The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Do you feel as if you know what people are going through even when you may have only been through partially or not at all? Or that you can put yourself in others shoes and feel what they feel? You may be an Empath. The link below is a link to 7 signs that you are an Empath.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Psychism--7-Signs-Youre-an-Empath

Do you think that you or someone else is an Empath? If so explain why you think so. Share your feelings in general also if you want.

Me I am an Empath. I feel things from the living and the dead. I cannot speak to the dead or see them but I feel them around me at different points in time.

There is nothing mystic about being observant to the feelings of others, some are more preoccupied with how others feel then others. In controlled studies, groups of people who professed to be able to sense emotions were matched with a subject, a paper partition was set between them, and the test was after the subject was shown 3 pictures they entered the emotion those pics put them in. a light cued the "reader". The readers got below chance average. Sometimes I note those who claim to be empathic have a shallow group of aquantances (No offense to anyone here) a limited range of emotions, and people who are conformist often marvel at how "empathically gifted they are.. yet in situations that require sympathy they fail to rise to the challenge. How many people here that claim to be empathic, yet their journals are full of anger at failed relations.. can they not "read" the significant other for their emotional consistancy? My two cents worth.


Question by Rogue: Are you an Empath

Yes 14 29.17 %
No 13 27.08 %
Unsure 11 22.92 %
What the hell is an Empath? 10 20.83 %
Total Votes: 48

Offered for reference.

Maybe "empath" would be a term that many people use/claim to be when they "sense" some things.. I do sense stuff, but usually I brush them away, cos I'm not responsible for anyone... It's not like it's a calling or anything. I have a life, and I do my own stuff to get by each day, hard that may be.
Relationships aren't my thing.. But there are people who have the ability to help those they "feel", but fail badly in forming relationships... They always have this thought that no one understands them and they settle for what they can get. This sends them on a downward spiral and they lose the ability to control their emotions, and they fall into depression... It takes alot to come back up, I think..

Nice post thread Briana.

Empath isn't just about sensing others feelings, it effects you in many ways. It can lead you into serious situations if you don't learn to control it.
Like giving them money, letting them stay with you if losing their home, going out of your way to help people, also can cause depression if around those that are depressed.
So studying Chakra and balancing them open and using sheilding helps you maintain your Empathy, when to help and when not too so you are in control of your life instead of feeling out of control.

I express some of the signs but I do not believe myself to be an empathic peron

Yes I am an empath I am also a nurse and makes my job a little easier since I can feel someones pain or if they are becoming ill before they even know. But it can sometimes be a curse as I can always feel if someone close to me has a problem with me. I also experience what feels like anxiety attacks when someone I know is in trouble or has been in an accident. Very scary especially before I knew what it was and how to control it.

Yes I am empath but moedern... cz if anything better I accept and uses it to my use...

my empath path was yoga was suggested by my perents but i accepted the astral and aura seek and dream follow are nice techniques which are not common yoga though it is partof divine yoga and tantra

I accepted psyho-spiritual too advanced stage of deepst yoga... but you when ask about postures of yoga, it is not my interest to perform postures I am believer of yoga through breathe and meditation....

some are more in tune to the energies of others also, that helps them to know how others are feeling and thus relate to them

is it more than just a gut feeling though?

questions i would have if trying to see if one is a true empath is?

do you see things happening when you feel something is going to occur

do you feel like energy is being drained from you when you are using the empath ability

No. You all seem quite confused on what we are.

Impath, is the correct spelling, or atleast the spelling we prefer.

It has a lot to do with phycic connections, and the ability to feel what someone else feels. Not only emotionally, but physically too.
I have proof i'm one, as i have met other Impaths too. We are Generally drawn to each other for one reason or another. I lived by one for about a month, and then with two others for about a month. What we felt was not fake. Me and Gary felt a bad sense from this one guy, when i was at the shelter. We belive he did black magic, we both felt the same thing, before we even talked to each other about it.

I have never in my over sixty years heard anyone use the term "Impath". Everything I saw stated no such word. It must be some small group of people using this word which would be incorrect because it would mean a person who cannot feel emotion, from Greek "pathos" and Latin "im" which means not. This would be the opposite of empath.

Most people have some empathy but empathy doesn't guarantee you are sympathetic. It just means to a degree depending on the person you tend to feel the pain or emotions of other people and depending on the individual, can be profoundly affected by them. Sometimes this is unconsciously. I could go into more detail but quite honestly this isn't something you can exactly prove. It doesn't necessarily deal with psychism in the normal way and I don't believe it is something you can turn off and on. Some empaths have to know people pretty well and once they do they can sort of tune into it and are affected by the behaviors and emotions of others. Being a sensitive is something entirely different in my opinion, but similar in a way. It is more in tune with picking up on the vibes of the surroundings or a place and not so much on the emotions of specific individuals. Some of these things have a fine line and no one is an expert on this. Many use a varietywords to mean the same thing.

There are those that think sending certain emotional vibes out to help people is what empathy is but that is called projection. Perhaps some empaths are able to do this but it isn't a qualifying factor in fact I don't believe there are any nor can people be tested for this capacity. I personally believe a true empath can pick it up from body language and sound, how the person is expressing themselves; tone of voice. Some are really good at this and in some circles be labeled an empath and in others not, just a perceptive person.

It is mostly a catch-all term for those who seem to have the capacity to be aware of others feelings and tend to feel them as well to varying degrees. When it goes beyond that and they get more then that is when psychic abilities come into play. Not everyone is good beyond getting a gut hunch something is wrong etc., even if the person is trying to hide it. Some people are exceptional at this ability, but as I stated previously there is no guarantee the person will be sympathetic to those things they are picking up on, especially if it is from someone they don't particularly like.

There are a myriad of definitions for what an empath is and they cross over with psychics to sensitives. Speaking from experience, I might not be near anyone but I know there is something going on in the house and I go and try to find out what. I get a feeling of foreboding sometimes or happiness. Like the day I found out (about two weeks ago) my daughter was expecting. She was calm but I knew and felt something even though it wasn't exactly happiness, it was there with apprehension. It wasn't exactly perfect timing but that's life. If I get too much input it makes me ill and it will cause me if it is negative to have a personality change for a time. It goes away depending on the stimulus. This is a hard thing to explain so I will leave it to others who are trying and may have a different viewpoint and of course, the usual skeptics to be their usual selves.

Steal indigo well stated, The application of such skills can be seen in poker players. Some people are more telling of their emotional demeaner then others. Being able to mask ones emotions is applicable when acting. The TV show "Lie to Me" is based on a real person, I see more advancement into the field from behavioral studies, then I see from occultist. Most who claim empathy are pesstimistic,, the statement " I know when people are in distress." is repeated often.

