What is a Heyoka Empath?

First, I have to explain that many people have heard of the word empathy and from that quite a few have heard empathic and even empath, but I think that very few people realize there are several types of empaths and one is considered to be one of the strongest.

This empath is known as the Heyoka; that is the Lakota (Sioux) word for Sacred Clown or Fool. The reason for this was the Heyoka's ability to encourage healing via humor and comedy. The Heyoka was considered an important part of the Lakota community and culture due to their innate empath abilities.

The main thing to consider when looking into your own empathy skill and whether you might be a Heyoka is to acknowledge whether you are an empath to start with. It might be wise to familiarize yourself with what empaths experience so you can gauge the subtype you fall under.

Next, if you do a bit of research you will find out that the Heyoka is considered to be one of the most, if not the strongest, types of empath there is. The Heyoka has a very unique and rare ability to get people to think in new ways and open their minds to new viewpoints but does so in a way that is neither demeaning nor stressful, but rather deep subjects are delivered with insight and humor to carefully balance and mentor which gives space for souls to heal instead of falling into a pit of sorrow and despair. 

In this way, Heyokas are not there to poke fun or antagonize and their style of comedy is meant to make harder situations easier to manage. However, since Heyokas are still empaths, they are innate at honing in on people's emotions and take caution and consideration not to offend or cross boundaries that would cause further injury. Their approach is usually unexpected and works to de-escalate traumatic scenarios and ease the pain of tragedy. 

Here are some ways to recognize if you are a Heyoka;

1. You are an empath.

By this point, you should know that an Empath is a person who has a heightened sense of awareness or sixth sense that allows them to pick up on the unspoken and people's emotions. In a sense, Empaths can feel what other people are feeling. 

Every person who identifies as an Empath is empathetic, but the degree of their sensitivity can vary greatly and while most people do have a sense of empathy, the empathic senses of an Empath can be overwhelming at times. 

Because of an Empath's exceptional emotional awareness, they often make fabulous friends and mentors in their spaces; they feel empowered by helping others and have a sense of obligation for bringing happiness to the people they cross paths with. They are often known for being advocates and healers; supportive roles suit them well due to their ability to shift emotionally trying situations into more positive lights. 

2. Anything that Can be Reflected Back Seems to be a Central Core of your personality. 

We know that all Empaths have some basic traits, but the Heyoka is a little deeper and has a few specific and distinguishable factors; 

Many Heyoka's have very challenging childhood lives and are prone to being left-handed, born in the breech position, dyslexic or dyscalculic. That, is there will always be something backward in life for them; for example - the average person being right-handed, babies usually being born head first, dyslexia and dyscalculia being learning disorders where people see letters and numbers in backward sequences rather than in the way they are displayed. 

Another notable thing is that a Heyoka is incredibly good at emulating other people's emotions in a way that makes them very aware of their behavior so they can gauge what they think of it. This is just one of the many ways a Heyoka will work to be a sort of court jester type and spin things in a way that isn't harmful but will deflect negative energy from the space they are inhabiting and hopefully teach a lesson or great morale to the individual causing a ruckus. 

This does not mean a Heyoka must be left-handed, born breech, or even have a learning disability to be one, but this is typical among them.

3. You have a strong preference for solitude.

There's a trait that seems highly amplified for the Heyoka and that is how they really enjoy their solitary time. They take this time to reflect and restore their energy and many of them are very introspective and need time to decompress. They enjoy doing this by vacating the edges of civilization and tend to enjoy the wilderness greatly. 

There is also a sense of discourse where Heyokas are concerned because of hw they scratch at deeply rooted issues and can sometimes touch on topics that upset and provoke others because they are serious, but due to the Heyoka's deep emotional senses, they cannot ignore these things when they are brought before them. 

It also causes some issues where their own emotional pain and trauma may be concerned because it puts them in positions that can be exhausting and overwhelming at times. Since there are those Empaths who are definitely flooded by absorption of too many heavy emotional battles, Heyokas need to take time for themselves to detox from their environments. 

This can interrupt a healthy social life if they are not careful, but the Heyoka also has a bit of a popular appeal that can make them in high demand and that can also be tiring; for this reason, Heyokas often go silent to renew their spirits.

4. You're blunt - sometimes brutally so,

This is the one thing that can really get a Heyoka into trouble, but if you appreciate raw truth then they are the most honest people you will ever meet. Sometimes, their brazenness and boldness can be a bit humiliating and uncomfortable, however, to the Heyoka the best policy is honesty and it keeps things simple in life. 

Since Heyokas feel they are put on earth to help heal the world, they do not want to deal with excess emotional problems where being dishonest is concerned. Heyokas have a desire to bring people to healing; they just want to see others relieving themselves of toxic emotional bonds and contracts, and anything that may prevent their evolution into stable and loving people. 

Part of this includes mimicking what they see other people doing, but in a humorous way so that they can spin it into a new perspective and teach others new approaches to their negative feelings, and thoughts. 

5. You possess a creative mind

All Heyoka's possess incredible creative sparks, and they use it to inspire people in ways that will open new doors in their lives. So they can experience epic adventures, fulfilling romantic relationships, and witness all the things that may not otherwise have the confidence to go looking for. 

If you happen to befriend a Heyoka, expect to have lots of imaginative conversations with a very artsy person. Heyokas tend to love arts, music, and film and have illustrious brains. They are the definition of fearless with wide faith and love to experience new things. 

6. You care deeply

Obviously, Heyokas are Empaths and the strongest of them, and so by nature, they are very generous and kind people. They are the types who would give their shirt off their back and they love to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on if it's needed. They are non-judgmental and will do their best to give great advice, if it's wanted, but know not to go beyond into unsolicited territory unless making light of a scenario. 

Ultimately, while a Heyoka may be different and have bizarre methods for helping others, they just want to be supportive encouragers who help other people live their best lives and feel and see the beauty of love in the world around them. 

Even if only in a passing smile, hug, or joke.