. Steve was different, Ben implied. He intimated Steve would be on course for promotion “especially if we get this paper out and secure funding for the next-stage trials”.

By the time Ben joined them, Steve, though initially shocked, had been won over by Ben’s swift flattery and insinuations

Robin crossed the cafeteria to them. “Hi, you two got a moment?” Briefly there was an awkward silence. Steve exchanged a look with Ben, who gave a slight conspiratorial smile, now that the transaction was done and the sport under way. “Yes, we were just talking about the paper. By the way, I did see your email, but if you look at the paper thoroughly, I think you’ll find that everything is correct.” Steve replied with a smug look that “I’m with Ben on this one”. Robin was floored. “You can’t be serious? You’re happy for it to go off to be reviewed with all these serious errors? Our reputations will be left in ruins.”

He decided to make a stand. He asked for his name to be removed as a co-author but was exasperated to learn that it was sent off to the journal anyway. More frustratingly, it was published. Meanwhile, the workplace became a source of stress for Robin as he struggled to cope with the backlash from colleagues who saw his intervention as an attempt to sabotage their work. People avoided him and, when they did talk to him, the conversation was stilted.

Eventually Robin arranged a meeting with Ben to have it out once and for all. But Ben took control of the agenda. “Robin, I have to be honest with you, many of your colleagues are unhappy about the way you handled things and some have made complaints. They don’t trust you to conduct yourself professionally after you attempted to sabotage their hard work. Mercifully the reviewers saw what a fine trial we’d conducted and didn’t get wind of your attempted slur.

“We can’t afford to have a saboteur on the team. So I’ve discussed this with the dean and he agrees there is no future for you here, and there’s no other way to deal with this. You’ve got to go.”

Any phase of this story sound familiar?

THE GASLIGHTING EFFECT


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00765d40970c-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00765d40970c-pi)


In the story above, the actions of Ben and Steve have a ‘gaslighting’ effect on Robin. Gaslighting is a systematic attempt by one person to erode another’s reality. The syndrome gets its name from the play and films of the same name in which a murderer strives to make his wife doubt her sanity and get others to disbelieve her.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which false information is presented in such a way as to make the target doubt his/her memory and perception. Psychologists call this “the sociopath’s dance”. It could involve denial or staging of strange events.

This is Machiavellian behaviour of the worst kind. And anyone can become a victim of the sociopath’s gaslighting moves: parent and child, in-laws, friends, groups of people including work colleagues.

Psychotherapist Christine Louise de Canonville describes different phases that the abuser leads the relationship through:
>> the idealisation stage, where the sociopath shows herself in the best possible light – but this phase is an illusion, to draw her target in

>> the devaluation stage begins gradually so the target is not alert to the sociopath’s transformation to being cold and unfeeling, but will begin to feel devalued at every turn; the more distressed the target becomes, the more the sociopath enjoys her power, and her abuse can become more extreme

>> the discarding stage – the target is reduced to an object to which the sociopath is indifferent, seeing the game as won; the sociopath rejects any connection, moving on to the next target.
Gaslighting does not happen all at once so, if you suspect in the early stages of a relationship that you are being gaslighted, you can protect yourself by walking away.

To learn more, including how to recover from exposure to a prolonged sociopathic transaction, buy[I] The Empathy Trap: Understanding antisocial personalities by Dr Jane and Tim McGregor (Sheldon Press, ISBN 978-1847092762).

DR JANE McGREGOR is a freelance trainer and lecturer at the Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham. She holds a PhD in public health and worked in the NHS and voluntary sector, mostly in the field of addiction treatment.

TIM McGREGOR is freelance consultant and trainer, and a mental-health practitioner of many years’ standing. He has worked in the NHS and voluntary sector, most recently as a commissioning adviser.


Posted at 06:35 PM in Therapeutic Techniques (http://www.addictiontoday.org/addictiontoday/therapuetic_techniques/) | Permalink (http://www.addictiontoday.org/addictiontoday/2013/10/empathy-trap-sociopath-triangle.html)

[Jean-Marie]

Hahaa, I knew it! I'm INFJ, borderline INFP. All empaths should try that test and tell their results here. :P

I am a sensitive empath but I am an ENFJ

[Sidney]

Dear empaths,

Here are a few words about your "natural" predators...

EMPATHIC PEOPLE ARE NATURAL TARGETS FOR SOCIOPATHS – PROTECT YOURSELF (http://www.addictiontoday.org/addictiontoday/2013/10/empathy-trap-sociopath-triangle.html)

October 30, 2013

The empathy trap: therapists and counsellors almost by definition are empathic, to facilitate clients’ recovery – but this quality can mean those carers are targets for sociopaths, aided by what Dr Jane & Tim McGregor call “apaths”. The first UK article on this cruel sport shows how to identify and thus avoid it.

Print-friendly version: Download AddictionToday145-Sociopath-empath-apath-triad (http://www.addictiontoday.org/files/addictiontoday145-sociopath-empath-apath-triad.pdf)


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00763a59970c-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b00763a59970c-pi)


People targeted by a sociopath often respond with self-deprecating comments like “I was stupid”, “what was I thinking” of “I should’ve listened to my gut instinct”. But being involved with a sociopath is like being brainwashed. The sociopath’s superficial charm is usually the means by which s/he conditions people.

On initial contact, a sociopath will often test other people’s empathy, so questions geared towards discovering if you are highly empathic or not should ring alarm bells. People with a highly empathic disposition are often targeted. Those with lower levels of empathy are often passed over, though they can be drawn in and used by sociopaths as part of their cruel entertainment.

Sociopaths make up 25% of the prison population, committing over twice as many aggressive acts as other criminals. The reoffending rate of sociopaths is about double that of other offenders, and for violent crimes it is triple.

But not all sociopaths are found in prison. There is the less-visible burden of sociopath-induced emotional trauma which, if left unchecked, can lead to anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Chronically traumatised people often exhibit hypervigilant, anxious and agitated behaviour, symptoms such as tension headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, back pain, tremors and nausea.

Exposure to and interaction with a sociopath in childhood can leave lifelong scars. This can apply to people in therapy – and for those who in recovery trained as therapists, re-exposure as an adult can trigger old emotions and PTSD.

This article is not about sociopaths per se but about surviving the harm they cause.

EVERYDAY SOCIOPATHS


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Many sociopaths wreak havoc in a covert way, so that their underlying condition remains hidden for years. They can possess a superficial charm, and this diverts attention from disturbing aspects of their nature.



The following case history illustrates how people can be systematically targeted until they feel they can barely trust their own sense of reality – what we call “gaslighting”. Sociopathic abuse is targeted abuse. It can wreck lives. Victims can become survivors, but at huge cost.

At school, ‘James’ took a dislike to a classmate, ‘Sam’, who was sensitive and popular. He would mock him for auditioning for the school play or for getting upset over failing a test. The situation deteriorated when it became known that Sam’s parents were separating. Sam appeared to be taking it with fortitude, to the admiration of his peers. He also got attention and sympathy from the school staff, especially James’ favourite teacher: ie, the one he manipulated most easily.

James decided on a plan of covert bullying. He started a whispering campaign implying that Sam’s parents were not splitting up, that he had said they were in order to seek attention. Sadly, this was all too successful and over the next few days Sam was met with silence and verbal bullying from his hitherto-supportive classmates.

James continued his campaign, targeting Sam’s close friends over the next few days. They found themselves accused of misdemeanours such as sending offensive emails/texts. Then the ‘favourite’ teacher went on “leave with immediate effect” after accusations of assaulting a pupil. Where had the accusations come from?

Guess.

This case shows how deliberately sociopaths, from a young age, can target others. Taking advantage of people’s credibility and goodwill, James exploited the situation. With a more perceptive head teacher, this sociopath might have been found out, but he knew who to manipulate and how far he could go.

SEE THE EMPEROR/EMPRESS’S CLOTHES


http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b0076a222970d-200wi (http://www.addictiontoday.org/.a/6a00e54f8c56378833019b0076a222970d-pi)


To deal with sociopaths effectively, you first need to open your eyes. In The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Anderson, two weavers promise the emperor a new suit of clothes that is invisible to those who are stupid and unfit for their positions. When the emperor parades before his subjects, all the adults, not wishing to be seen in a negative light, pretend they can see the clothes. The only truthful person is a child who cries “But he isn’t wearing any clothes!”. You, too, need to see sociopaths as they really are.

We are conditioned to keep quiet, which often means turning a blind eye to or putting up with abuse. The boy in the tale represents those who see the problem behaviour for what it is and find the courage of their convictions to make a stand. Sight becomes insight, which turns into action. Awareness is the first step in limiting the negative effects of contact with a sociopath.

INTERACTIONS OF THE SOCIOPATH


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Let’s look at what we term the Socio-Empath-Apath Triad, or Seat. Unremitting abuse of other people is an activity of the sociopath that stands out. To win their games, sociopaths enlist the help of hangers-on: apaths.

The apath. We call those who collude in the sport of the sociopath apathetic, or apaths. In this situation, it means a lack of concern or being indifferent to the targeted person.

We have highlighted the importance of seeing the problem for what it is via the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes, which represents the collective denial and double standards which are often a feature of social life. The apath in this context is someone who is willing to be blind: ie, not to see that the emperor/empress is naked.

Apaths are an integral part of the sociopath’s arsenal and contribute to sociopathic abuse. Sociopaths have an uncanny knack of knowing who will assist them in bringing down the person they are targeting. It is not necessarily easy to identify an apath; in other circumstances, an apath can show ample empathy and concern for others – just not in this case. The one attribute an apath must have is a link to the target.

How apaths, who might otherwise be fair-minded people, become involved in such destructive business is not hard to understand, but it can be hard to accept. The main qualifying attribute is poor judgment resulting from lack of insight. They might be jealous of or angry at the target, and thus have something to gain from the evolving situation.