In my experience and observation... the term 'empath' has been used and abused by people specifically on the internet for years. People virtually meet other people- people who are in rough spots in relationships or none... then meets someone on the web who really understands them like no other. These people call themselves 'empaths', and I tell ya- it's a trend that really irks me. To have empathy is to really know how someone else is feeling as opposed to sympathy where you just feel sorry for someone's predicament. To be an 'empath' is a relatively new thing people have jumped on board with in very modern times. I've been around 36 years and this is not something people passed around in the 80s or 90s from what I can remember.

Empathy was once used in language to just mean- you've been there before and you really know and can feel that pain. It was no supernatural thing. Having good intuition and care for another is simple and there's nothing glittery about it. Dogs and cats do it with people all the time.

If it weren't such a trendy thing these days with people, I'd be more inclined to give it some clout. However, I've yet to find anything supernatural in life. Everything I have witnessed or heard of in the end was something very natural. Yeah, I know... doesn't sound as much fun and lacks in intrigue. That's what we have fiction for. When everything normal is turned into magic- then there's nothing left in the world in regards to imagination and fantasy.

Empathy: it's not a special thing. It comes with being alive, and you pay attention to it or your don't.

"Impath" is not a known word nor is it in the dictionary.

very good my dear dabbler i also watch Lie to me, and it is very impressive. I feel many are empath, they just really do not care to *feel* the other person per say. Everyday life keeps most hectic and they do not have or take the time to feel someone out you could say.

Myself and the women in my family do observe and feel everyone around us. LOl It is more than just *feeling a persons emotion I think it is also observing their body language, etc many things factor into Empath I feel.

Just my opinion..

I am an empath and I am not a perfect being. I still get angry I still have trouble with some relationships. The reason why is that I am a growing developing individual that can at times have trouble separating my own emotions with that of others.

Being an empath means you pick up on the emotional energy of others. At times I can discern my own emotions, I have learned to block out others, but its a process that you build upon and develop over time.

very cool link too

And I didnt know I was til a few months or so ago when One told me..I know I am and can feel my Mom very strongly, not just family members either..Nut I wont get into all this myself..Good thread though to me...

empath is picking up emotions and any vibes from another and some are more in tune with that part of themselves than others. It can be very tiring also for many because as was said it is hard to seperate the feelings sometimes.

I myself am an empath and have tested it many times, but thanks to this ability it has driven me from many people, so Ido not have many friends. I recently dated another empath, which was the oddest thing, because he had also learned from his abilities how to turn off his emotions, and that I wasn't used to. It's nice to know if you are, but also knowing that doesn't matter because you don't just go up to someone and say "I'm an empath." Still, it is a nice ability to have, it also makes me be more helpful if people need someone to be there for them.

..as posted elsewhere, I learnt years ago, I recieve.
Come to that.. I've also explained the rest.

Simply put, I know stuff.. and feeling is part of it.

Like NaturalSaphire and xLorex I am an Impath and recently found out i am so. Fine tuning things is easy for me. Depending on the situation i can block different things out and adapt to the current situation.

The first (and only) relationship i've been in so far was great until the end. I sensed that something had been wrong with my ex and shortly afterwards he started acting weird. One thing led to another and I ended up breaking it off with him. Things weren't working out overall before i started sensing what was wrong and in the end it was best that i broke it off.

There have been other incidents where I have felt things I still can't explain. Things that i sensed that happened or were close to it.

Most people have the *empath* feelings and are very intune or sensitive to their surroundings whether it be human or animal LOl The thing is many ignore their instincts and feelings so they do not always understand how some can be so affected by others moods or actions.

your and others are just more sensitive I think to what is going on even if your miles away you just know..

Whether one wants to hear this or not,we are all empaths.I have described many times in this forum the mechanism behind it so I wont again,but if you would like to learn more,just look up a guy named Christian Huygens..he explains this phenomena quite well.

Almost forgot...Darkwhispers,I must ask you as to why you would use this prefix IM in your re spelling of empath? Are you truely aware of its meaing?
im-

variant of in- before -b-, -m-, -p-, in the sense of "not"

Lore, not everyone is. Don't claim this. If they are, show me undenieable proof that i, personally cant poke holes in.


Oceanne - I cant publicly say what i think of you.


Impath, is a different meaning. Not the traditional one. It's spelt different for a reason. Being an IMPATH is more then a simple emotion. I can physically feel pain too. I can draw it from others, so they feel it less.

Bet none of you know about connections. Or about Avatars.

i, personally, am going along with dabbler. its not so much as an empath more than sympathy or pity for the person you are supposedly "feeling". or maybe its just an abnomally increased amount of perceptiveness that your mind sends signals to your body to feel something like pain in the same place that the other is feeling. i believe it is all in the psychosis of the mind. its like a girl thinking that she is pregnant after she had unprotected sex. she developes nausea, drowsiness, cravings, and might even go so far as to putting on a couple pounds. but when she goes to the doctor and the doctor tells her she is infertile ( just for examples sake). its a great gift to be perceptive, but its a horible thing to be ignorant. the mind has a great toll on the physical and emotional, and possibly mental state of the human being. you would be surprised at what it can do.

I am an empath. It is quite scary sometimes . Being able to feel every emotion of those around you gets comletely overwhelming. I have trained myself to "block" myself from feeling others' emotions. HOwever, there are a select few, such as my mom, that I cannot block. If she is sad or angry it amplifies and it gives me a headache. Also, I can feel things she is going through. For example, she will be sleeping and have a heat flash and a wave of it will come over me. It fucking sucks. I can "push" my emotions over to someone else as well. Like if they are in a down mood, I can send my feelings to envelope them and bring them up. They don't know exactly what happens. But it is interesting to watch their faces. There are many things I can do. It all can be scary though, to be so different and be able to feel things. Especially when I'm driving and my father yells at me. I can't concentrate because my thoughts interminle with his and my body is overwhelmed with his emotions. Yeah....thats just to get started.

LOL Darkwhispers,you're funny.It doesnt matter what you think of me,but it does matter when you correct everyone in public when it is actually you who should be corrected.Misinformation isnt a good thing.But hey,we have all posted things that arent entirely right.
But no matter.
I only asked you why you would choose respell this word using that prefix when that prefix means what it does.You state there is a reason...please,by all means enlighten us?.I guess you will not answer though .
Shame that.
I wanted to put a few links as to how empathy is theorized to work.There are many explainations as to why that are pretty insightful about our biomechanics .I will go on to say that,We are not supernatural,regardless of how badly we might want to be.But again,it doesnt make these 'strange ' things we experience any less wonderful.

http://www.pnas.org/content/100/9/5497.full



And a bit of copy n paste..
Empathy is the ability to understand the internal experiences of another . It's the underlying mechanism that makes the outcome of sports events, movies, or video games interesting. It is the basic human characteristic that connects individuals, allowing for successful interactions and communication. When empathy is lacking, conditions such as autism can create a sense of separation in the individual, isolating her/him from others (2). Even minor differences in empathy levels can create very different approaches to communication. The stereotypical "collaborative" approach of women versus the "competitive" approach of men could be attributed to different levels of empathy between the sexes (16). As a fundamental component of communication, empathy allows people to understand each other, learn from each other, and live with each other. This paper examines the physiological basis for empathy, its adaptive benefits, and its connection to gender differences.

