In my Reiki practice, whether I am talking to someone before a session or teaching a class, I often hear “Someone told me I am an empath, and it’s driving me crazy”. How do I stop it or control it?

The definition of an empath is basically someone who feels the emotions of other people, places or things.

Most everyone can sense other folks emotional changes but empaths tend to take it on as their own. They may physically feel the pain, they may actually start crying, they may appear to be moody, are often called over sensitive and because they pick up on so much of other people stuff they tend to stay away from crowds and are considered loners.

Do you think you are an empath? This article on ReikiRays.com has a great eye opener list of traits to tell if you are. I honestly did not think I was until I fell under the majority of these “symptoms”

Empathy can be seen as a gift or it can be seen as a curse, that choice is yours

It can be a pretty difficult way to live and many empaths tend to think of it as a curse. But it doesn’t have to be, it can actually be a gift. Empaths make wonderful healers and counselors. They can often times sense more clearly what is wrong. They can be compassionate because they can “feel” as their client feels.

But until you learn how to discern between your own emotions and feelings and those of others, the path of an empath can be quite unsettling. You may find yourself taking on others emotions to the point of causing you emotional stress or even physical illness. You may wonder what is wrong with you, why can you not be happy. You may walk into a room and feel overwhelming sadness to a point where you can not enjoy going out. Certain people may make you very uncomfortable, drained and overwhelmed. You are drained by the end of the day.

Does this sound familiar? So let’s talk about a few things you can do.

First, recognize that you are an empath. It’s not going to go away so you need to learn to live with it. Think of it as a gift, not a curse.

When you wake up in the morning, prepare yourself for the day by setting intention through the use of affirmations. Affirmations are short, powerful and positive statements that when repeated daily become part of your subconscious.

• I am a compassionate, kind person who is respected and well loved
• I only feel emotions and energy that are mine, and I release of all that does not belong to me
• I don’t have to fix everything and everyone.
• The energy that I receive and surrounds me is of the highest good for me.
• I am protected from all energy that does not belong to me
• I surround myself with white healing light.
• I only hear, see, feel, and sense emotional information that is important for me to know and act upon.

Before leaving the house for the day visualize a big long zipper from your feet to the top of your head. Zipper up and lock as if you are zipping into a bag that surrounds you,

Get a Reiki Session. Reiki is a one way flow using divine energy. As an empath, you have probably blocked your energy pathways and Chakras as a defense mechanism. In order to live a happy balanced life your life force energy needs to be able to flow smoothly, without restriction. A Reiki session will unblock these pathways and raise your energetic vibration.

Learn Reiki. If you are in a healing position already, like nurse, counselor, therapist etc, Reiki can be an extra tool for you to help others by focusing on the areas you already know needs work. Empaths make wonderfully healers, Reiki also helps keep your own energetic and physical body in a place of calm and joy.  Empaths make terrific Healers.

Ask your angels to protect you from other people Energy allowing you to know which is your feelings and what are others feelings

Empathy is a gift. Do not shun from it but embrace the fact that you will make a wonderful healer.

Crystals for Empaths

Carry or wear these crystals. You can also use them in your work or healing space to draw out negative energy and create a loving, compassionate environment. I have tried to choose common, easy to find crystals that any crystal shop will have or you may already own. Remember to cleanse them often so that all the negative energy they absorb will be released, I also suggest placing them out under the full moon every month for a cleansing moon bath.

• Rose quartz- the beautiful pink, easy to find crystal is the crystal for self love. It will help sooth your heart chakra and bring love to the forefront
• Black tourmaline- this highly protective stone repels negativity.
• Amethyst- this beautiful purple stone is connected with the brow (third eye) Chakra as well as the crown chakra. Not only is it a protective stone but it will help you connect to your inner self and spiritual self.
• Unakite to help keep your emotions in balance

Feel free to leave a comment. I would love  to hear about your experiences and what may have worked for you.

Namaste.