At other times, the apath might not want to see the ‘bad’ in someone, particularly if the sociopath is useful. Or they might choose not to see because they have enough on their plate and do not possess the wherewithal or moral courage to help the targeted person at that time. Usually, be it active or passive involvement, the apath’s conscience appears to fall asleep. It is this scenario that causes people blindly to follow leaders motivated only by self-interest.

Readers might know of Yale University professor Stanley Milgram’s experiments to test the human propensity to obey orders, as participants gave increasingly large electric shocks to subjects. Afterwards, he wrote an article, The Perils of Obedience: “Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process”.

Apaths are often fearful people. They are the ones most likely to go with the flow, to agree that the emperor/empress is wearing new clothes. They might also fail to perceive the threat: a danger is of no importance if you deny its existence. An apath’s response to a sociopath’s call to arms can then result from a state of ‘learned helplessness’. Apaths behave defencelessly because they want to avoid unpleasant or harmful circumstances . Apathy is an avoidance strategy.


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The empath. Often, the person targeted by the sociopath is an empath. Empaths are ordinary people who are highly perceptive and insightful and belong to the 40% of human beings who sense when something’s not right, who respond to their gut instinct. In The Emperor’s New Clothes, the empath is the boy who mentions the unmentionable: that there are no clothes.

In the 1990s, researchers suggested that there was a positive relationship between empathy and emotional intelligence. Since then, that term has been used interchangeably with emotional literacy. What this means in practice is that empaths have the ability to understand their own emotions, to listen to other people and empathise with their emotions, to express emotions productively and to handle their emotions in such a way as to improve their personal power.

People are often attracted to empaths because of their compassionate nature. A particular attribute is that they are sensitive to the emotional distress of others. Conversely, they have trouble comprehending a closed mind and lack of compassion in others.

Very highly empathic people can find themselves helping others at the expense of their own needs, which can lead them to withdraw from the world at times.

It is odd. Most of us enjoy watching films and reading books about heroes who refuse to go along with the crowd, which suggests there is something admirable about people who make a bold stand. But in real life, watching someone raise their head above the parapet often makes the rest of us feel queasy. Most – the 60% majority – prefer the easy life. It was interesting to discover, when doing the research for this book, how often people see empaths in problematical terms.

Empaths use their ability to emphasise and to boost theirs and others’ wellbeing and safety. Problems arise for empaths, however, when there are apaths in the vicinity. Empaths can be brought down, distressed and forced into the position of the lone fighter by the inaction of more apathetic types round them.

THE SOCIOPATHIC TRANSACTION


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Often empaths are targeted by sociopaths because they pose the greatest threat. The empath is usually the first to detect that something is not right and express what s/he senses. As a consequence, the empath is both the sociopath’s number one foe and a source of attraction; the empath’s responses and actions provide excellent entertainment for sociopaths, who use and abuse people for sport.

The world of the empath is not for the faint-hearted. In the context we are discussing, empaths often find themselves up against not only the sociopath but often a flock of apaths as well. Apaths are afforded pole position in the sociopath’s intrigues. But this prime spot comes at a price for, in what we call the “sociopathic transaction”, the apath makes an unspoken Faustian pact with the sociopath, then passively or otherwise participates in the cruel sport.

SOCIOPATH-EMPATH-APATH TRIAD


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The usual set-up goes like this: the empath is forced to make a stand on seeing the sociopath say or do something underhand. The empath challenges the sociopath, who straight away throws others off the scent and shifts the blame on to the empath. The empath becomes an object of abuse when the apath corroborates the sociopath’s perspective.

The situation usually ends badly for the empath and sometimes also for the apath, if their conscience returns to haunt them or they later become an object of abuse themselves. But, frustratingly, the sociopath often goes scot free.

Sociopaths rarely vary this tried-and-tested formula because it virtually guarantees them success.

Sociopaths draw in apaths by various means: flattery, bribery, disorienting them with lies. A sociopath will go to any lengths to win her game. The best way to illustrate the interplay, and the ease with which apaths are pulled in, is by another short story.


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‘Steve and Robin’ were microbiologists at a prestigious university, collaborating on an important vaccine trial. The department head, Ben, hoped to gain substantially; success could see his status in his field rise and prove the catalyst for a glittering career.

His colleagues worked relentlessly collecting data, then Ben drafted a paper for submission to a respected journal. He decided that the outcome didn’t look tantalising, so falsified key results in order to present findings in the best light. On completing the draft, he sent the paper for comment to his colleagues. Steve replied by email that he was happy with the manuscript; he used the opportunity to suck up to his boss. But Robin was aghast, noting colossal errors. With great urgency, he rattled off an email to Ben.

Receiving no response to this or a phone call, Robin went to find Ben in person, discovering him in the cafeteria with Steve. But he was too late. Ben had poisoned Steve’s mind, saying that Robin had challenged him over the accuracy of the results, due to a longstanding grudge. Ben said he had to pull Robin up about his own work several months back. Steve was different, Ben implied. He intimated Steve would be on course for promotion “especially if we get this paper out and secure funding for the next-stage trials”.

By the time Ben joined them, Steve, though initially shocked, had been won over by Ben’s swift flattery and insinuations

Robin crossed the cafeteria to them. “Hi, you two got a moment?” Briefly there was an awkward silence. Steve exchanged a look with Ben, who gave a slight conspiratorial smile, now that the transaction was done and the sport under way. “Yes, we were just talking about the paper. By the way, I did see your email, but if you look at the paper thoroughly, I think you’ll find that everything is correct.” Steve replied with a smug look that “I’m with Ben on this one”. Robin was floored. “You can’t be serious? You’re happy for it to go off to be reviewed with all these serious errors? Our reputations will be left in ruins.”

He decided to make a stand. He asked for his name to be removed as a co-author but was exasperated to learn that it was sent off to the journal anyway. More frustratingly, it was published. Meanwhile, the workplace became a source of stress for Robin as he struggled to cope with the backlash from colleagues who saw his intervention as an attempt to sabotage their work. People avoided him and, when they did talk to him, the conversation was stilted.

Eventually Robin arranged a meeting with Ben to have it out once and for all. But Ben took control of the agenda. “Robin, I have to be honest with you, many of your colleagues are unhappy about the way you handled things and some have made complaints. They don’t trust you to conduct yourself professionally after you attempted to sabotage their hard work. Mercifully the reviewers saw what a fine trial we’d conducted and didn’t get wind of your attempted slur.

“We can’t afford to have a saboteur on the team. So I’ve discussed this with the dean and he agrees there is no future for you here, and there’s no other way to deal with this. You’ve got to go.”

Any phase of this story sound familiar?

THE GASLIGHTING EFFECT


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In the story above, the actions of Ben and Steve have a ‘gaslighting’ effect on Robin. Gaslighting is a systematic attempt by one person to erode another’s reality. The syndrome gets its name from the play and films of the same name in which a murderer strives to make his wife doubt her sanity and get others to disbelieve her.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which false information is presented in such a way as to make the target doubt his/her memory and perception. Psychologists call this “the sociopath’s dance”. It could involve denial or staging of strange events.

This is Machiavellian behaviour of the worst kind. And anyone can become a victim of the sociopath’s gaslighting moves: parent and child, in-laws, friends, groups of people including work colleagues.

Psychotherapist Christine Louise de Canonville describes different phases that the abuser leads the relationship through:
>> the idealisation stage, where the sociopath shows herself in the best possible light – but this phase is an illusion, to draw her target in

>> the devaluation stage begins gradually so the target is not alert to the sociopath’s transformation to being cold and unfeeling, but will begin to feel devalued at every turn; the more distressed the target becomes, the more the sociopath enjoys her power, and her abuse can become more extreme

>> the discarding stage – the target is reduced to an object to which the sociopath is indifferent, seeing the game as won; the sociopath rejects any connection, moving on to the next target.
Gaslighting does not happen all at once so, if you suspect in the early stages of a relationship that you are being gaslighted, you can protect yourself by walking away.

To learn more, including how to recover from exposure to a prolonged sociopathic transaction, buy[I] The Empathy Trap: Understanding antisocial personalities by Dr Jane and Tim McGregor (Sheldon Press, ISBN 978-1847092762).

DR JANE McGREGOR is a freelance trainer and lecturer at the Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham. She holds a PhD in public health and worked in the NHS and voluntary sector, mostly in the field of addiction treatment.

TIM McGREGOR is freelance consultant and trainer, and a mental-health practitioner of many years’ standing. He has worked in the NHS and voluntary sector, most recently as a commissioning adviser.


Posted at 06:35 PM in Therapeutic Techniques (http://www.addictiontoday.org/addictiontoday/therapuetic_techniques/) | Permalink (http://www.addictiontoday.org/addictiontoday/2013/10/empathy-trap-sociopath-triangle.html)

Well, that explains a few things. doh
I always wondered why I attract people into my life that are not really interested in my best interests. In the end, i do blame myself for being half asleep at the wheel so to speak. Anyway, the article makes a lot of sense regarding the fact they seek out people like us.

[4evrneo]

I can relate to pretty much all of the above with the exception of #30. Which is probably why I have been sleeping a lot more and working with my mini garden every day. Plants are much easier to deal with sometimes, especially when many people are also going through so much turmoil...Makes it quite difficult for us empaths for sure.

[4evrneo]

Ok so now I will let you know how weird I really am, :). Some of us feel like we can communicate with mother earth and the sun as well as her inhabitants. I think I may have mentioned this on another thread a long time ago, but each time I greet the son, I do so with a melodious, Helloooo Gorgeoussss! I know some will say this is my imagination but the sun will actually twinkle or ramp up at this greeting as if to say it acknowledges my admiration. Often times, not always depending on my state of awareness, the earth seems to answer with her wind.