While the definition of empathy might be generally agreed upon, the underlying mechanism of empathy is currently a hot topic in scientific research. One theory, creatively named the "theory theory," proposes an analytical, evidential basis for empathy. People understand others' current actions using analysis based on previous experience of similar actions. Simulation theory, on the other hand, explains empathy by the modeling of others' experiences in one's own mind, i.e. putting one's self in another's shoes (8).

The recent discovery of "mirror neurons" in several areas of the brain has lent support to the simulation theory of empathy. Mirror neurons are so named because they fire not only when one is performing an action, but also when one is observing another perform that action. Essentially, mirror neurons allow one to experience what another is experiencing without going through the motions oneself. One's familiarity with the observed action impacts the activity of the mirror neurons, e.g. ballet dancers will have more mirror neuron activity when watching ballet than when watching another type of dance (2). Nevertheless, mirror neurons provide a powerful mechanism for understanding the actions of others, and thus a possible physiological basis for empathy.

In order to further clarify the role of mirror neurons in empathy, scientists have measured their activity in several contexts. One aspect of empathy is the ability to understand another's intentions. Mirror neurons are only activated when a goal-oriented action is observed, and only when that action is performed by a body part (rather than a tool, for example). This suggests a connection between mirror neurons and the ability to infer the potential movements of others (3). In addition, mirror neurons are more active when an goal-oriented action is viewed in a context which gives additional clues to an intention. For example, greater mirror neuron activity is present when a hand is observed picking up a cup in a dirty, disorganized environment than in a neutral environment, indicating a further inference, e.g. the person intends to clean up (5).

Another aspect of empathy, the ability to feel what another is feeling, also reflects the importance of mirror neurons. Brain areas activated when one is in pain are also activated when one observes another's pain. The anterior insula and anterior cingulate are activated in both cases, and higher empathy scores are correlated with greater activation (12). Interestingly, the anterior insula and anterior cingulate do not make up the entire "pain matrix," so more areas of the brain are activated when one is in pain than when one is observing another in pain (13). Perhaps it is not necessary or possible to fully experience another's physical pain. The effect of empathy is achieved without the distraction that additional activation of the pain matrix might create, where one's concern for one's own welfare might take precedence over attention to another's. The anterior insula and the anterior cingulate are also activated both when an emotion is observed and when it is felt, e.g. disgust, indicating that observation of an emotion creates a mental model of that emotion in the observer (14). The differences in brain activity between actual experience and observation could reflect the purpose of empathy, i.e. to understand another's experience. This understanding can be achieved without full immersion in another's feelings or experience, hence mirror neurons create a "reflection" of another's experience rather than completely recreating that experience.

This ability to understand one another is one of the main benefits empathy provides. It allows the social world to be translated and interpreted, and this knowledge can then be used to construct a neural representation of one's social environment (2). From an evolutionary standpoint, it could provide an especially efficient method for changing phenotypic behavior. Fitness is not just passed on genetically, but by means of communication and imitation. For example, if one person has some genetic difference that enables her/him to figure out how to catch a fish, that knowledge can be shared with others, and learned by others, even if they don't have the same genetic difference. Empathy provides an advantage in learning by facilitating communication, understanding, and imitation (2). Each individual is not required to solve every problem, but can observe others' experiences. Seeing another person in pain could lead one to avoid a dangerous activity without having to experience it personally to understand the risk (6). In fact, empathy may be the precursor to language. Mirror neurons are found in Broca's area, which is traditionally associated with language. This location may indicate a mirror neuron role in making humans "language-ready" by providing an initial method of understanding each other or communicating (4).

The importance of empathy is particularly apparent in disorders such as autism, where the ability to form social relationships and communicate with others is impaired. A recent study has found a link between mirror neurons and autism. In non-autistic people, EEG observation shows the suppression of mu waves both when performing an action and observing an action (4). In autistic children, mu waves are only suppressed when performing an action, not when observing an action. Since mu wave suppression is correlated with the mirror neuron system, the lack of suppression in autistic children implies a dysfunctional mirror neuron system (9). This suggests incorporating mirror neuron stimulation into therapeutic programs for autism may lead to improvement.

Interestingly, autism is significantly more prevalent in males than females. In fact, some scientists suggest that the capacity for empathy is a critical cognitive difference between men and women. In general, women tend to score higher on empathy tests, and men score higher on system-oriented tests. High levels of testerone in utero have been associated with anti-social behavior similar to that found in autistic children. Possibly autism is just an extreme version of the "male" brain, but then further explanation is required to understand the existence of autistic females (6). In addition, if empathy is beneficial and advantageous to the species, then high levels would be selected for, regardless of gender, and one would expect to see equal levels in men and women.

The disparity in empathy levels between men and women may be related to the evolutionary disparity in their offspring investment. Females produce fewer gametes than men, they provide energy to their offspring during gestation, and they have a certainty of genetic relation. These factors combined could make it especially advantageous to women to have a high level of empathy in order to protect and care for their genetic investment, i.e. their offspring (11). Structurally, female brains have several variations that could be correlated with higher empathy levels. Parts of the limbic cortex (which regulates emotional responses) are larger in women, a possible indication of relative importance. Women also have a greater density of neurons in parts of the brain associated with language processing and comprehension (18). Since mirror neurons have been found in areas of the brain associated with language, it would be interesting to see if the greater levels of empathy in women are associated with a greater number of mirror neurons in Broca's area.

With all the benefits that empathy provides, it seems that women would have an advantage over men due to their higher levels of empathy. However, throughout history, men have generally held the positions of power in society. Perhaps too much empathy is actually a disadvantage. If one must inflict pain to achieve power, then empathy could act as an obstacle. A certain amount of empathy is necessary to understand an opponent's intentions, and it is necessary to have an understanding of pain in order to realize its strategic usefulness. Perhaps it is in the application of this knowledge that the sexes differ. The lower levels of empathy in a male could lead him to destroy or dominate, while the higher levels of empathy in a female might lead her to please or appease. In general, men and women desire different outcomes in their interactions. Men seek to keep or attain the upper hand, while women seek to achieve consensus and closeness (16). It's possible that achieving a position of power actual costs women more than men since women would feel the pain of those who lost power more acutely. However, it may be that the mechanism underlying empathy is slightly different in each gender, and it is not just the levels of empathy, but also the processing of empathetic experiences that differs between genders.

It has already been discovered that men and women solve problems differently, respond to stress differently, and process emotional memory differently (18). Future research on mirror neurons and empathy should include comparisons between male and female brains in terms of mirror neuron location, activity level, and density. In addition, it would be interesting to see if higher levels of stress are correlated with higher levels of empathy, and if there is any difference in the way this stress is processed between men and women.

