by christina christou

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: September 21, 2009

Why do I feel so different from others? Is this a question you have ever asked yourself? Do you feel that you know something others don't? It doesn't feel like a privilege, but a curse. All you want to do is be like everyone else, be carefree and laugh, have fun, not to feel bogged down with guilt and responsibilities.

If you are an empath, you feel guilty and a deep feeling of responsibility. You feel too much, because you feel just that, too much of everything. When you are an empath, you feel your feelings and other's feelings, you can become bombarded with so much stimulation that you can feel that you are going mad. If you are not aware of protecting yourself from other's thoughts and feelings, you can be drawn into other's dramas and can become so embroiled in their issues that they can become your issues.

People seem to radiate towards you and you can become a human dumping ground. They feel better, leave with a less heavy heart, whilst you feel tired and drained from their release. People will say you are a good listener and that you should become a counsellor, you may become one, you may even decide it is your calling. It may be but if you do not find ways to unwind and release all the dense energy you have accumulated you will soon have a burn out.

Empaths are in tune with the all, they are the all, they are the ears the eyes and the heart. They have an uncanny way of knowing exactly what you are feeling, even when you are saying the opposite. Empaths know when they are being lied to even if they do not know the whole story. Empaths know things that they have no way of knowing. This sounds like a blessing, it is if it is contained in a positive clear space.

If you suspect you are an emapth, if you feel you feel too much and understand it all but feel drained and unhappy, learn some simple protection techniques to help you have your life and not everyone else's.

1. In the morning when you awake, get everything out of your mind. WRITE, write, write,it all out, unedited when done throw the paper away.

2.Incorporate some spiritual practice, like being still for five minutes or so. Breath, breathe deeply in and out. With each in-breath breathe in positive energy, with each out-breath expell all the negativity. Consciously release all the clogged up junk that has accumulated.

3. When listening to other's dramas listen but do not connect, just use counselling skills of active listening, nodding, humming and checking how you feel constantly. If you feel you are getting drawn into their drama, make your excuses and retreat to a safe distance, no explanations.

4. Have a salt bath, this really works to cleanse you from all negativity.

There are other things you can do: some work sometimes some don't. Becoming aware of how you feel is what keeps you in check. If you are feeling overwhelmed, then it most likely means you have absorbed too much of other's stuff. Retreat, breathe and have a sip of water. You can visualize a wall between yourself and others or a bright protective light surrounding you, trial and error. Look after yourself and you may even begin to enjoy your heightened sensitivity.

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