Laugh if you must but both of them have become a part of my everyday life!

Much love,
Julia

Then I must be weird too! When I am outside and admiring the tree's saying my hello, the wind picks up a bit as if to say hello back :)

[Daphne]

Fantastic thread! I had most of the traits as well. And I am an INFP too! Amazing. I become more sensitive as time passes. I couldn't watch any media with violence, and once was dragged to dawn of the dead and left in the middle and threw up on the sidewalk. I hate shopping, and public places unless it's a concert. I am very hard on myself for my sensitivities and have felt such guilt for my distancing from toxic people cause I cannot protect myself at age 51... Being an empath I suppose my career As a Psychotherapist specializing in trauma work, EMDR and hypnosis is both natural and odd. Somehow it works.

[Wind]

I am a sensitive empath but I am an ENFJ

That's close too.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

I am pissed that this Simgaz guy is pushing these threads off the today list, he is spamming goodbye threads n **** and driving the good threads off the page,
is there something that the mods can do about that, maybe move those to a different area lol? I can't see some of the recent threads due to that guy's frequent postings, argh!
It was like 6 in a row or something? Not sure if he has vented it all yet or not.

:madgrin: just sayin!

[Ahnung-quay]

Tesla, on the empath thread? That's too much, LOL!

[Hervé]

Tesla, on the empath thread? That's too much, LOL!

... probably because Tesla_WTC refuses to find pockets for her hands when something's not right... and starts typing... :)


[...]

.... Empaths are ordinary people who are highly perceptive and insightful and belong to the 40% of human beings who sense when something’s not right, who respond to their gut instinct. In The Emperor’s New Clothes, the empath is the boy who mentions the unmentionable: that there are no clothes.

[...]

[Sidney]

Tesla, on the empath thread? That's too much, LOL!

LOL, that was kind funny.

Tesla, we really do LOVE you.:tea:

[Frederick Jackson]

In addtion to being an empath, are you highly sensitive (http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm)? I know that I am, but most of the time I wish I wasn't. I can relate to the suffering of others as it if was mine. Especially when I see animals being abused it hurts my soul, after all they are our companions. Humans are more responsible because we are free to choose... And wisely we should choose. Pros and cons of being a highly sensitive empath? Well, I can "see" and feel more, like multidimensionally. I see it all. Otherwise, it's a a burden.

In addition, I wonder that how many of us empath's are INFJ's or INFP's? See this (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58489-Free-Personality-Test-and-Type-Descriptions). :rolleyes:

Hmm, makes me wonder too. I do not believe I am an empath, but I do suffer terribly when I see an animal suffer. It hurts me deeply. Usually I just think of my self a a bit sensitive -- hopefully not just in a selfish way.

[Antagenet]

28 out of the 30. I knew I would be. Its a blessing and a curse. LOLOL

[Ahnung-quay]

I have a different view point on this. I do believe that some folks have more empathic ability than others from infancy. I have met a few truely empathic people and they seem to be different from the rest of us.

However, I believe that all humans have these abilities and that they can be developed. For some, societal and familial conditioning has repressed these qualities leading them to become observers rather than feelers. Some have learned how to turn their hearts on and off in the need for self-preservation. The one's who don't have a very difficult time in our world and many of them get used up.

I have at least 25-28 of these qualities present in my personality right now. There is a range because some of them don't apply all of the time for me. Some I know have always been there and some I've developed or have naturally blossomed as I've walked a spiritual road. But, I also know that I've been trained to be an observer and to leave all that feeling stuff alone. The key for being able to maintain this choice of being in my life now is in learning how to shield my heart.

That is what we should be teaching children who display these natural abilities more overtly than others. Not to turn them off but, how to shield themselves and function as an empath for the good of others.

[Zaya]

Dear empaths,

Here are a few words about your "natural" predators...



Wow wow wow. Thanks so much for this article. Enlightening. I had an extremely parasitic sociopath destroy my life for 2 years. It only ended because I moved away. He still continues to try to this day to reel me back in 2 years later.

The story about James made me so freaking sad because it really hit a note. I was being sexually and emotionally abused by this person for 2 years and he would go spreading heinous rumors about me to every single person who would listen. He was a good performer so everyone bought it. Ruined my reputation. When I tried to tell people that he was terrorizing me, they essentially already believed me to be crazy.

I have blamed myself for being stupid enough to associate with him every day since then.

[Hervé]

Yep...

... the never ending story of history repeating itself.

There are also the influences which come from beyond the veil as investigated by Eve Lorgen (http://evelorgen.com/wp/) in her books (The Love Bite: Alien Interference in Human Love Relationships, and: The Dark Side of Cupid: Love Affairs, The Supernatural and Energy Vampirism) and how to get out of it:

Recovery From Narcissistic Abuse and Cultivating Mutually Respectful, Loving Relationships (http://evelorgen.com/wp/news/recovery-from-narcissistic-abuse-and-cultivating-mutually-respectful-loving-relationships/)

Posted on April 1, 2014 (http://evelorgen.com/wp/news/recovery-from-narcissistic-abuse-and-cultivating-mutually-respectful-loving-relationships/)

Narcissistic abuse is an increasingly widespread issue these days, especially for those who have endured any kind of emotional abuse in their childhood family of origin. This is common for abductees, milabs, ritual abuse survivors, MK Ultra victims and those who have strong family ties to the occult and military-industrial-complex careers. As many of my readers know, narcissistic abuse is part of the phenomenon of “the dark side of Cupid” relationships, where, in addition to the basic traits of narcissism, the super manipulat partner was perceived in some way to host a paranormal type of “entity”, which I believe actually drives much of the energy vampirism behaviors well known in these kinds of horridly abusive and shocking relationships.

Recovering from the trauma of these kinds of relationships requires a comprehensive approach, and unless one truly understands the inner dynamics of narcissism as a full-blown personality disorder, and the addictive quality of obsession that often accompanies such relationships, a survivor may not be able to heal as quickly. It can literally be a soul destroying experience.

What I have come to understand, is that the pattern in becoming a target of these types of abusers, is also rooted in ones own conditioning, core shame issues and deep seated feelings of unworthiness that can occur with histories of abuse. But, there are instances in which a healthy, normal kind of person such as a successful career woman, who can get targeted by these types of predators, leaving them bewildered and absolutely shocked at how awful and traumatized they could feel. One professional therapist and famous author I corresponded with told me in confidence that when she had such a “dark side of Cupid” relationship with a man like this, the trauma and emotional devastation was worse than a brutal rape she experienced many years earlier in her life.

Narcissists and the types of partners described in much of the NARC Abuse literature, fit the profile of personality disordered people, often with psychopathic traits. One has to remember that these persons work by deception and will manipulate accordingly, without conscience or empathy in order to extract “energy” or narcissistic supply from their partner– just for the sake of them feeling alive and getting attention to feed the false sense of self. Their false sense of identity is like an outer shell personality that changes to whatever traits are necessary in order to extract energy. What is underneath is often a deeply shattered, shamed and self-loathing core, that is buried. It feels like nothing is there literally, like a black hole whose only goal is to suck you dry. What I believe happens in many of these narcissists lives, is that once they abandon their true core self, they are ripe for a type of demonic or complete archontic mind parasite takeover. This is when the more lethal types of psychopaths start emerging. I believe it is many of these types of narcissists who run some of the most powerful, global military-industrial-complex and banking corporations.

Unless you have had a personal relationship with such a non-human-pretending-to-be human person, you really cannot understand the needed strategies for healing, recovery and freedom from their damage. Personally and collectively.

Without being overly sided with “victimology” ideology, I do believe that both perpetrator and victims work together, even if it is unconscious on the victim’s part. The paradoxical thing about perpetrators, victims and narcissistic abuse is the tendency towards the trauma-bonding “Stockholme Syndrome” that takes hold of the victim who has had longstanding abuse and conditioning by such perpetrators in their lives. We see this a lot in cult abuse and even within the alien abduction and contact experiences.

Step this up a few notches to what we now globally seem to “normalize” with our lives in this Matrix of global control. I think most of the worlds population is in a mesmer of Stockholm Syndrome, having been exhaustively distracted, overworked or numbed out to such an extent that they no longer believe they have the power to change their lives, in the face of the global “powers that be” who are essentially running the show.

I believe one way to create a solution for this is to do it one individual and relationship at a time. We must have the self-respect to heal, get into “recovery” and say NO to the narcissists who entitle themselves to our energy and our attention. But the healing and recovery process is specifically tailored to those who are recovering from narcissistic abuse, not just simple “co-dependecy issues” or other more benign issues people may want to heal from.

These articles are an excellent starter for anyone who is still on the path of healing from narcissistic abuse. They are written by Melanie Tonia Evans and her main web site is:

http://www.melanietoniaevans.com/index.htm

Is He or She Really A Narcissist? Laying Boundaries and Accountability

Excerpt: “In this article I am going to show you how you can use the most powerful tool in your arsenal – boundaries to find out if this person is capable of taking responsibility and being accountable for their actions without risking another experience that could cost you your soul, mental well-being and even life.

There is nothing worse than being set upon maliciously by someone you believed you could trust, someone you love, and someone you thought loved you and had your best interests at heart.”

http://blog.melanietoniaevans.com/is-he-or-she-really-a-narcissist-laying-boundaries-and-accountability/

First must realize: There is No Closure with Narcissists
Excerpt: “When we end a relationship with a narcissist – it can be a terrible and painful experience to realise there is no closure.

There is no “I’m sorry, I treated you terribly”, there is the absence of “I realise that if I had done things differently we could have worked”, or “The way I treated you was disgraceful”. Often, horrifically, there is no explanation for the cruel ability to abuse and manipulate you, and then discard, abandon and move on as if you never existed.