As the mechanistic underpinnings of empathy are unraveled, a greater understanding of human interactions will be achieved. Understanding how people communicate can illuminate ways to improve that communication, making interactions more productive. Gender differences in communication can be explored and understood in terms of empathetic processing, paving the way for future discussions on disparate gender representations in various environments.

Taken from...
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web3/mmcgovern.html

People hung up on how "empathi" they are, are often assumtive to the point of offensivly insulting, to imply that "I know how you feel." is trivializing the communication potential. As in, What about asking a person how they feel..? What is the application of such a "gift"? Dark Whispers, if you are anyway empathic.. or "Impathic" (Sic) then you should be clear as to how sincer people are in correcting you, you may well have been the butt of a joke.. someone pitching you hooie, to see how "The girl who buys everything" would eat it up.

I can deduct that you are frantic to save face.

Welcome back Oceanna..

Thanks for the welcome Dab.Its nice to be on a puter finally that moves faster than the dialup crawl.
Im not so sure why this has gotten the "supernatural" tag for people.It is a pretty widespread occurence in the natural world.

It is quite common, but I think it varies person to person.. The empathy may be stronger in one person as compared to the other.. and I have a really hard time describing it to pple.. They just label it as "thinking" too much... Or the ones I've spoken to, tell me to "Ignore them".. and I guess that works pretty well. No one really asks me how I'm coping tho.. It's all good, anywayz...*smilez*

The implication that someone can just casually " glean" how another feels borders on insulting. to imply that " Oh, I dont have to ask anyone how they feel, or their emotional well being.. I just know." How is that not offensive?

To imply that people are open books is to betray how shallow one can be, and potentially how 2 dimensional the relationship, and association they keep are. a true conversation killer.. " Lets sit here and "vibe" off each other".. * Gag Yawn* . There is an arrogance in some who profess to be empathic.. as if they are "gifted" with something Mystic.

well this is the only Impath I know of and not anything that your saying LOl

Impath Inc. The principal activity of the Group is to establish a specialized facility to provide diagnostic and prognostic information to hospitals, medical centers, clinical laboratories and physicians specializing in cancer.

The Group also provides monoclonal antibody and molecular probe characterization services, global medical research network and licenses tumor registry software. The Group conducts this analysis by utilizing immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, micrometastases detection and serum analysis technologies.

On 18-Jan-2002 the Group acquired Tamtron Corporation. IMPATH Physician Services accounted for 81% of 2002 revenues; IMPATH Predictive Oncology, 12% and IMPATH Information services, 7%. IMPATH Physician Services accounted for 81% of 2002 revs; IMPATH Predictive Oncology, 12% and IMPATH Information services, 7%
Key People


It is *only * the name of a company and not an actual word as to imply you feeling more or whatever.. just my 2 cents.

I am a scientist/ medical person and I have not ever heard the word Impath be used for feelings as Empath actually is, I am sure i will hear a denial coming on from someone. LOL

LOL MD I swear , I almost posted that myself on Impath inc! But I just couldnt bring myself to do so.I combed the internet looking for that spelling,its meaning and its use..NADA.
Dab,I hesitated in posting about empathy and its limits,but in light of your post,I feel it might be a good addition.

http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0738399108000815

well my dear I am older so I really did not care.. LOL I was like you said search every net work defin. I could find for it and well *EVERY * single ones was this.. LOL

read and weep is all I can say *bows*..

there is no where that gives the defintion that remotely comes close to what was posted, if you have one please put up a link thanks.. :)

Well,I cared because I love to learn.Ive researched this and related subjects a damn long time,like you,and had never heard of such a thing.Plus,he did seem rather..confident it meant something .So I had to see for myself.Sadly,he hasnt even come back into the thread to explain or give us any insight either,so ...it must be "SECRET and SPECIAL"
Right?
Moving on.As I was pondering some of these other posts,I got to thinking that perhaps those who state they get sick and all that,simply have more of the mirror neurons.

Using the spelling of "Impath" just confirms the trendy nature. How is nearly everyone on this site suddenly an Empath/Impath? Impath is not a word, and neither is "ur". Why does the empathic ability seem to be more prevalent amongst teens that wear black?

How are emotions energy that can be felt? Is the brain emitting energy from your body beyond the energy required to cry, smile, laugh, tense up, etc? What would be the purpose of this? What sensory organ do you possess that is able to pick up this mysterious energy the other person's brain/body is transmitting?

i think it is more possible to "read" the feelings of those close to you, knowing body language and normal reactions for those people..as far as just randomly telling aperson you dont know and never met how they feel....i agree kinda rude and trivializing

Feeling ones emotions is not enough, you need to absorb that energy to know the emotion. Have you ever been in a room that the dispare was so thick you could cut it out with a knife. Love or death feels the same, it's pain, the inconceivable kind, until it touches "YOU".

i feel as though I feel more strongly what others are going through, than what I am...if that makes any sense.

You cannot "turn" your feelings on or off. You either feel a certain way or you don't feel. There is no up, down, around or in between. I'm sorry but that's just life. One has the capability of being empathetic to another person's feelings. It's just a step farther than being sympathetic. Everyone has had feelings of empathy at one point or another. Does that mean we are all emapthic?

We are all empathic, yet some possess a greater emotional response than others. For example, you observe animals being neglected. The emotions that make you act to protect, fear, aide, ect... defines your level of empathy.

i get those feels as well like i know people.. or sometimes have picked up on other empaths.. and when i ignore .. these.or gifts,.. something always happens..or i end up being right.. about situation or person. its like being a radio!!! almost picking up diffrent siganls..overwelming at times.. cant distingush what is just common sense.. or the gift at times..

I belive u are right I think all beings feel what others feel.It is just that we all have different levels of feeling what others feel...If u have an emotional attachment to someone I think u will be able to feel what they are feeing more...

i am also an Empath. It's not very fun all the time. I am still learning how to deal with it sometimes.

there are some emotions that are good to release but there are some good emotions out there you should never be blocked

thats ture, I wish my range of emotions was bigger sometimes.

to Lord Doru

i agree and say yes i have been in that room and as a result cried my heart out for hours..there was a death after a long hospital stay...family and friends all around ..the saddness despair anger felt like life was being siphoned slowly as if to choke suffocate it made my heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces over and over again wave after wave...and i also have felt the complete opposite in a different situation

Yet more people who make false claims. Yay. They're like an infection..

Had the original poster did more research she would know that Empaths only feel PHYSICAL pain and such.

A Telempath is someone who can sense the emotions and emotional pain of others, and can sometimes develop these symptoms on their own with no apparent reason.

Telempathy isn't something I'd recommend developing, as it can have some highly negative repurcussions.

Darkness,to be truthful,if anyone where to really research this,then they would find that empathy is in fact a bio electrical form of communication called entrainment that ALL humans share.This has been studied and verified.Creatures of all kinds do this.So why is it that everyone insists that it is some kind of special power? Im not really sure.Also,why in the world would someone NOT want it or feel that it is a curse?

