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The concept of being an intuitive empath was first brought to my attention by Dr. Judith Orloff, MD in her book "Positive Energy".
An intuitive empath is someone who is so sensitive to the energy that others transmit that often they take in these energies. And in the process they give away their own energy causing energy drain. Often times an intuitive empath can feel what is going on inside another person both physically and emotionally. This can result in an intuitive person not really knowing what is their own emotional or physical patterns or the patterns of others. Dr. Orloff discusses this problem in her field of Energy Psychiatry.
Are you an intuitive empath? Ask yourself the following questions:
"1. Have I been labeled as overly sensitive?
2. If a friend is distraught or in physical pain, do I start feeling it?
3. Am I drained in crowds, going out of my way to avoid them?
4. Do I get anxious in packed elevators, airplanes or subways?
5. Am I hypersensitive to: noise, scents, or excessive talking?
6. When I see gruesome newscasts, does my energy plummet?
7. Do I get burned out by groups, require lots of time alone to revive?"
(Positive Energy, page 29)
If you answer yes to one of the above questions then you probably are an intuitive empath. I answered yes to 6 out of the 7 questions. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to stop the energy drain. For those that deal with the above issues I highly recommend you get her book. She offers many different techniques to help. I also recommend her other two books in which she talks about her own intuitive work and how she eventually developed a new branch of psychiatry.
So how do I cope? When I read her book a number of years ago I released a great sigh inside knowing that I wasn't crazy. For many years I knew about my oversensitivity and often thought that I wasn't tough enough. Yet I do have a strong side. For years I blocked out my sensitive nature with drugs, workaholism and over eating. Once I understood that I am an intuitive empath I rarely overeat, don't do drugs except for the occasional glass of wine and balance my work to allow time for just Be-ing. I meditate, exercise, practice deep relaxation and am careful about what food I eat. I also monitor my old thought patterns and self correct gently. Staying grounded and centered is my medicine.
Perhaps the most significant change I have made in the last 7 months is to live alone. I no longer absorb the energy of family or the men I have lived with. I'm not implying that there was necessarily anything wrong with any of these people. It was just their energy didn't work for me. This is the first time I have ever lived alone and I am enjoying the experience. And in the process I feel my energy field and consciousness expanding, grounding is easier and I laugh a great deal now. I avoid violent movies, large crowds like sporting events and loud sounds if possible. My artistic sensitivities are rising as I begin my quilt career again after a long absence. Speaking before large groups has never been a problem for me and I can handle large groups for a few hours. And music makes my spirit soar, lifting me to new levels of connection with myself. I treasure my being alone.
Do I think I will always live alone? I don't know the answer. I do know that I would have to live with someone who resonates with my spirit, mind, emotions and body. I am not willing to settle for anything less. I seek positive energy in my life and Dr. Orloff has many helpful suggestions.
Many people are not intuitive empaths. I am happy that I am because it offers another level to my humanity and my art. This article is to remind us all "we are all connected."
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