Most narcissistic abuse sufferers struggle terribly with this – and experience the anguished feelings of “What did I REALLY mean to him or her?”

These feelings of non-closure can create a powerful hook, whereby you feel like…

http://blog.melanietoniaevans.com/there-is-no-closure-with-narcissists/

Leaving The Narcissist With Your Emotions Intact
Excerpt: “It’s important that you know what to do in order to empower yourself before leaving a narcissist, in order to assist the process of disconnecting.

Much of this preparation needs to occur emotionally.

The emotional state you are in when you leave a narcissist is a great indicator of how well you can recover, and how long your recovery will take.

‘Aftershock’ is a very real phenomenon after leaving a narcissist. When you are stuck in the fight with the narcissist you are in survival mode, and somehow that keeps you alive.

When you leave the narcissist you will experience grave Post and/or Complicated Stress Disorder Symptoms. Not unlike a holocaust survivor, the entire trauma has a chance to hit when you have got away.”

http://blog.melanietoniaevans.com/how-to-leave-the-narcissist-with-your-emotions-intact/

Trauma Bonding: Is it Love or Something Else?
Excerpt: “With all of the survival fears, powerlessness and anxieties taking place, a great deal of neuro-peptides, resulting from your disturbed, fearful and unstable thoughts, are manufactured in your hypothalamus (chemical manufacturing plant of our brain) and are distributed into your blood stream and received by the cells of your body.

Our cells get addicted to the peptides they receive powerful doses of, and then physiologically we get addicted to getting more of these peptides, which the narcissist triggers within us regularly.

This creates feelings of I need his attention, I need his validation, I need his approval, I need his support, I need his love, I need him to provide me with some RELIEF and eventually just like a drug addict licking the crumbs off the lounge room rug, we will try to get any amount of the narcissist’s energy regardless of how damaging and soul destroying it is.”

http://blog.melanietoniaevans.com/trauma-bonding-is-it-love-or-something-else/

Relationships of Equality
Excerpt: “Why didn’t people really teach us the meaning of ‘The truth sets us free?’ This means that speaking the truth about how we emotionally feel grants us the freedom of true self-love, love from others and happiness.

I’m thoroughly convinced defensive communication destroys relationships. If you’re real (vulnerable), you’re truly empowered and truly safe. No one can disempower you, manipulate you or compromise your boundaries. You’re responding from a place of self-honour rather than reacting from a victim viewpoint. Victims (http://www.melanietoniaevans.com/articles/codependency-issues.htm) take hostages. They create drama and fights – and they absolutely create their own ongoing pain.”

And:

Men and women all want the same thing! We all want to stop the separation, stop the ‘enemy tactics (http://www.melanietoniaevans.com/articles/narcissism-understood.htm)’ and connect in honest and safe ways. Emotional integrity and realness is the greatest gift that we can bring to our love relationships. None of us can be loving and loved in relationships without this vital foundation.Reflections on Equal Partnership

[I]Whatever vulnerability (feelings) you hide will keep creating the scenarios you fear.



Expressing your authentic feelings will give you authentic results.



Your expressed feelings equate to standing in your power.



If you are real – no one can take you down.



The truth will always set you free.



Get out of your head battles and speak the truth from your heart.

Taken From: http://www.melanietoniaevans.com/articles/relationships-of-equality.htm

EL – Lastly, how do we develop these mutually respectful relationships, where we are able to authentically express our emotions and live from the heart of truth? This is where compassionate communication, inner empathy and the dedication to personal healing and growth come in. If we want to have these relationships we must cultivate them MUTUALLY.

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See also this article: The Puppet Master Behind a Love Bite Case (http://evelorgen.com/wp/articles/alien-love-bite-related/the-puppet-master-behind-a-love-bite-case/)

[Chanlo23]

One characteristic missing from the list is the amount of stress/pressure that can be generated when two or more of these characteristics are in conflict. As Sunflower mentioned, 16/17 and 21 can be at war: I hate clutter, but loathe cleaning (its also boring). I feel conflict in 28 because I can not afford new things AND I find comfort and support from things previously owned by lovely people. I feel conflict in 29 because I feel the energy of the animals and the plants, so to me there is no difference between eating a vegetable or an animal. Thanking them both for sustaining me seems to help that.

[Chanlo23]

Ok so now I will let you know how weird I really am, :). Some of us feel like we can communicate with mother earth and the sun as well as her inhabitants. I think I may have mentioned this on another thread a long time ago, but each time I greet the son, I do so with a melodious, Helloooo Gorgeoussss! I know some will say this is my imagination but the sun will actually twinkle or ramp up at this greeting as if to say it acknowledges my admiration. Often times, not always depending on my state of awareness, the earth seems to answer with her wind.

Laugh if you must but both of them have become a part of my everyday life!

Much love,
Julia

I totally believe you as I have experienced it myself. If I address them directly, the sun will "kiss" me on my forehead and the earth blows wind through my hair to let me know they heard.

[Chanlo23]

In addtion to being an empath, are you highly sensitive (http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm)? I know that I am, but most of the time I wish I wasn't. I can relate to the suffering of others as it if was mine. Especially when I see animals being abused it hurts my soul, after all they are our companions. Humans are more responsible because we are free to choose... And wisely we should choose. Pros and cons of being a highly sensitive empath? Well, I can "see" and feel more, like multidimensionally. I see it all. Otherwise, it's a a burden.

In addition, I wonder that how many of us empath's are INFJ's or INFP's? See this (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?58489-Free-Personality-Test-and-Type-Descriptions). :rolleyes:

INFP. I just took it. So far your suspicions are correct. :)


A very interesting query. I am INFJ.

[BIG CAT]

22 out of 30, I thought everyone felt the same way, although deep down I've always felt a bit different, like I know stuff even though I don't always understand it.
Thanks.

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

We added two beavers to Snow White's natural entourage last night.
This empath thing is starting to scare me.

Has anyone else had a baby beaver swim in circles in front of them after calling the animal 20 ft closer to the shore??
lol. Maybe he liked the baby talk??


Or was it something Else..?


p.s. it's sad that even a little beaver has enough "ego" to enjoy attention and nice sounds from another creature.

[blotter]

This is a positive thread, so forgive me, but it's hard for me to imagine an empath eating meat without any second thoughts. The fear hormones that pump out during an animal's last moment and end up in its meat. There's no way to broach this subject without coming off as self-righteous so let me say that I unabashedly ate meat until I started meditating, a few weeks into my practice and I stopped - maybe that's just me

Agree with the poster that said these things can be developed. I wouldn't have identified with too many of these a year ago and now almost all hit home. The ones that don't (fatigue, fear of crowds, addictive personality, weight gain) would probably if not for constant meditation.. maybe I'm addicted to meditation? =)

[Journeyon]

INFP and empathic. Thanks for the great reading everyone.

peace,
Journeyon

[JohnEAngel]

there sure seems to be a lot of empaths in this community. all sentient beings are innately of a psychic nature. our scopes of perception have been narrowed though by developing a mind that reveres itself above all others. psychic awareness then becomes dimmed but may still linger when considering emotional energy. being empathetic can be more of a burden than a blessing. it offers no service in becoming illuminated.

[Carmody]

Another look at sociopathic users:

http://www.snakesinsuits.com/images/0060837721.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_V54208143_.jpg

Snakes In Suits: When Psychopaths Go To Work
(http://www.snakesinsuits.com/)

Book Description - from the book jacket

Let's say you're about to hire somebody for a position in your company. Your corporation wants someone who's fearless, charismatic, and full of new ideas. Candidate X is charming, smart, and has all the right answers to your questions. Problem solved, right? Maybe not.

We'd like to think that if we met someone who was completely without conscience -- someone who was capable of doing anything at all if it served his or her purposes -- we would recognize it. In popular culture, the image of the psychopath is of someone like Hannibal Lecter or the BTK Killer. But in reality, many psychopaths just want money, or power, or fame, or simply a nice car. Where do these psychopaths go? Often, it's to the corporate world.

Researchers Paul Babiak and Robert Hare have long studied psychopaths. Hare, the author of Without Conscience, is a world-renowned expert on psychopathy, and Babiak is an industrial-organizational psychologist. Recently the two came together to study how psychopaths operate in corporations, and the results were surprising. They found that it's exactly the modern, open, more flexible corporate world, in which high risks can equal high profits, that attracts psychopaths. They may enter as rising stars and corporate saviors, but all too soon they're abusing the trust of colleagues, manipulating supervisors, and leaving the workplace in shambles.

Snakes in Suits is a compelling, frightening, and scientifically sound look at exactly how psychopaths work in the corporate environment: what kind of companies attract them, how they negotiate the hiring process, and how they function day by day. You'll learn how they apply their "instinctive" manipulation techniques -- assessing potential targets, controlling influential victims, and abandoning those no longer useful -- to business processes such as hiring, political command and control, and executive succession, all while hiding within the corporate culture. It's a must read for anyone in the business world, because whatever level you're at, you'll learn the subtle warning signs of psychopathic behavior and be able to protect yourself and your company -- before it's too late.

[Zaya]

This is a positive thread, so forgive me, but it's hard for me to imagine an empath eating meat without any second thoughts. The fear hormones that pump out during an animal's last moment and end up in its meat. There's no way to broach this subject without coming off as self-righteous so let me say that I unabashedly ate meat until I started meditating, a few weeks into my practice and I stopped - maybe that's just me

Very very interesting. I stopped eating meat after I started meditating as well! I had always felt extremely guilty about it, but when my mind opened to all this "one-ness" and spirituality, it literally made me feel sick thinking about eating it, so I immediately stopped. I have felt so much better ever since. I am also not saying this to be self-righteous as I was a meat eater all my life despite having a vegetarian dad. Fact is I would probably still be eating meat had I not had my spiritual awakening happen spontaneously. But, it is an interesting thing to ponder...