Quite the contrary.the studies are simply showing that empathy is what people have been feeling and talking about for eons.So when you think about it,it only supports that .It just isnt paranormal. But a natural occurence of rhythm in humans , animals and insects ...Its simply a form of entrainment.


TJ,also,if we were empathic in the paranormal sense? You would not have made the last comment that you did.You would have known that what Im telling you only supports what you and MANY others...myself included, feel as empathy.I am sure that if you all would think about it,you would recall that it isnt something that is srong or happens ALL the time.Otherwise you would never sleep or have a moments peace or private thought in your life.And that it goes in cycles.There is a reason for this.Please,those who are interested,do a little homework on entrainment.I have alot about it in my journal for starters.If you look into it,I am confident it will help you understand emapthy.

Entrainment ,or rhythmic oscillation is simply a transfer of energy between two or more cycles, or selves, gradually finding synchrony with one another.

Quite the contrary.the studies are simply showing that empathy is what people have been feeling and talking about for eons.So when you think about it,it only supports that .It just isnt paranormal. But a natural occurence of rhythm in humans , animals and insects ...Its simply a form of entrainment.

There is a visual test somewhere online where you are given a number of facial photos to look at... but not photos of the entire face, just close-up photos of peoples eyes... just their two eyes, nothing else. From this, you are asked to select which emotion you see.

In this test, women were far more adept at correctly choosing the emotion being represented than were men. This would appear to be the same skill employed and defined as being an "empath." And, yes, women are far better at this than men. Yet... this does not reflect some supernatural or paranormal ability; it is simply the skill of quickly reading faces and the emotions behind them.

Now... were a double-blind (literally) test to be conducted wherein someone claiming to be an "empath" were blindfolded and one by one people were presented before the claimed "empath" as they each silently exhibited various emotional or physical states, I am no doubt but that such a test would quickly reveal that without visual or audio input, the "empath" would quickly be revealed as not quite so empathic, to put it kindly.


- Upir'

and on what you said about the feelings and never sleeping you are pretty much head on i rarely sleep and im rarely at peace so to speak i fully know what im reading and what you have said supports it but rather than be ignorantly rude to someone i was sarcastic

There are many reasons for people to have insomnia.One of them being a lack of Vitamin D.You might want to check into that before attributing your lack of sleep to something paranormal.
I will not strong arm anyone into beliving something,but I would very much suggest looking into Entrainment/emapthy as I am confident that once you do this,you will have a much better understanding of it.Thus a better chance at teaching yourself how to cope with it.And to be truthful,it really isnt hard to do.

Would you consider yourself to be a weak person?
Because entrainment is the ability of a strong rhythmic vibration of one object or self to change the less powerful vibration of another object or self and cause them to synchronize their vibration.If others do this to you or anyone to the extent where it is consant and overwhelming,then you must kick up and strengthen your own vibration. It is the tendency of everything to vibrate in harmony and it is universal.So there are no two ways around it.When we see others who appear to be unempathetic,that isnt the case at all as much as we would like to think it is because they might just be buttheads.They simply have a stonger vibration.Whether lower,or higher.

here is an excerpt from an article i read recently

An empath is someone who picks up on the emotions and / or feelings around them. It may be the feelings of someone they are close to. It might be the general feelings in a room or even when there is a very strong emotion around the world, such as fear.

The ones who are prone to problems are what I call high level empaths. They are like a psychic sponge, picking up feelings and emotions from all around them. Most of the time, they don't even know they are doing this, and do not understand that the feelings they feel are not always their own ones.

For instance, you might be feeling good, but suddenly, for no apparent reason, you have a drop in your emotions. This might be due to a friend or partner dropping in their emotions and you are picking up on this. This is a sympathetic attachment, and it's not unusual for someone to feel down or depressed in sympathy with another. Unfortunately, it's not healthy, either.

Most high level empaths who pick up feelings like a sponge, tend to do so because they are ungrounded. This means, part of them does not want to actually be here on this planet, and so the spirit is 'out there' rather than in the body. This becomes a viscous cycle, as the more ungrounded you are, the more negativity you can pick up, and the less you wish to return to your body.

Grounded people are rarely swayed by another's feelings, even if they do feel them.

Empaths often suffer greatly because they do not understand what is happening to them. They are not aware that their feelings are not their own. They do not understand why they are feelings depressed, anxious, desponded, etc, and rarely will they actually connect it to others.

Most high level empaths are prone to clinical depression and are prone to take on the problems and pain of others, as though that will lessen it.

Being an empath doesn't have to be all bad, though. It can be a very powerful and potent tool for connecting with others and helping them to heal. It can also bring an incredible amount of joy if you are able to control it.

Again,You have misunderstood and again,it seems your empathy did not serve you in this conversation.Thus your defensiveness and accusation of insult.
Everyone has their hardships and congrats on your remission.


I might suggest reading this article.I have included the link and the abstract.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/b2h237w6l7hv1768/
Satinder P. Gill1

(1) School of Computing Science, Middlesex University, Ravensfield House, The Burroughs, Hendon, London, NW4 4BT, UK


Abstract What constitutes our human capacity to engage and be in the same frame of mind as another human? How do we come to share a sense of what ‘looks good’ and what ‘makes sense’? How do we handle differences and come to coexist with them? How do we come to feel that we understand what someone else is experiencing? How are we able to walk in silence with someone familiar and be sharing a peaceful space? All of these aspects are part of human ‘interaction’. In designing interactive technologies designers have endeavoured to explicate, analyse and simulate, our capacity for social adaptation. Their motivations are mixed and include the desires to improve efficiency, improve consumption, to connect people, to make it easier for people to work together, to improve education and learning. In these endeavours to explicate, analyse and simulate, there is a fundamental human capacity that is beyond technology and that facilitates these aspects of being, feeling and thinking with others. That capacity, we suggest, is human entrainment. This is our ability to coordinate the timing of our behaviours and rhythmically synchronise our attentional resources. Expressed within the movements of our bodies and voices, it has a quality that is akin to music. In this paper, disparate domains of research such as pragmatics, social psychology, behaviourism, cognitive science, computational linguistics, gesture, are brought together, and considered in light of the developments in interactive technology, in order to shape a conceptual framework for understanding entrainment in everyday human interaction.


I might also suggest ..
http://www.scribd.com/doc/19813174/The-Social-Neuroscience-of-Empathy

Everyone is a "high level empath" It is a social mechanism in the human race and is part of our genetic make up.Some,just deal with it better than others.

another article...
While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.

Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.

Now I would not say everyone.. There have been cases of several serial killer's who in fact are incapable of feeling anything emotionally.. Who kill and kill to try and feel and cant understand why. Maybe it's more on ones chemical make up.. As there are those who are highly empathic.

Myself.. Don't really know or have I ever thought of it.

quotation from the book of storms

Empaths are driven by deep intuitive connections that are largely unconscious, as if sitting on top of a vast oil reserve in the ground and being a conduit (oil well) for this massive amount of energy. Most of what an Empath senses or "knows" cannot be verified immediately which creates a terrible psychic conflict for the person. The over abundance of real and imagined stimuli are frequently overwhelming. Sorting out the two is even more so. That is why I am a major advocate of structured training!

