The Gift of Being an Empath
If you are reading this article, there’s a large chance that you have been curious about what it means to be an “Empath” or what it means to be in a relationship with one.
Empaths not only experience their emotions more deeply than the people around them, but they may also absorb others’ emotional experiences. Empaths are oftentimes labeled as “sensitive” by others; however, this hyper-sensitivity can be more accurately thought of as “emotional overload,” as empaths are constantly balancing a multitude of both personal and external emotions. This is likely why most empaths require a large amount of alone time to recharge!
Our therapists at Inner Balance do not view being an empath as a burden. Rather, we understand this level of awareness and perception as a superpower. Below are a few strengths that most empaths possess!
1. Empaths are highly intuitive and have strong instincts that allow them to perceive the world through emotion and feeling, rather than thought. Strengthening our intuition involves leaning into our inner voice, or our “gut feelings,” and trusting this voice as our guide. Intuition allows one to make more clear, aligned decisions.
2. Empaths have huge hearts and crave to be of service to others. The potential danger in this, however, lies in empaths’ tendency to give too much of themselves, causing them to feel drained and overwhelmed. Learning how to establish boundaries is a must for an empath! Prioritizing personal needs and self-care protects empaths from relationship burnout, and it allows them to serve others in a more sustainable, effective way. “Don’t worry about losing people. Worry about losing yourself trying to please other people.” – Jillian Michaels
3. Empaths are capable of very deep connection. Having a higher level of emotional intelligence and perceptiveness, empaths can connect with others easily and can usually foster deep, fulfilling relationships. A strong, mutual romantic relationship is vital for empaths, as empaths need partners who can create space for their emotions. Empaths must acknowledge how their inherent desire to help others can make them more susceptible to unhealthy relationship dynamics with narcissistic or dominating individuals.
Understanding empathy as a gift allows empaths to focus their love and energy in intentional ways, where this love and energy will be honored and reciprocated equally. The ladies of Inner Balance are skilled in working alongside empaths to re-shift their gifts in ways that allow them to step into a more fulfilled, authentic way of being. We currently offer a group for empaths titled “The Realized Empath” and will continue this offering throughout the year. Please contact info@innerbalanceatlanta.com to learn more!
Additional empath resources can be found on Dr. Judith Orloff’s website, which is linked below. https://drjudithorloff.com/top-10-traits-of-an-empath/