[blotter]

Very very interesting. I stopped eating meat after I started meditating as well! I had always felt extremely guilty about it, but when my mind opened to all this "one-ness" and spirituality, it literally made me feel sick thinking about eating it, so I immediately stopped. I have felt so much better ever since. I am also not saying this to be self-righteous as I was a meat eater all my life despite having a vegetarian dad. Fact is I would probably still be eating meat had I not had my spiritual awakening happen spontaneously. But, it is an interesting thing to ponder... very similar experience. I don't claim to understand this issue fully, but it seems like this subject is all but ignored considering how "clear" the answer is given to some upon some degree(s) of awakening. My roommate who has been a practicing buddhist since he was 16 or so was told by his llama to eat meat because he had become self-righteous about his vegetarianism. Apparently the llama said he would take on any of the karmas that he would accrue. I've read that once the solar plexus are open that acts of eating, drinking and even breathing become acts of giving and not taking.. maybe they are enlightened to the point that anything consumed is going to result in a higher re-birth? Honestly, I don't understand it at all. It's pretty obvious (to me) that Jesus and his disciples were vegetarians and there's no mention of what we should eat outside of genesis 1:29 (every seed-bearing tree shall be your meat) for all the obscure rules in the bible. The vedas even seem to contradict themselves at points in regards to eating meat.

Ultimately for me our anatomy is not that of a carnivore and anyone who chooses to consume meat (really any food) would probably be better off for acknowledging the process of how it got to their mouths. All the best

[Wind]

It is funny to consider oneself as an angel, after all most if not all of us are with human faults... But here is one channeling from a source that I trust and according to that many of us are angels in human form, at least metaphorically speaking.

From hypersensitivity to high sensitivity (http://www.jeshua.net/articles/article1.htm)

Becoming the angel that you are

Many people are hypersensitive. They cannot stand the noise, aggression and hasty pace of modern society. Often they suffer from psychosomatic disorders and insomnia. What other folks take for granted, for example going to a family party, is quite a chore for them. Simply doing what other people consider normal often turns out a disaster for them.

As a child they are often misunderstood and under-appreciated. Because it’s hard for them to stand up for themselves and because they easily dream away, school time is tough. Building a career and becoming successful according to society’s standards often doesn’t work for them. They more or less muddle along at the fringes of society. Participating in mainstream activities is experienced as exhausting and draining. Because of all this, their self image isn’t very positive; they often feel insecure and inferior. Their thoughts are gloomy and may repeat themselves endlessly.

Of course, this image is somewhat of a caricature. Yet many people will (partly) recognize themselves in it. Let us now focus on some of the positive traits of hypersensitive people. They appreciate peace and quiet and long to live in harmony with their fellow humans. They are sensitive to beauty, especially the beauty of nature. They are very empathic and open to the spiritual. They have a rich imagination. To their own surprise, people who are in trouble are naturally drawn to them and come to them for guidance.

What is the matter with these people? The answer is that they are not (just) hypersensitive, they are highly sensitive. In fact, they are angels in disguise.

What is high sensitivity?

Every living being emits a certain vibration or aura: flowers, the sun, people, animals, plants, and also human society at large. You are highly sensitive when your vibration, your aura is more refined and delicate than the vibration of human society.

Imagine a radiant, beautiful angel descending from heaven to be born in a human body in a modern metropolis. The angel has a hard time coping with the noise, the chaos and the ugliness of the world around. Where is the serenity and beauty of nature, where are the flowers? Where is the deep inner knowing, the sense of unity with the cosmos? The angel feels shattered and alienated. The world around does not nurture or acknowledge him (or her*). The angel starts to think that there’s something wrong with him and he becomes sad and depressed. As he does not feel at home here, he withdraws and vaguely longs for another reality. The people around him consider him to be a dreamer who does not want to face the facts of life. The angel’s light diminishes. Whereas he was a high sensitive at first, he has now become a hypersensitive.

You may wonder why this angel incarnated on Earth.

Many angels are incarnate on Earth and every angel has their own motive to be here. There is however one general motive: to help Earth. Through the presence of all of these angels, human society as a whole gains in light and sensitivity. The angelic presence raises the vibration of the world. This happens especially when the angels remember who they are and when their self-confidence is restored. That’s when their light will truly shine.

Now imagine that you are such an angel.

What can you do to become radiant again, to transform your hypersensitivity into high sensitivity?

Step 1 – Realize that you are an angel

Realize that you are an angel and don’t be afraid to show it. Believe in your own light, your creative abilities and overcome your fear to show yourself. This is the first step.

How do you do this? It’s important to connect to the spiritual. See the world from a spiritual perspective, remember the timeless realm of love and beauty that you originate from and to which you belong. You have always been in touch with this subtle, ethereal reality. Now take another leap and really believe it to be there. The moment you connect with it, you also get in touch with your own inner core and start to realize who you really are. You remember that your consciousness is eternal and that it is a magnificent source of light and creativity.

The moment you feel a part of this other realm, which is your true home, the judgment that human society places on you becomes much less of a burden to you. You realize that your stay here is only temporary and that this hectic, chaotic society will disappear one day and make place for a more peaceful, harmonious and happy society. What this current society thinks of you and expects from you is not so important anymore. More important is what you are here to do, how you are going to manifest your light in this world.

By sensing your true origin, you kindle your own light. Light is creative and transformative. You will notice that your environment will start to respond to you differently. Life will flow more easily and people will take you more seriously. You have taken a fundamental first step in the transition from hypersensitivity to high sensitivity.

Step 2 – Become aware of your male energy

You are able to truly give your light to others only if you are also able to not give it. If you cannot say ‘no’ to people, your ‘yes’ has no meaning. Learning to set boundaries and to stand up for yourself is crucial. If you don’t do this, your energy flows into a bottomless pit and you will permanently feel weak and drained.

To prevent this from happening, you need to get in touch with your male energy. Many people who are inclined towards the spiritual, have a negative image of the male energy. It is associated with violence, oppression and aggression and considered to be not spiritual. As a result of this negative attitude towards the male energy, many spiritually inclined and hypersensitive people feel disempowered and unable to stand up for themselves.

The solution is to understand that there’s nothing wrong with the male energy per se; it is the imbalance between the male and the female which causes the problem. By regarding the male energy to be inferior, many people weaken their own strength. This happens particularly in sensitive women. Especially when you go through a process of spiritual growth, it is of prime importance to connect with your male energy.

As soon as you take step 1 and become more aware of who you really are, you will distinguish yourself energetically from your environment. Your light will be noticed. This will attract to you what I call energy leeches. These are people or other entities, for instance the organization you work in, who will feed themselves with your energy. They deprive you of energy without giving something back to you. If you’re not able to protect yourself in such an environment, you get stuck.

At this point, you need to use your male strength. Embrace the male part of you, your inner man, and trust him. Let him take the shape of a sword in your hand which severs the bonds between you and everything that deprives you of energy.

A common pitfall in using the sword of your male energy proficiently is the notion of equality. “We are all equal and therefore I should not distinguish myself from others, and share what I have with them.” The idea of equality is right to some extent. At the level of the soul we are equal. At the level of manifestation however we are not. Some people are more able to let their inner light shine through than others. By not acknowledging this, we give energy leeches free range. Especially people who radiate much light and who have much to give, should protect themselves. Be aware of who or what you give your energy to. Not everyone is ready to receive what you have to offer. Do not let your most precious gift be dragged down by people or organizations who do not match your vibration. Use your male energy for this purpose.

Step 3 – Realize that mother Earth is your friend

Many hypersensitive people feel resistance towards living on Earth. This resistance is partly due to the fact that they do not feel at home in modern western society. The energy of society does not match their own and they feel alienated by it. They want to leave; they subconsciously remember their spiritual heritage and long to be ‘home’ again. They want to go back to the peace and harmony of the heavenly realms, which contrast so sharply with the noise, fear, aggression and anonymity of present day human society.

Apart from this reason for feeling resistance towards living on Earth, sensitive people also have intuitions about what happened in their past lives on Earth. Often they carry memories within of war, persecution and other forms of aggression. They remember trying to be and do good on Earth and being violently rejected for it.

To overcome your resistance to being here, it’s important to distinguish between the energy of human society and the energy of Earth itself. To do so, find a beautiful spot in nature. Go there on a weekday when it’s quiet. Feel the energy there, the serenity and peace. Open your heart to this place in nature and feel all the energies present there. Apart from you there are nature spirits such as fairies and leprechauns, who work closely together with Earth. Now feel Earth itself. This is the Earth you came for, the Earth who reaches out to you and who wishes to support you. Open your heart to her energy and love.

By entering into this connection with Earth, you are able to truly take your place and shine your light in this world. You are able to change the world and make it more beautiful. There’s a place for you on Earth where you feel at home. This place will become a beacon of light that transforms the world around you.

Hypersensitive people hide for the world. Highly sensitive people radiate their light freely into it.

Step 4 – Use your female energy to become even more sensitive

Your female energy can make the difference between fearing someone and loving someone. It enables you to look behind the mask that someone’s putting on and see their vulnerability. In our hearts we are all good. God is in everyone’s heart. You can use the female energy within to become even more sensitive, to use your empathy to really understand what it’s like to be in the other person’s shoes. Understanding the other from within can help you put into perspective their hurtful remarks or offensive behavior. It may help you let go of it.