Imagine having vast amounts of information floating around in your head but no direct way to access it or express No way to sort it out or use it in any clearly defined way. Most of what it is cannot be proven immediately but does get proven over time. (I am skipping over a great deal of points here, just to make a point).

The stress of taking in the emotions of other people, of sensing information on a continual basis, of being a "human sponge", of being driven by deep inner forces that are not understood, all create a "torture chamber" of sorts within the average Empath. This does not have to be as melodramatic as I make it sound, but please understand - it frequently is for the subject.

Oh,no worries,I read it.ALL of it,thus my comment.
And I see you are familiar with DR. Emoto's work? And the frequencies you describe through the article are known as solfeggio frequencies. I have much of about this in my journal,so please feel free to have a look if you would like to see more.You also might like to look up some things on empathy and musicians..they describe what we call "the groove" when we play.We get into it by entraining to one another.or..entraining.
I wish you the best in researching this.
As far as serial killers go,good point Grievious..yes,they seem to have a severe lack when it comes to mirrior neurons..but then again,perhaps it is their emapthy that makes them do it and their need to feel the victim's pain.

Could be.. could be that their chemical make-up doesnt allow them to. Wouldn't know too much on the Empahic subject. The mind itself even baffles the so called expert's so whats fact to one is falsehoods to another. To me it's just a too much an opinionated subject.

I believe it goes both ways on the extreme you have brought up Grieve.As I told you in our messages.
Opinionated subject indeed.

Well then TJ,by all means!! I have given my opinion and presented some evidence to the effect.Which incidently,bothers you to no end.So please,tell us...What do
YOU feel empathy is?

eh well so be it not everyone is meant to have a decent opinion of folks..since im hijacking heres some more empath info
Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world.
Empaths Are Good Listeners

Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life's daydreamers, or even narcissistic.

They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.

Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

i could go on for weeks your mistake was trying to pick on someone that will not run away and hide

or better yet even heres a list of books on the subject
Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy [Paperback]
Thomas A. Hensel (Author
Being Empathic: Managing Life for Those Who Are 'Too Sensitive' [Paperback]
Janet Dane (Author)

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You [Hardcover]
Elaine N. Aron (Author)

Dancers Between Realms - Empath Energy, Beyond Empathy [Perfect Paperback]
Elisabeth Y. Fitzhugh (Author)

actually i wasnt referring to myself ...I didnt get run from this thread ...o.o looks around still here and kicking and heres some more info

Be loyal. Loyalty is important to empaths because they often feel misunderstood or under attack. Even if it's not a literal attack, it's an attack of energy around them. Standing up for them if someone calls them extra sensitive means the world to them. If others say your partner is too sensitive tell them that your partner has a gift and it's an amazing one at that.


Be patient. There may be times when you feel you just can't deal with your partner's sensitivities if they picked up some nasty energy during the day that now needs to be cleared. Never take a change in moods personally. You know it's not them, it's the energy they picked up.


Give them time and space to clear. Your partner may need time alone to clear the energy. This doesn't mean they don't love you or want to be there with you. It's just something they need to do to feel themselves again, the person that you love.


Empaths can take life way too seriously. Help them lighten up and have fun. Take them to playful places like Disneyland or mini golf. Empaths are so much fun when they're surrounded by joyful, happy energy!


Dote on their specialness. Empaths tend to feel alone and like no one understands what they go through. A simple trip to a busy mall can leave them feeling wired, overwhelmed and can even lead to an anxiety attack. Sometimes they wish they were "normal" and weren't so super sensitive. Let them know how special you feel their sensitivity is. Share with them how it's helped you.

Recognize their strengths and support what they need to feel strong. Encourage them to follow their heart and trust their feelings. Ask them what they feel about a situation. Empaths love this! Encourage them to take good care of themselves.


Be a good friend and listener. Empaths need to vent and self-express. If you lose interest in what they're saying they may react overly upset. Surprised? They're sensitive! Be honest with them if you're too distracted to listen. They respect honesty but don't like feeling neglected or ignored. After all, it's not like they can ignore anything around them when they're actually feeling it!


Set realistic expectations. If you live with an empath, be prepared for them to be sensitive to loud noises so sports games can irritate their sensitive ears. Don't expect them to watch action or horror films unless you want to totally traumatize them. Don't pressure them to go to places where there's a lot of energy, like stadiums, arenas or big malls if they're not feeling up to it. It can feel too overwhelming and actually affect their sensitive nervous system.


Do plan fun one-on-one time. Romantic vacations with gentle, relaxing activities are great for empaths as they love spending one-on-one time with you, away from the other distracting energies. Small gatherings with friends and family are also ideal.


There are many benefits to living with an empath. You will receive their undivided attention. They will be sensitive to your needs and your stresses. They can be really understanding and supportive. They are very loving and loyal. And you won't need to explain too much when something is bothering you - trust me, they'll feel your pain!



excerpt from "how to live with an empath"

A good example of entrainment/empathy is what I brough up earlier in regards to musicians.Being a professional and having played with alot of peeps from around the world,some of which I didnt even know their language.But when we played,we never even had to talk.We instinctively knew where one was going and we would all follow and take pur ques from something unseen.
And its funny because many are under the impression that empathy is something that humans alone experience.This really isnt the case at all.There are many anumals who exibit empathy also.

I do believe that this can also be experienced during human/animal interaction .I know that when I am out working with the horses,there is always a connection going.The other day when I was breaking a paticularly wild one,she had given me a look and I knew she was ready to be ridden..and I was right .no bucking or fighting on her part.So yes,this type of connection happens to us all on one level or another..Certain people just filter it all differently and some are overwhelmed by it.

Oh my,seems alot of posts on the other side of this convo were deleted.
Anyway,that last article posted sounds to me like one would be dealing with someone who is a bit..emotional.We as empathic beings ,for the most part are not so overwhelmed that we fall apart like that.
I will also say that to entrain with another doesnt always require that we are in close proximity.I know you have all most likely experienced a thought of someone and they call or come over shortly thereafter.

im not really one but i can sence wandering sperits some say its the revirse of empath in staid of senceing liveing things i sence the dead sperits and how their lives played out and what happened to them its anoying really but shrugs im used to it that and i can also see them walking around at times

just how empathic a person is depends on waking delta brainwaves although it may be possible to be a high level empath not everyone is..the higher the level of output is, as far as current research shows, the higher level of empath and just because someone is a higher functioning empath DOES NOT mean they know how to control it either


and the "entertainment" you spoke of is actually a high end frequency noise used to increase delta waves it is not the empathic ability itself

Well,I am glad to see you have read a little about it since last night.Now hopefully we can pick it apart a little bit and see how it pretains to empathy...
Your talking degrees now of one type of entrainment,which is true when pretaining to that paticular kind,but in the end,everyone is an empath.Whether a little or alot.In the form..and yes,there are many different forms.The one in with you speak of above is brain entrainment of the left and right hemisphere.This has little to do with empathy as we are disscussing it.Ciradiam rhythm is another type.Fish have lateral lines that entrain them to one another by pressure waves in the water..birds.etc..Clocks entrain too.And even your car.Example.You're sitting in your car with your blinker on.The dude in front of you has his on also.They are blinking to a different rhythm for a few beats before coming into sync with one another.They blink together and even the tune on the radion will fall in.This is the same thing that happens with people and animals.Keep reading,youll soon understand what Im telling you.Although this would certainly not be considered empathy..it is still,none the less,an entrainment.Of a different type.
ALL sound waves will entrain at one point or another.It is what enables players to get in sync with one another..

