We know our thoughts create our reality; our emotions and intentions do as well. However, it becomes more difficult for sensitive people to separate and distinguish their own feelings, thoughts, and emotions from the people around them. Some people are so easily affected by other’s thoughts, moods, perceptions, desires, etc., that it becomes overwhelming. These people are considered to be empaths. Like empaths, lightworkers are also very sensitive. Both are compassionate people and they want to help others; they want to live in a better world, not for themselves, but for everyone. They are thoughtful and considerate of others. Normally, they put other’s needs in the first place.

I remembered the first time I heard the word “empath.” It was in Kona, Hawaii, in 2009, during the Angel Therapy course. That time this term was used just in metaphysics and spiritual devoutness. Today it is a field of study in psychology.

Empaths can be shy or outgoing. The ones who seem to be more extroverted, actually hide themselves behind a joke or a smile. In their private world, they hide a shy side even from themselves. Because of their higher sensibility, empaths can be very artistic, inventive, helpful, and willing. They normally work as artists, helping professions such as nurses, counselors, medical doctors, physical therapists, social workers, psychotherapists, reverends, holistic practitioners, and alike. When they dedicate their professional life to the mathematics field, they try to work in a field where they can improve the population’s well-being or for the betterment of the environment.

Thus, it is not too much to say they have a good heart and their light shines beautifully. It is because of their good vibes that they attract many people around them. So they are an easy target for energy vampires, individuals who want to suck the empath’s energy. It is common for my clients, who are an empath like me, to attract problematic, even psychotic co-workers or bosses, a psychopath neighbor, a narcissistic friend, or an addicted spouse. The result is confusion, feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, feeling lost, indecisive, frustrated, tedious, and anguished. Some reach the burnout point.

Empaths can be so detached of themselves that they lose contact with their own emotions and thoughts. They feel not just other’s emotional pain, but as well as the physical one. The subconscious mind has a huge role in this making. It is known that ninety percent of our behaviors are dictated by the subconscious mind. Our memories, feelings, perceptions, emotions, intuition, and imagination are features of the subconscious mind. Children stay in their subconscious mind for the first seven years of their lives.

They are very sensitive and they don’t want to see their parents or significant others suffer. So, subconsciously they take to themselves the physical, emotional, even moral pain from who is suffering around them. It means that subconsciously they create a vicious cycle of being a martyr, without knowing it or being aware of it. The ones who are not in contact with themselves are constantly carrying extra pain and suffering, which is unhealthy. So what to do?

First of all, it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It is exactly the opposite. It takes a lot of awareness and courage to look for help. It is a sign of maturity. Immature people think they can handle everything by themselves or they compare themselves to others. Nonetheless, they are comparing to what they think of the other person is or what they are going through, not to the real thing. This is a single, narrow vision of oneself and life. Secondly, it is okay to let go of people who drain, use, or manipulate you. It is okay to unfriend people from social media that are unpaid clients – use you when they need it – or seem to be your friend as long as you think and act the way they want you to. It is okay to set up healthy boundaries from those who want to bring you to their vision without respecting your life history and your spiritual development.

Having said that, there are some routines you can implement in your life that can be helpful, for example, you can add daily meditation to your routine. Even the three-minute mindfulness meditation three times a day is good. The point is to calm down, make some time and space for you just to be present here and now, just to become aware of our inner world: your thoughts and emotions. Spend some time alone. Empaths need to be with themselves and to get in contact with who they are. Recharging in nature is one of the most important habits an empath can develop. Hiking, walking, running, or biking in the woods can be fulfilling. Swimming or playing in a lake or sea, not only has a cleansing effect but also bring important insights to the conscious mind. Gardening is also very helpful. Sensitive people are very artistic, so chose your favorite way to express your artistic abilities, including the culinary ones.

I consider aromatherapy a type of art. I love to make my own blends for shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, body and hand lotion, foot balm, hair treatment, and so on. I buy the raw products and add essential oils and vitamin E or other ingredients to them. It is so rewarding smelling the divine aromas that come from Mother Nature! It is fun and has a therapeutic component to it.

Coloring books, painting, arts & crafts, singing, dancing, bodywork, yoga, and energy work are very beneficial. But journaling about your feelings, thoughts, and emotions is priceless. It has a transformative effect. You vent your ideas and emotions. You let go of what no longer serves you, you create an environment for aha! moments. You can write down your goals and strategies. You can hold yourself accountable by creating a healthy journaling habit. It is a good idea to get informed about your situation and its characteristics. You can start by reading books on the subject and by clicking on the links below. However, never hesitate to seek a professional who understands you!