Are You an Empath? Understanding the Signs and How to Thrive
An empath is someone who can deeply feel the energy and emotions of others and often takes on those emotions as their own. If an empath enters a room where two people are angry, they may quickly feel angry too, as they pick up on and absorb the emotions of those around them. This psychic ability, while powerful, comes with both benefits and challenges.
What Is an Empath?
Empaths possess a heightened sensitivity to the emotions and energies of others. They don’t just understand — they feel what others are experiencing. This ability is often part of a larger suite of psychic skills, and many psychics and mediums start out in life as empaths.
Empathy itself is the capacity to understand and share another person’s feelings. While it’s often confused with sympathy, empathy involves truly sensing someone else’s emotions and even motivations. For some, this ability is innate, while for others, it can be learned and refined over time.
My Story as an Empath
As someone who has been an empath my whole life, I understand the struggles and wonders of this psychic gift. I first noticed this ability in 8th grade, when I intuitively knew the true feelings of a girl who was trying to bully me. This eye-opening experience left me questioning how I could understand her emotions so deeply without her saying a word.
The Experience of Being an Empath
Being an empath is like experiencing the world on a deeper, more emotional level. Empaths are people who respond to others’ emotions, often intuitively sensing intentions and motivations. They can read between the lines, often correctly gauging someone’s character without prior knowledge. Empaths also experience unique challenges, such as feeling drained after being around negativity or crowds.
Signs You Might Be an Empath
A strong sense of empathy for others
Ability to see things from another’s perspective
Feeling drained after time with negative people
Sensitivity to others’ opinions and thoughts
Intuitive understanding of emotions and motivations
Deep connection with loved ones
Ability to “read between the lines”
Often right about someone’s character
Challenges of Being an Empath
Empaths are highly sensitive to the energy around them, which can make certain environments overwhelming. Crowded places, negative people, and chaotic situations can leave empaths feeling depleted. This sensitivity might lead empaths to avoid concerts, movies, nightclubs, or even social gatherings.
However, isolation is not the solution. Learning to protect your energy is essential for thriving as an empath.
How to Protect Yourself as an Empath
One of the best ways to shield yourself from absorbing negative energy is through white light protection. This guided meditation can help you create a safe energetic boundary:
Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Visualize a bright white light descending from above.
Imagine the light entering your body through the top of your head and filling you completely.
Allow the white light to expand outward, forming a protective bubble around you.
Affirm that this bubble shields you from negativity while allowing positive energy to flow freely.
Crystals for Empaths
Crystals can be invaluable tools for empaths, helping to absorb and deflect negative energy. Cleanse and program your crystals regularly, and keep them close to you — in your pocket, as jewelry, or near your bedside. Recommended crystals for empaths include:
Selenite
Black Tourmaline
Quartz
Fluorite
Labradorite
Black Obsidian
Rose Quartz
Hematite
Lapis Lazuli
Lepidolite
Malachite
Thriving as an Empath
While being an empath can be challenging, it is also a beautiful gift that allows you to connect deeply with others and the world around you. By protecting your energy, using tools like crystals, and practicing daily self-care, you can turn this sensitivity into a source of strength and empowerment.