This becomes possible when the male energy inside is strong enough to protect your female side. When we are hurt by what another person says to us, we are often not hurt by the words themselves, but by our own oversensitive interpretation of those words. Often people are not out to get us, it’s more that they blurt out something which isn’t aimed at you personally. Your male energy can help you to not take things personally. Your female energy helps you feel what is really going on in the other person. By using the female gift of sensitivity, we now see a lot of lights in this dark world around us. Becoming even more sensitive, we take a step towards the heart of our fellow humans, which is often warmer and brighter than we thought. By noticing the light in the heart of the other, this light will burn stronger.

Becoming even more sensitive works in two directions: not only do you get a deeper sense of who the other person is, they also get to know you better. They feel something sensitive, warm and beautiful in you that they had not noticed before; by acknowledging the other person, they acknowledge you. This is how you start to feel at home on Earth.

To be an angel is to be balanced

Every human being gives and receives. To stay spiritually and physically healthy, we need to be in equilibrium with our environment. The flow of giving and the flow of receiving need to be balanced. The moment we radiate more of our light, make the transition from hypersensitivity to high sensitivity and become the angel that we are, the flow of giving increases. We exude a creative and beautiful light and share it with our environment, often without knowing it. The energy we put out into the world wants to come back to us in the form of (physical) abundance.

This causes problems in many sensitives. Hypersensitive people often do not believe that life can be beautiful, rich and abundant for hem. They feel it would not be right, that they are not worth it and so they block the flow of receiving that wants to come to them. Religious traditions which teach you that it’s better to give than to receive, or that it is sinful to enjoy yourself, support this line of thought. Fear and doubt keep out the natural abundance that wants to come your way.

Be attentive of this. Check for yourself if you are really open to what the universe would like to give to you, to all the love that is there for you. As long as you do not say ‘yes’ to what the universe wants to send your way, you have not truly said ‘yes’ to yourself. Say a loud and loving yes to yourself, to all of you. Accepting the flow of receiving in your life will then become natural for you.

[Zaya]

Wind, that take is extremely interesting. I relate to quite a bit of it -- the isolation and overwhelming sensory issues, the insomnia, the feeling completely out of place, etc.

However, I think she may be using the world "angel" just because there may not be another word to use. I don't think she uses the word angel in the same way the bible does, for instance. Right? I guess it is weird to me consider that I could be "angel" in the biblical sense. I'm wondering if it isn't possible that what she actually means is a being that has resided in the higher dimension and been "enlightened" for some time, but chose to come back to earth to help those who had not?

[Wind]

Yeah, the angel is more like a metaphor (even though I believe in angels) for older or advanced souls who have descended from higher planes of existence to this dense and physical dimension... It is the path of of the bodhisattva (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva), the price for helping this Earth is that we will first forget who and what we are due to the veil of forgetfulness, but in time we will remember again if we stay in our true path.

When the soul first begins it's journey it tends to be close God and it is more "light", but as it time processes it becomes more grounded to physical reality and eventually it will once again become physically a being of light. That is the future of man, but it might take some time. Have you ever heard of Law of One and wanderers (http://www.lawofone.info/results.php?c=Wanderers)? Many of us here are them.

[Zaya]

When the soul first begins it's journey it tends to be close God and it is more "light", but as it time processes it becomes more grounded to physical reality and eventually it will once again become physically a being of light. That is the future of man, but it might take some time. Have you ever heard of Law of One and wanderers (http://www.lawofone.info/results.php?c=Wanderers)? Many of us here are them.

I have heard of the Law of One (I downloaded all of the books from a link I saw here at some point), but I have not read them. I have not heard of the wanderers though. I do know that I am different, but I think I am still discovering in what ways. I did not know what those books were about. But now that you mention them to me in this context, seems like I should bump them up on the priority reading list.

[Wind]

I have heard of the Law of One (I downloaded all of the books from a link I saw here at some point), but I have not read them. I have not heard of the wanderers though. I do know that I am different, but I think I am still discovering in what ways. I did not know what those books were about. But now that you mention them to me in this context, seems like I should bump them up on the priority reading list.

The Law of One texts can be sometimes somewhat hard to understand, but Carla L. Rueckert's book A Wanderer's Handbook (http://www.llresearch.org/library/a_wanderers_handbook_pdf/a_wanderers_handbook_unabridged.pdf) is very good.

[Zaya]

Wind, I have been reading the text you linked me to. I undoubtedly associate with the feelings of a wanderer outlined in the text. As a matter of fact, I have been dealing with a lot of depression this year because I feel so alienated from the rest of the world and feel so out of place sometimes. Thanks for the information.

On another note, I am wondering if those who have been on this thread might entertain me with a response to a curious question I have....

For those of you who associate yourselves as a wanderer or an empath or both: Do you seem to have a lot more trouble waking up and re-aligning your mind and body than most?

Just curious if this may be another trait we may share...

[blotter]

It takes me a long while to re-align, waking up really isn't a problem. Trying to figure that one out, as I don't like the idea of accumulating karmas during sleep

So far the only thing that somewhat helps for me is the Ayurvedic practice of rubbing sesame oil on my feet before bed

[Lone Bean]

Wow! I guess I was supposed to come here and read all this. Wow. This really has helped a lot. I've downloaded the wanderer's handbook and will read it as I can. I seem to always get distracted by someone or something right when I need to do something important for myself like sitting quietly and absorbing this book. This is a weird thought, but I have been wondering for a long time if my husband is here to distract me or keep me from fully accomplishing what it is I am trying to do. He's a nice enough guy, but he is so tightly bound to this society we live in and gets upset when I step outside of it. And now he's chronically irritated with me since I'm always just outside of it and rarely, if ever, partake in it's offerings (which I loathe).

[Zaya]

Wow! I guess I was supposed to come here and read all this. Wow. This really has helped a lot. I've downloaded the wanderer's handbook and will read it as I can. I seem to always get distracted by someone or something right when I need to do something important for myself like sitting quietly and absorbing this book. This is a weird thought, but I have been wondering for a long time if my husband is here to distract me or keep me from fully accomplishing what it is I am trying to do. He's a nice enough guy, but he is so tightly bound to this society we live in and gets upset when I step outside of it. And now he's chronically irritated with me since I'm always just outside of it and rarely, if ever, partake in it's offerings (which I loathe).

Lone Bean, may I offer one small piece of (not advice) musing?

Perhaps you shouldn't get too caught up in whether he "meant to be' a distraction to you or not. Just follow your heart. I can't decide whether I believe in "meant to" or not. Don't we define our own meaning? Besides, there is always the possibility that YOU were meant to influence him and wake him up (if we are meant to do stuff!).

[RunningDeer]

It is funny to consider oneself as an angel, after all most if not all of us are with human faults... But here is one channeling from a source that I trust and according to that many of us are angels in human form, at least metaphorically speaking.

From hypersensitivity to high sensitivity (http://www.jeshua.net/articles/article1.htm)

Becoming the angel that you are

Many people are hypersensitive. They cannot stand the noise, aggression and hasty pace of modern society. Often they suffer from psychosomatic disorders and insomnia. What other folks take for granted, for example going to a family party, is quite a chore for them. Simply doing what other people consider normal often turns out a disaster for them.
I resonate with this article. The reason why I even post about this today is because it was only yesterday, out of the blue that I recalled three events that were days apart in 2008. So, I asked my higher self for confirmation which most often comes through synchronicity. (Thank you, Wind.)

I had strange pains on my shoulder blades. I explained it away with doing a lot of hard style Tai Chi. Then at the bookstore, I came across a book on Earth Angels. (books say, “Pick me. Pick me.”) It listed characteristics. It was the first time I felt like I understood ‘the why’s’ in my life.

A couple of days later, after giving Reiki to the grandmother, I asked her five year old granddaughter if she’d like to see how it feels. We connected and chatted while she sat on the massage chair. The little girl asked if she could Reiki me. So we switched places. As soon as she placed her hands on my shoulder blades, she whispered, “Ohhhh,” and stayed on the same spot. I waited in hopes for feedback. Finally, I asked if she felt something. She whispered, “Angel wings.” There was no prior conversation about angels to either of them. The analytical part of me asked myself, "Was it a leading question?”

Later that night, I stood in the bathroom mirror with the lights off, door closed, and no window. Once my eyes adjust to the dark, sure enough, I saw wings. I read the technique in the Earth Angel book.

What was different was that I was prepared to see them outstretched. What I saw was rounded tops and along my sides, and there was enough of glow to see feather-like markings. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. Since, I’ve tried a couple of times, but had no success.

In this moment, it’s easy for me to dismiss the experience as implanted mind program, or an archetype energetic, or an egoic trap, or that I don’t want it (the label) to get in the way of what I’m here to do. My thought is that many, many of us are angels, guardians or any name that fits. We’re here to participate in the next step of evolution.

RunningDeer <3

[Wind]

Well, I've always known that you're an angel, Paula. That's no surprise. :hug:

[Lone Bean]

Wow! I guess I was supposed to come here and read all this. Wow. This really has helped a lot. I've downloaded the wanderer's handbook and will read it as I can. I seem to always get distracted by someone or something right when I need to do something important for myself like sitting quietly and absorbing this book. This is a weird thought, but I have been wondering for a long time if my husband is here to distract me or keep me from fully accomplishing what it is I am trying to do. He's a nice enough guy, but he is so tightly bound to this society we live in and gets upset when I step outside of it. And now he's chronically irritated with me since I'm always just outside of it and rarely, if ever, partake in it's offerings (which I loathe).

Lone Bean, may I offer one small piece of (not advice) musing?

Perhaps you shouldn't get too caught up in whether he "meant to be' a distraction to you or not. Just follow your heart. I can't decide whether I believe in "meant to" or not. Don't we define our own meaning? Besides, there is always the possibility that YOU were meant to influence him and wake him up (if we are meant to do stuff!).