I think I might go further to say that empathy is embedded into our DNA for several reasons..one being survival of a species.If we,as mothers,and in the case of humans and some animals fathers were not empathetic,we would most likely kill or abandon our young.At the very least,neglect them when they cried or rooted for food.

BTW,it is imperative that we site webpages that we copy information from,so I included the one you used here for others ,so they can access this information for futher study..
http://www.empathbear.com/empath.htm

I have gone through this thread and deleted several posts that I consider to be off topic or rude.
Stay on topic.
Keep in mind that your opinion may differ from someone elses, and there's a difference between discussing and attacking.
Also, when posting bits and pieces from articles you need to supply the url from the website you took the information from.
If not it will be considered plagiarism.
Everyone has access to these articles and has the ability to search for them. Posting information is useful for backing up why you feel/think a certain way. Don't just post the information from other websites, that doesn't really count as your opinion at all.
I have also noted that several of you are making consecutive forum posts. While it isn't considered to be against the rules, it's imperative for the length and "livelihood" of this thread that you try to get as much of what you have to say in one response as possible (of course, that is, until someone else has made a reply and you have something else to say...well you get what I'm saying).

i think it does to an extent have to deal with who you are...
some people are selfless... and are willing to go out of their way to help others... and some are just selfish...and will block out how anyone feels but themselves...

unfortunately there are more of the latter nowadays

GOC,I couldnt agree more.Greed and the need for attention I feel also dim the emathic nature of a person...even though they might claim otherwise.But in the end the proof is in their lives , the way they live it and the way they treat others.

If a person keeps company with two dimensional people then they are much more likely to assess the emotional range. This is what happens when a social environment is stagnant, and superficial. Too often fringe ideals, and testimony are the only thing that stimulates such people. Everything brought up needs to be astonishing, and mystic, or far-out.

It is the difference between reading a brochure, and reading a classic novel. Not many people are intent in commuting to reading a novel, when a few retained ideals from a flattering brochure will suffice.

"While it isn't considered to be against the rules, it's imperative for the length and "livelihood" of this thread that you try to get as much of what you have to say in one response as possible (of course, that is, until someone else has made a reply and you have something else to say...well you get what I'm saying). "

Sure do but Wallflower,you deleted the whole other side of the convo! It looks like I am talking to myself up there.LOL

Anyway Dab,what I find really perplexing is that many who claim to be empath,alot of times show no empathy at all when it comes to..well,lets just say in here alot of times.So could that support the possibility that it is entrainment and that it is cyclematic..yes,I feel it just might.And I am wondering if many of the overwhelming emotions they feel just might be their own for the most part.

It does appear that those who claim to be empathic are on the negative trip.. "I feel your pain" , being a cliche among them.

While some who claim to be empathic are socially dysfunctional, they appear to compensate by declaring themselves gifted, and alluding to how that makes them remarkable, yet in an attempt to throw people off the scent they make the facade that.. "Oh I am cursed with this.. because it never turns off."

So the dominate 'sensed emotion' is negative?

I follow your entrainment idea, but I am not to sure even that would be involved in 85 percent of the claims here.

Lets face it the majority of people with such claims are set on astonishing, and elevating themselves over their unremarkable mediocre existence. I still stand by my earlier post that claiming to "feel a persons emotions' is rude, and rather presumptuous. How predictable the company one keeps factors in as well, and then there are those who goad (egg on) people who make such clustered claims of phenomenal abilities.

Dab,I understand what you're saying.And I cant say that I disagree.
I also feel that entrainment/empathy will eventually proove itself.;)

Here is but one of the studies.




Is there a unique link between music and empathy? Various cognitive mechanisms are involved in the perception of music and its production. Several of these very same mechanisms may also be important for empathy. We developed a theoretical model describing the process of emotional perception of music and how music may create shared intentionality, leading, under certain conditions to an experience of intersubjectivity amongst players. To explore the extent to which the experience and skills acquired in music can be transferred to empathy in real life situations we conducted a year-long study that consisted of a special musical programme intended for children, consisting of musical games and tasks designed to encourage certain musical features that are predicted to positively influence empathy. In particular, we explored the children's emotional reactions to one specific mechanism, entrainment. The results show a clear enhancement in the capacity for empathy in children that participated in the musical programme and reveal possible links between music, entrainment and empathy.


Im sorry but I have to post the link seperately as I cannot open another window before I post.

http://sms.cam.ac.uk/media/848081;jsessionid=286BE79AB9EBA2596DDAC8E69640540B

In all honesty,based on what I have found,Im not so sure if it comes down to whether a peep is super giving or whether they have "lost" their empathy due to being cold hearted.I believe diminished empathy is due to several factors..trauma being one of them and injury another.Also chemical imbalances.But there is alot more to this.

