Are You Blessed or are You Cursed?

So, what exactly is an empath you may ask. An empath is someone with the natural ability to understand the emotional, mental, and physical state of a person or an animal. We sense and feel and read the energy around them. This is just something you're born with. We have the innate ability to intuitively feel and perceive. Empaths feel because we came here to heal, our gift is sensitivity; so we can know and understand others on a deep and true level. We are the embodiment of love. Your energy tells you whatever you need to know and you can help heal the world. I feel that being an empath is a great blessing.

There can be a downside. As an empath you must learn to let the feelings flow through you, not stay in you. After all they are not yours, they belong to someone else.

Empaths are often the quiet achievers. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and can speak openly, and frankly. However at times they may have problems talking about their feelings even if the other person cares to listen. Empaths are typically the great listeners. I have had complete strangers start a conversation with me and literally tell me their life story.

Empaths sometimes have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This could be a curse in that you may be ignoring your own needs. Again, let it flow through you, not stay in you.

There are times, even empaths are inclined to pick up another's feelings, and project it back without realizing it's origin in the first place. I always try to remain centered, and calm, even in the midst of chaos. I have often had people tell me that when I'm in the room, there's a peaceful, calm harmony of the area. I have always said, “be responsible for the energy you bring into a place!”

Empaths are often very sensitive to Television, video games, movies, news and other broadcasts that are violent or negative. Not that we want to bury our heads in the sand, however I personally choose to selectively listen to any news broadcasts. I read enough, and listen enough, to know what is going on in the world, so I can embrace and love what I want to see changed. I often-times struggle with the ability to comprehend the cruelty of others, and I often have difficulty expressing myself in the face of another's ignorance, closed mindedness and lack of compassion. I simply cannot justify the suffering that they feel and see yet do not seem to care. I believe it was Gandhi who said, “Be the change you wish to see.” I firmly believe that.

Empaths may be excellent storytellers due to an endless imagination, inquisitiveness and ever expanding knowledge. Often-times they will be the keepers of ancestral knowledge and the family historian.

People, and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths, regardless of whether others are aware of your empathic nature. People will be drawn to you as metal is to a magnet.

Empaths typically need to know all the details, and are often the problem solvers, thinkers, and students of many things. Where an empath is concerned, if there is a problem, there is a solution.

Here's a list of some of the most common traits of empathic people:

We just know stuff without being told. It's amazing. This goes completely beyond simple intuition or gut reaction. The more attuned we are, the stronger our psychic gifts become.

Being in crowded public places can be overwhelming.

Feeling others emotions and taking them on is your own. Again feel, acknowledge and let it go.

Violent, cruel or tragic TV shows or news articles are a big no-no for an empath.

We know when you are lying.

Sometimes we can pick up physical symptoms from another person. It's one of the ways to sense a physical ailment. Just don't hold on to it!

Oftentimes the solar plexus chakra is affected. This is because most people feel their emotions in the solar plexus. And we tend to take in so much energy to read, that if we don't release it we may wind up with digestive disorders and lower back problems.

We always fight for the underdog. Anyone who's suffering, in emotional pain, or being bullied by others, draws our attention and our compassion.

Others love to offload their problems on you.

We get drained of energy very quickly sometimes.

Empaths may be prone to addiction. Whether it's alcohol drugs, sex, or smoking just to name a few. Oftentimes they will turn to the addiction to block out the emotions of others. It is a form of self-protection, however it's much more productive to learn how to control what you're feeling.

We tend to be drawn to the healing arts. Whether it's Reiki, herbalism, nursing, or the medical field.

We tend to be very creative. From singing, dancing, acting, drawing or writing there is a strong creative streak and a vivid imagination.

We have a true love of nature and animals being outdoors in nature is a must for empaths and pets are an essential part of our life.

We need solitude!

Empaths get bored, and distracted very easily if they are not stimulated.

We find it absolutely impossible to do things that we don't enjoy. It feels like we're living a lie by doing so.

We strive for truth.

We are always seeking answers and knowledge.

We like adventure, freedom, and travel. Empaths are free spirits.

We absolutely abhor clutter.

Empaths love to daydream. We can stare into space for hours, in a world of our own and be blissfully happy.

We tend to find routine, rules or control imprisoning.

Empaths are prone to carry weight without necessarily overeating. The excess weight comes in a form of protection to stop any negative energies from coming in.

We are excellent listeners. We don't typically talk about ourselves unless it is with somebody we truly trust.

We have a complete intolerance to narcissism. We have a very hard time being around overly egotistical people who put themselves first, and refuse to consider others feelings, or points of views other than their own.

We tend to feel the days of the week. I believe this comes from the collective. Most notably that Friday feeling.

We do not typically like antiques, vintage, or secondhand. These items carry the energy of the previous owner.

We can sense the energy of food. Many empaths have chosen to be vegetarian or even vegan.

Empaths can appear moody, shy, aloof and disconnected.

If you are a true Empath, you have probably said yes to most if not all of the above.

Embrace your blessing! Love all living things! You are the change the world needs, you are the embodiment of love and light! You got this!