Help For Empaths

Lately, I’m noticing that those who are empathic are having a difficult time. It’s no wonder for many of us are feeling the stressors of the human experience magnified during this time. So if you are an empath, perhaps some of these ideas will help you.

I recently talked with an empath who has lived her entire life helping others to the point of the stressors taking a huge toll on her human, physical body. While very spiritually strong, her focus to help others was equally strong, yet her taking care of herself, physically, mentally, emotionally, and soulfully, had been given a backseat in her journey.

During our session, we spoke of many aspects in her life and the people surrounding her with whom she was making a positive difference. However, when the subject of boundaries with certain people came up, she was unable to use that word. To her, it felt negative and even though she realized that much needed space was necessary, to make a boundary was distasteful, for it felt wrong to her.

But, when we substituted the word ‘release’ in lieu of making a boundary, she was able to see that in a positive light. It always amazes me how the Joyful Change in a word can make a huge difference. When we talked about releasing certain areas (and even some toxic people) in her life, she was able to see how it kept the flow of her positivity without losing her empathic nature in order to help herself and others.

We also discussed removing toxicity, which we found a way to change to ‘clearing’ which felt better to her. The image of a yellow brick road ahead of her came to me along with clearing the path, step by step, in order to regain her physical health. I always find it fascinating how a tweak in vocabulary can change the entire image for empaths and for people in general. It feels more palatable when there’s a vision and vocabulary that resonates within them.

Your empathic nature is a gift to yourself and to the world. But we must protect it and use it wisely. There is no harm in holding space for your own healing in order to magnify your ability to help others. Each person’s journey is their own. Your empathic nature to help, to hold space for, and to support others is powerful, but needs to be used wisely.

Helping others is a gift, but again, I repeat, each of us is responsible for our journey. Empaths sometimes feel as if they are responsible for everyone which isn’t true. Empathic nature feels connected to all, but one needs to remember that it is to be used within reason. Often I have said, ‘we can lead a horse to water, but we can’t make him drink’ which is an old phrase, but a good one. Walking on the path of helpfulness with others by connecting with them is normal for an empath, but we must also remind ourselves that we are responsible for our own life journey as they are.

I’m not saying to not help those ‘horses who aren’t drinking’, but I am gently reminding that we can only do so much. Each one must feel the desire to learn, to grow, to accept the help that is offered and each needs to do their share. Many times I have seen empaths who go above and beyond the ‘call of duty’ only to burn out quickly because they are so focused on helping others and forgetting about themselves.

Allowing yourself the sacred space to continue on your journey and protecting your inner light connection to all is essential when it comes to being an empath on this lifetime journey. I am sure I speak for all of us when I honor those who are empathic and ever helpful to all with whom they are connected.