Yeah lol!! I've wondered about that too. I hope that's the way it is, but at this rate he'll be 112 before he ever listens to me or gives me any acknowledgement that I might know what I'm talking about.

[RunningDeer]

Well, I've always known that you're an angel, Paula. That's no surprise. :hug:

It takes one to know one, Wind.

I'm committed to act on the synchronicities and follow through. Though, I confess, I logged off and ran away, all red faced and scolding, "What the heck, Pauler?" "What were you thinkingggg?" Especially with the whole New Age controversy.

For me, the message is the same across platforms. Heart Song: love, compassion, understanding, courage, forgiveness, gratitude, etc.

(And if there are wings.... well, they must be in my power bag.)

<3

[pugwash84]

I must be one x

[Pleiades]

Hello Zaya :) i also identify myself with most of the traits. I am also medicated for extreme anxiety. And i am really having bad time controlling it. Today i took 4 anxiety pills all at once. I thought i was going nuts, i had a panic attack or maybe i'm having the beginning of a nervous breakdown or is it too much stress i don't know. People told me i'm a psychic i don't know what i am but this is very painfull. Everyday is painfull, i feel the energy of others and my own problems. At this moment only nature relieves me and this subtle energy that appears to me and inside of me that i don't know what it is. It feels like water. I want to have a normal life be active and it is really hard. My friends don't understand why i'm not active and they don't get it that it is because i don't feel good. These panic attacks or whatever appear to me when i least expect it. So i want to have a very active life but i can't because when these things appear which now it is almost every day i feel very drained mentally and physically. It's sad because i want to have a normal life. Even when i try to be with friends i feel bad. With some people i even get weird. With some people i can't stand their energy. My solar plexus it's ruined. I am also doing floral therapy of Dr. Bach. Hope it helps.

[Bill Ryan]

Today i took 4 anxiety pills all at once.

Well, don't do that! :bearhug: Any drugs or medications will dampen everything, including your perception, awareness, and abilities. And they may become addictive.


I am also doing floral therapy of Dr. Bach. Hope it helps.

Yes, it will. They're totally harmless, and can really work well if you get the right combination of remedies — often, up to 5-6 (max) at once.

You can figure things out from this summary list, but best of all may be simply to use your own intuition. Go to a store where they have the whole set of 38, and then hold them next to your cheek (or maybe, just in your hand). You'll know which ones you need.


http://bachflower.com/original-bach-flower-remedies

[rgray222]

Empaths Need to Take Extra Care During This Global Pandemic

With so many millions of people either getting ill or thinking about getting ill it leave the empaths open to a lot of 2nd hand pain, anxiety and even actual sickness. It is time to pay attention.

Empathic illnesses are those in which you manifest symptoms that are not your own. Many empaths exhibit “agoraphobic” with panic disorders, chronic depression, fatigue, pain, or mysterious ailments that respond only partially to medications or psychotherapy. Some are nearly housebound or ill for long periods of time. They say, “I dread being in crowds (not a problem under the current situation). Other people’s anger, stress, and pain drain me, and I need a lot of alone time to refuel my energy.” Most of these people are “physical empaths,” people who are so porous they absorb the symptoms of others.

Physical empaths do not have the defenses that others have to screen things out. They have a hard time protecting themselves, setting healthy boundaries, and letting go of energy they picked up from others.

If your struggling with other people's pain here are some stategies to stop absorbing other peoples illnesses and pain.

Evaluate. First, ask yourself: Is this symptom or emotion mine or someone else's? It could be both. If the emotion such as fear or anger is yours, gently confront what's causing it on your own or with professional help. If it’s not yours, try to pinpoint the obvious generator.

Move away. When possible, distance yourself by at least 20 feet from the suspected source. See if you feel relief. Don't err on the side of not wanting to offend strangers. In a public place, don't hesitate to change seats if you feel a sense of “dis-ease” imposing on you.

Know your vulnerable points. Each of us has a body part that is more vulnerable to absorbing others’ stress. Mine is my gut. Scan your body to determine yours. Is it you neck? Do you get sore throats? Headaches? Bladder infections? At the onset of symptoms in these areas, place your palm there and keep sending loving-kindness to that area to soothe discomfort. For longstanding depression or pain, use this method daily to strengthen yourself. It's comforting and builds a sense of safety and optimism.

Surrender to your breath. If you suspect you are picking up someone else’s symptoms, concentrate on your breath for a few minutes. This is centering and connects you to your power.

Practice Guerilla Meditation. To counter emotional or physical distress, act fast and meditate for a few minutes. Do this at home, at work, at parties, or conferences. Or, take refuge in the bathroom. If it’s public, close the stall. Meditate there. Calm yourself. Focus on positivity and love.

Set healthy limits and boundaries. Control how much time you spend listening to stressful people, and learn to say “no.” Remember, “no” is a complete sentence.

Visualize protection around you. Visualize an envelope of white light around your entire body. Or with extremely toxic people, visualize a fierce black jaguar patrolling and protecting your energy field against intruders.

Develop X-ray vision. The spaces between the vertebrae in your lower back (lumbar spine) are conducive to eliminating pain from the body. It’s helpful to learn to mindfully direct pain out of these spaces by visualizing it leaving your body. Say goodbye to pain as it blends with the giant energy matrix of life.

Take a bath or shower. A quick way to dissolve stress is to immerse yourself in water. My bath is my sanctuary after a busy day. It washes away everything from bus exhaust to long hours of air travel to pesky symptoms I have taken on from others. Soaking in natural mineral springs purifies all that ails.


Keep practicing these strategies. By protecting yourself and your space, you can create a magical safe space around you that nurtures you, while simultaneously driving negative people away. Don’t panic if you occasionally pick up pain or some other nasty symptom. It happens. With strategies to surrender other people’s symptoms, you can have quicker responses to stressful situations. This will make you feel safer, healthier, and protect your sensitivity.

[Karen (Geophyz)]

Empaths Need to Take Extra Care During This Global Pandemic

With so many millions of people either getting ill or thinking about getting ill it leave the empaths open to a lot of 2nd hand pain, anxiety and even actual sickness. It is time to pay attention.

Empathic illnesses are those in which you manifest symptoms that are not your own. Many empaths exhibit “agoraphobic” with panic disorders, chronic depression, fatigue, pain, or mysterious ailments that respond only partially to medications or psychotherapy. Some are nearly housebound or ill for long periods of time. They say, “I dread being in crowds (not a problem under the current situation). Other people’s anger, stress, and pain drain me, and I need a lot of alone time to refuel my energy.” Most of these people are “physical empaths,” people who are so porous they absorb the symptoms of others.

Physical empaths do not have the defenses that others have to screen things out. They have a hard time protecting themselves, setting healthy boundaries, and letting go of energy they picked up from others.

If your struggling with other people's pain here are some stategies to stop absorbing other peoples illnesses and pain.

Evaluate. First, ask yourself: Is this symptom or emotion mine or someone else's? It could be both. If the emotion such as fear or anger is yours, gently confront what's causing it on your own or with professional help. If it’s not yours, try to pinpoint the obvious generator.

Move away. When possible, distance yourself by at least 20 feet from the suspected source. See if you feel relief. Don't err on the side of not wanting to offend strangers. In a public place, don't hesitate to change seats if you feel a sense of “dis-ease” imposing on you.

Know your vulnerable points. Each of us has a body part that is more vulnerable to absorbing others’ stress. Mine is my gut. Scan your body to determine yours. Is it you neck? Do you get sore throats? Headaches? Bladder infections? At the onset of symptoms in these areas, place your palm there and keep sending loving-kindness to that area to soothe discomfort. For longstanding depression or pain, use this method daily to strengthen yourself. It's comforting and builds a sense of safety and optimism.

Surrender to your breath. If you suspect you are picking up someone else’s symptoms, concentrate on your breath for a few minutes. This is centering and connects you to your power.

Practice Guerilla Meditation. To counter emotional or physical distress, act fast and meditate for a few minutes. Do this at home, at work, at parties, or conferences. Or, take refuge in the bathroom. If it’s public, close the stall. Meditate there. Calm yourself. Focus on positivity and love.

Set healthy limits and boundaries. Control how much time you spend listening to stressful people, and learn to say “no.” Remember, “no” is a complete sentence.

Visualize protection around you. Visualize an envelope of white light around your entire body. Or with extremely toxic people, visualize a fierce black jaguar patrolling and protecting your energy field against intruders.

Develop X-ray vision. The spaces between the vertebrae in your lower back (lumbar spine) are conducive to eliminating pain from the body. It’s helpful to learn to mindfully direct pain out of these spaces by visualizing it leaving your body. Say goodbye to pain as it blends with the giant energy matrix of life.

Take a bath or shower. A quick way to dissolve stress is to immerse yourself in water. My bath is my sanctuary after a busy day. It washes away everything from bus exhaust to long hours of air travel to pesky symptoms I have taken on from others. Soaking in natural mineral springs purifies all that ails.


Keep practicing these strategies. By protecting yourself and your space, you can create a magical safe space around you that nurtures you, while simultaneously driving negative people away. Don’t panic if you occasionally pick up pain or some other nasty symptom. It happens. With strategies to surrender other people’s symptoms, you can have quicker responses to stressful situations. This will make you feel safer, healthier, and protect your sensitivity.

I have always known I am an empath, as my mother and my grandmother before me. It is one of the reasons I hide from people. Some times you can see too much. But I am wondering....can I be an empath to animals? I have this bull who showed up at my house and he has been giving me a message that I have been ignoring and saying to myself that a bull could not be giving me a message. Is it possible?

[Dorjezigzag]

One thing I have found invaluable for empathic overload and psychic attack is essential oils. Those 3 kings knew a thing or two and I find frankincense and myrrh particularly effective. There are some great diffusers out there although the nature of myrrh means it can only really be used in burners.

