What really is an empath and why so many narcissists can think they are one, but what is the difference?

I had an interesting subject come up this week and thought to share with you all.  Empaths and the effect of empathy on those we love unconditionally.  

​There is a part of the physical biological makeup of brain cells that are responsible for compassion.  We share another's pain, fear or different joys by mirroring emotions back to those we are connected with.  True empaths have hyper-responsive neurons that resonate with another persons feelings.  These mirror neurons are triggered by events that are outside of us.  It is as if our energy is put into another and we are part of that persons emotional response in a mirror.  If our spouse gets hurt, we feel hurt too.  

​Sociopaths, narcissists and psychopaths do not have the complete ability to feel empathy like a true empath do.  This is a sliding scale of what science calls "empathy deficient disorder" as narcissists have ability to feel empathy but they are not able to hold that energy unconditionally but with conditions.  At some point they let go and free up their own space to pursue different needs and let the other who is an empath to be confused and depleted energetically to what just happened.  This is because of an under-active neuron system.   None of these people are incapable of unconditional love.  They will always take care of themselves foremost.  

​Empaths tend to have a higher sensitivity to dopamine which is associated with the pleasure response.  Research has shown that inverted empaths tend to have a higher sensitivity to dopamine than extroverts because they need less dopamine to be happy.  This could explain why they are more content with alone time, reading, walking in the woods and meditation.  Others crave the dopamine rush from lively events and activities.  They can not get enough of the rush.  

​Empaths are more sensitive to the electromagnetic fields generated by the brain and the heart.  (this is where those who can not love unconditional also are missing this ability to open the heart connection completely)

​Research has shown that many people pick up the emotions of those around them.  One crying infant will set off a wave of crying in a hospital ward.  One person loudly expressing anxiety in the workplace can spread it to the other workers.  Catching feelings is more common than catching a cold.  This ability to synchronize moods with others is crucial for good relationships.  What is the lesson for empaths?  To choose positive people in our lives so we are not brought down by the negativity.  But what can you do if you are not able to choose the people you are surrounded with?

​Grounding, shielding and remaining centered is important.  No one is superior to another person as one is not less of a person.  Some people have a different purpose of healing you when some people are to love you unconditionally.  

​Grounding is a process of each day and also before each person you interact with allow your energy to pull down below your feet towards the earths surface.  Myself, I allow my feet to become deep roots quickly spreading further downward deep into the soil below me.  Do this for a few minutes.

​I then surround myself with light and this light is flowing inside of me as well so no intrusion of anything less of unconditional love.  This is a form of a shield that allows all of the love and light to shine from you and anything going to you is going to go through that unconditional beam of light.  My light has a strong filter to allow all the negative energy to be sifted through and removed.  A clear shield will work for those in very toxic environments that are full of congested people and just needing a coat of protection.  Make sure the shield does remain clear as your light will need to shine through as you may be the only source of light in the room.

​Staying centered is remaining calm and feeling at peace.  Do not entwine your own thoughts with the gossip or negativity that you experience.  By focusing on them you take on their energy instead of repel it.  Paying attention to what you like about a person or group will allow you to remain in a state of unconditional gratitude and love that will protect your own energy and not be deprived of those who may be energy vampires depleting your vital energy.

The average adult human body is 50-65% water, averaging around 57-60%.  We need water to move energy.  Empaths are very energetic beings and can get dehydrated easier than most.  Drink water more frequently during stressful or challenging times.

​Meditation is not something an app can easily do for you.  Those are forms of distraction to give you a focus to direct your mind.  Watching a good movie  or reading a good book can do the same thing.  Not saying a good distraction is helpful, but once the distraction is gone, the negativity is still there.  By practicing meditation, you are learning how to release all thought forms and go deeper into a state of inner peace and knowledge.  Here you can ask what needs to be addressed by the alignment with those who are depleting your energy.  We are always blessed with growth and lessons with everyone we are challenged to overcome.  Everyone is an opportunity to evolve. 

The Dali Lama says "Empathy is the most precious human quality" During any of these stressful times, it is easy to get overwhelmed.  Empathy gives us the ability to respect one anther even when we may have a different experience or disagree.  It may not be effective in getting through people who do not use their heart, but to be an empath you are conditioned to try to love everyone unconditionally.  
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