When I walk into a room it always feels like everyone notices, not because I’m really pretty, or really fat, or really ugly, or deform, loud, or obnoxious. I am just your average girl not really that special on the outside, but everywhere I go it seems to happen the people nearby all “shift” suddenly almost imperceptibly but I see it. Sometimes people gravitate toward me as well, but not your average people it’s the ones that sit alone the ones that are in emotional or physical pain, and I never know why. These people that come up to me, speak to me sometimes at first not even in words. I don’t even think they realize it but I feel it; in their posture, their movements, and their facial expressions. Then these people start to talk to me as if they know me. They begin telling me there inner most deep and their darkest secretes, the “crosses” that they bare. And for some reason I always know what to say to make them feel better, sometimes, like when they don’t speak and I hear, the same principle applies to what I say. I say nothing but my silence speaks volumes. I find I like being alone but I also need to connect with others, which is hard for in itself that concept is an oxymoron. I have made many lasting connections with others, but on the other end they find it hard to connect with me. In turn I’ll go days without talking with someone and they will perceive it as an insult and feelings are hurt when no ill will was meant. I find it hard to tolerate people sometimes because they are so very stuck in their ways and it is their ways that I have perceived is the reason they seem to be in pain whether emotional or physical. Those reasons are what make them need me, in fact they sometimes crave me like a drug because they feel so good around me, and moreover they are prone to addiction to that feeling because they cannot figure out how to feel that way without me. So to help them I try to keep a safe distance and in that way I suffer, for I am never truly close to anyone. When I do seek out a connection that is a lasting friendship and try to connect with someone it always seems to have disastrous results. They become addicted and I, not wanting to be alone, form an attachment as well; though helpful and healthy at first I begin to notice a change in them. They go from liking to be around me to, using, and needing me. I make them feel better and though they try to do the same for me at first they can never figure out how to make me feel better, when in reality all I want is for them to feel better. They feel sad I comfort them they feel lonely I’m there for them, but when I feel lonely and need to be comforted they disappear, not really because they mean to be insensitive but because when I don’t feel good then they can’t get their fix. Usually my bad “feelings” or moods seem to be a reflection of what they were feeling as if I took away their pain by taking it into me, and my good mood is in turn transferred to them. A few people have told me that when they are with me I make them feel safe, like as long as I’m there even if “monsters” are threatening our lives they know that nothing could ever hurt them. And in a way they have never been wrong, though there were times when I felt my life threatened or that of a friend’s I always manage to get us out, sometimes just with my presence, maybe because they feel the unusual euphoric state I give off as well. I talk whether with or without words and even my would be enemies succumb to it and become instantly infatuated with me, and then the threat is gone. This is why those who know me for too long tend to fall in love with me, but not me the idea of me. I give them great insight into why or what could be causing this pain, and they take it like a drug instead of how it was meant. They use it to dull or numb their pain, but do not use it as prescribed; basically they listen to me when I tell them they have great potential but do not take the steps I give them to reach it. Like I said before, they feel good when they are around me but the euphoria seems to blind them as to what caused the pain in the first place. Eventually in these circumstances I am forced to end the relationship, because it isn’t an equal give and take relationship I give them happiness and take their pain away but I don’t ever get to give that pain or my own to anyone and it builds up. The happiness and pain are never shared I simply give of myself and take their pain away until I can handle it no longer until I have nothing left to give but pain, and sometimes the “break up” is their decision because they see I have nothing left so they leave me to my sorrow. I would love to hate them for it but I can’t for they just don’t seem to realize what they are truly doing. What’s strange is that when they break it off whether cruelty was intended or not they seem to go through what I call withdrawals, heavy withdrawals, because reality finally sets in and they have to deal with the feelings or things they had been ignoring or neglecting while in their state of euphoria; and they usually are worse then before, because it takes a long time for them to get out of their bad habits if they ever do. When I break it off the same is to be said at first, but they are more likely to get out of the rut, and in a considerably less amount of time; because of what I had said or was “unspoken” when the relationship ended they start to look at why they were feeling bad in the first place, and sometime even unconscientiously start doing the things I had advised them to in the first place. Am I doomed to be alone all the time for fear of being used and abused, or can I find someone who can share the burden not just take or give it away, share not just the bad but the good so as to not be alone anymore? I am a Giver of wisdom, knowledge, and reason, all I ask in return is to not be forsaken, used, or abused, instead can you find it in your heart to smile with me when I am happy, to cry with me when I am sad, and to love me as I love you?

I wrote this over a year ago and titled it "Indigo Children Like A Drug" I never read a paper or publication that so actually described what I've been going through all these years, say what you will about me or this whether you believe or not these things are true. there are people like me that have this curse, for it is a curse. To know everyone and have no one really know you. It is a very lonely existence. I find comfort in the knowledge that I am indeed not alone, there are others out there like me....

I'll say it again Calling All Indigo Children....... I think we might find strength in numbers.


Ana

You know something Ana,thats a great paper,I must tell you though,what you have written sounds like so many others that I know.So dont feel so alone.

I believe that the Shy are unusually prone to develope this ability. I'ts like a defense mechanism, an adaptive skill for the socially aquard. I believe trama can trigger this ability because of that. If someone really hurts you you tend to isolate yourself more and in turn become more observant of others. By watching from a distance you begin to notice subtle clues that tell you what someone is feeling because everyones actions no matter how in control they think they are, are affected by their emotions. Example: There was this time I was in a bar I liked to frequent in my hometown and I had just made a new friend one like most others that was "in a rut" and I had been talking to him for a while. I few minutes later I said "Let's go for some burgers I'm buying," but really I just wanted to get out of there. we walked to a 24 hour Hardies a couple blocks away, and got a couple burgers. When we turned the corner back onto the street with the bar, there was an ambulance and one of the bar owners had gotten hit with a beer bottle and the person that did it was some one, I didn't know but I knew the bar owner very well indeed. She was odd but harmless. I knew then why I needed to get out, I sensed the tension in the air. I don't even remember looking at her. It was weird how did i know with out seeing the cues? Maybe everyone can sense these things too and I saw it in there body language. right before I left I felt a tingling sensation all over and I could feel my adrenalynn begin to pump, and I just knew fight or flight. It's kept me safe for the most part. but I've reasently found something that really dulls the senses alcohol in large quantities, I don't recomend trying this with anyone but trusted friends, for obvious reasons, becase it does eleviate some of the overwhelming empathic abilities. It's like a sort of break from it. but like I said be very careful because from my own experiance it blinds you to potenially desastorous situations. Zanex also works in that fashion but with better results. But as with any drug it has it's risks. and I do not at all condone or recomend doing either with out a perscription and caution. I've heard a lot of people on this tread that claim to be empaths and have learned tools to control it to you I ask......
WHAT ARE THEY! I've been like this all my life and as I said it's a lonely existance so Don't just tell me that you are one and can control it tell me how you do. I really am sick of being alone!!!!!! And I can't stand to be around more then one person at a time without having really confused and overwhelming emotions take over. The more people the more drained I feel how do you block these energies without blocking potenial threats?

Ana

better yet how do you learn to cope with them while still taking them in?......

Message me and I can tell you several ways.
As I said earlier,it is really important that one learns the difference between their emotions and another's.that is the first step.
Also remember that it really isnt nesscessary to wallow in another's pain in order to take it away.

I find that sometimes I take other peoples pain and absorb it into myself.

Unseen, I suggest activity, stagnant persons become two dimensional. by default peoples frets come up when the atmosphere lacks positive engagement.

I often find myself to be a catalyst for social cliques that are ripe with negativity, such groups, and couples become prone to gossip, melancholy, paranoia, etc.

I am very much a peace maker among different groups, needless conflict is a waste of time, but not all conflicts are needless.

I am always suspect when a person involved in a mediation attempts to gain ground through emotional manipulation. Projecting emotions (above reasonable degrees) raises concern for the persons agenda.

In such cases, it is not about reaching a shared ground that the individual is working for, but they want to be placed on a pedestal, so the claimed "Empath" doesn't care how others feel, but how others feel about their "ability" to feel their "pain".

Aggrandizement By Proxy

I disagree on my part, but I see why you would say that. However the "empath" thing is real and is debilitating for me I have to avoid large groups because one bad attitude can destroy the entire atmosephere of a place for me.
See my first post and you may understand what a real empath is.....

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