[onawah]

Certainly it's possible! That's what people like Anna do:
See: http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?106567-Animals-are-Magical&p=1336030&viewfull=1#post1336030


I have always known I am an empath, as my mother and my grandmother before me. It is one of the reasons I hide from people. Some times you can see too much. But I am wondering....can I be an empath to animals? I have this bull who showed up at my house and he has been giving me a message that I have been ignoring and saying to myself that a bull could not be giving me a message. Is it possible?

[Mari]

Empaths Need to Take Extra Care During This Global Pandemic

With so many millions of people either getting ill or thinking about getting ill it leave the empaths open to a lot of 2nd hand pain, anxiety and even actual sickness. It is time to pay attention.

Empathic illnesses are those in which you manifest symptoms that are not your own. Many empaths exhibit “agoraphobic” with panic disorders, chronic depression, fatigue, pain, or mysterious ailments that respond only partially to medications or psychotherapy. Some are nearly housebound or ill for long periods of time. They say, “I dread being in crowds (not a problem under the current situation). Other people’s anger, stress, and pain drain me, and I need a lot of alone time to refuel my energy.” Most of these people are “physical empaths,” people who are so porous they absorb the symptoms of others.

Physical empaths do not have the defenses that others have to screen things out. They have a hard time protecting themselves, setting healthy boundaries, and letting go of energy they picked up from others.

If your struggling with other people's pain here are some stategies to stop absorbing other peoples illnesses and pain.

Evaluate. First, ask yourself: Is this symptom or emotion mine or someone else's? It could be both. If the emotion such as fear or anger is yours, gently confront what's causing it on your own or with professional help. If it’s not yours, try to pinpoint the obvious generator.

Move away. When possible, distance yourself by at least 20 feet from the suspected source. See if you feel relief. Don't err on the side of not wanting to offend strangers. In a public place, don't hesitate to change seats if you feel a sense of “dis-ease” imposing on you.

Know your vulnerable points. Each of us has a body part that is more vulnerable to absorbing others’ stress. Mine is my gut. Scan your body to determine yours. Is it you neck? Do you get sore throats? Headaches? Bladder infections? At the onset of symptoms in these areas, place your palm there and keep sending loving-kindness to that area to soothe discomfort. For longstanding depression or pain, use this method daily to strengthen yourself. It's comforting and builds a sense of safety and optimism.

Surrender to your breath. If you suspect you are picking up someone else’s symptoms, concentrate on your breath for a few minutes. This is centering and connects you to your power.

Practice Guerilla Meditation. To counter emotional or physical distress, act fast and meditate for a few minutes. Do this at home, at work, at parties, or conferences. Or, take refuge in the bathroom. If it’s public, close the stall. Meditate there. Calm yourself. Focus on positivity and love.

Set healthy limits and boundaries. Control how much time you spend listening to stressful people, and learn to say “no.” Remember, “no” is a complete sentence.

Visualize protection around you. Visualize an envelope of white light around your entire body. Or with extremely toxic people, visualize a fierce black jaguar patrolling and protecting your energy field against intruders.

Develop X-ray vision. The spaces between the vertebrae in your lower back (lumbar spine) are conducive to eliminating pain from the body. It’s helpful to learn to mindfully direct pain out of these spaces by visualizing it leaving your body. Say goodbye to pain as it blends with the giant energy matrix of life.

Take a bath or shower. A quick way to dissolve stress is to immerse yourself in water. My bath is my sanctuary after a busy day. It washes away everything from bus exhaust to long hours of air travel to pesky symptoms I have taken on from others. Soaking in natural mineral springs purifies all that ails.


Keep practicing these strategies. By protecting yourself and your space, you can create a magical safe space around you that nurtures you, while simultaneously driving negative people away. Don’t panic if you occasionally pick up pain or some other nasty symptom. It happens. With strategies to surrender other people’s symptoms, you can have quicker responses to stressful situations. This will make you feel safer, healthier, and protect your sensitivity.

I have always known I am an empath, as my mother and my grandmother before me. It is one of the reasons I hide from people. Some times you can see too much. But I am wondering....can I be an empath to animals? I have this bull who showed up at my house and he has been giving me a message that I have been ignoring and saying to myself that a bull could not be giving me a message. Is it possible?


Absolutely! I too am an empath & please know that it IS possible this bull was trying to communicate with you. A huge barrier for us is the belief that its not possible for animals to communicate with us – they’re ‘dumb’. Far from it! I’ve been studying animal communication & its opened up a huge world for me – and others studying this.
Take a look at these websites if you want to know more. These are only two of many practitioners out there.

(Anna Breytenbach (Animal Spirit) has a wonderful & famous you tube video featuring a black panther/puma who she helped.) Awesome!

https://www.animalspirit.org/

https://animalthoughts.com/

[Karen (Geophyz)]

[QUOTE=rgray222;1341859]Empaths Need to Take Extra Care During This Global Pandemic

With so many millions of people either getting ill or thinking about getting ill it leave the empaths open to a lot of 2nd hand pain, anxiety and even actual sickness. It is time to pay attention.

Empathic illnesses are those in which you manifest symptoms that are not your own. Many empaths exhibit “agoraphobic” with panic disorders, chronic depression, fatigue, pain, or mysterious ailments that respond only partially to medications or psychotherapy. Some are nearly housebound or ill for long periods of time. They say, “I dread being in crowds (not a problem under the current situation). Other people’s anger, stress, and pain drain me, and I need a lot of alone time to refuel my energy.” Most of these people are “physical empaths,” people who are so porous they absorb the symptoms of others.

Physical empaths do not have the defenses that others have to screen things out. They have a hard time protecting themselves, setting healthy boundaries, and letting go of energy they picked up from others.

If your struggling with other people's pain here are some stategies to stop absorbing other peoples illnesses and pain.

Evaluate. First, ask yourself: Is this symptom or emotion mine or someone else's? It could be both. If the emotion such as fear or anger is yours, gently confront what's causing it on your own or with professional help. If it’s not yours, try to pinpoint the obvious generator.

Move away. When possible, distance yourself by at least 20 feet from the suspected source. See if you feel relief. Don't err on the side of not wanting to offend strangers. In a public place, don't hesitate to change seats if you feel a sense of “dis-ease” imposing on you.

Know your vulnerable points. Each of us has a body part that is more vulnerable to absorbing others’ stress. Mine is my gut. Scan your body to determine yours. Is it you neck? Do you get sore throats? Headaches? Bladder infections? At the onset of symptoms in these areas, place your palm there and keep sending loving-kindness to that area to soothe discomfort. For longstanding depression or pain, use this method daily to strengthen yourself. It's comforting and builds a sense of safety and optimism.

Surrender to your breath. If you suspect you are picking up someone else’s symptoms, concentrate on your breath for a few minutes. This is centering and connects you to your power.

Practice Guerilla Meditation. To counter emotional or physical distress, act fast and meditate for a few minutes. Do this at home, at work, at parties, or conferences. Or, take refuge in the bathroom. If it’s public, close the stall. Meditate there. Calm yourself. Focus on positivity and love.

Set healthy limits and boundaries. Control how much time you spend listening to stressful people, and learn to say “no.” Remember, “no” is a complete sentence.

Visualize protection around you. Visualize an envelope of white light around your entire body. Or with extremely toxic people, visualize a fierce black jaguar patrolling and protecting your energy field against intruders.

Develop X-ray vision. The spaces between the vertebrae in your lower back (lumbar spine) are conducive to eliminating pain from the body. It’s helpful to learn to mindfully direct pain out of these spaces by visualizing it leaving your body. Say goodbye to pain as it blends with the giant energy matrix of life.

Take a bath or shower. A quick way to dissolve stress is to immerse yourself in water. My bath is my sanctuary after a busy day. It washes away everything from bus exhaust to long hours of air travel to pesky symptoms I have taken on from others. Soaking in natural mineral springs purifies all that ails.


Keep practicing these strategies. By protecting yourself and your space, you can create a magical safe space around you that nurtures you, while simultaneously driving negative people away. Don’t panic if you occasionally pick up pain or some other nasty symptom. It happens. With strategies to surrender other people’s symptoms, you can have quicker responses to stressful situations. This will make you feel safer, healthier, and protect your sensitivity.

I have always known I am an empath, as my mother and my grandmother before me. It is one of the reasons I hide from people. Some times you can see too much. But I am wondering....can I be an empath to animals? I have this bull who showed up at my house and he has been giving me a message that I have been ignoring and saying to myself that a bull could not be giving me a message. Is it possible?


Absolutely! I too am an empath & please know that it IS possible this bull was trying to communicate with you. A huge barrier for us is the belief that its not possible for animals to communicate with us – they’re ‘dumb’. Far from it! I’ve been studying animal communication & its opened up a huge world for me – and others studying this.
Take a look at these websites if you want to know more. These are only two of many practitioners out there.

(Anna Breytenbach (Animal Spirit) has a wonderful & famous you tube video featuring a black panther/puma who she helped.) Awesome

[TomKat]

What do I do if I am getting a message but I don't know what it means? Everyday, same message. When I am brushing Red Bull he looks me straight in the eyes and says the same thing.
Thank you for the websites! I am learning more every day.

Maybe it means you're full of something?

[onawah]

Hidden Superpower: 15 Signs You Are a SIGMA EMPATH
95,642 views Dec 18, 2021
3.8K
Bloke Box
23.5K subscribers

( I had never heard of a "Sigma" empath before, but this rings true. Basic traits of empaths, but with a difference; the end stage of empathic evolution. )

"The sigma empath makes for one of the rarest combinations of personality types that exist in the general population.
They possess many of the same abilities as a classic empath, but manifest them in very particular ways."


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