30 Traits of an Empath

Someone sent me this on Facebook once and I just have to pass it on, particularly for those who are questioning if you are an empath or want to support the empath in your life. This will also help empaths who are self aware and looking for more information. The information from the site is so perfect, I couldn't have said it better myself. Remember that you might not have all of the traits because we are all individuals despite being empaths. Everyone's gift and the expression of those gifts is different. If you have a moment, check out their site. They have some great information. I truly thank the author for sharing their story. There are other links on their site that I haven't shared here because I haven't had a moment to check them out yet. I truly hope this helps you understand your gifts and helps your loved ones understand you. Namaste.

In light and love;
~A

http://theknowing1.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/at-a-glance-30-traits-of-an-empath/
1.     Knowing: Empaths just know stuff, without being told. It’s a knowing that goes way beyond intuition or gut feelings, even though that is how many would describe the knowing. The more attuned they are the stronger this gift becomes.
2.     Being in public places can be overwhelming: Places like shopping malls, supermarkets or stadiums, where there are lots of people around, can fill the Empath with turbulently vexed emotions that are coming from others.
 3.     Feeling others emotions and taking them on as your own: This is a huge one for Empaths. To some, they will feel emotions off those near by and with others they will feel emotions from those a vast distance away, or both. The more adept Empath will know if someone is having bad thoughts about them, even from a great distance.
 4.     Watching violence, cruelty or tragedy on the TV is unbearable: The more attuned an Empath becomes the worse it is and may make it so they eventually have to stop watching TV and reading newspapers altogether.
 5.     You know when someone is not being honest: If a friend or a loved one is telling you lies you know it (although many Empaths try not to focus on this because knowing a loved one is lying can be painful). Or if someone is saying one thing but feeling/thinking another, you know.
 6.     Picking up physical symptoms off another: An Empath will almost always develop the ailments off another (colds, eye infections, body aches and pains), especially those who they’re closest to, somewhat like sympathy pains.
 7.     Digestive disorders and lower back problems: The solar plexus chakra is based in the centre of the abdomen and it’s known as the seat of emotions. This is where Empaths feel the incoming emotion of another, which can weaken the area and eventually lead to anything from stomach ulcers to IBS (too many other conditions to list here). Lower back problems can develop from being ungrounded (amongst other things) and one, who has no knowledge of them being an Empath, will almost always be ungrounded.
 8.     Always looking out for the underdog: Anyone whose suffering, in emotional pain or being bullied draws an Empath’s attention and compassion.
 9.     Others will want to offload their problems on you, even strangers: An Empath can become a dumping ground for everyone else’s issues and problems, which, if they’re not careful can end up as their own.
 10.    Constant fatigue: Empaths often get drained of energy, either from energy vampires or just taking on too much from others, which even sleep will not cure. Many get diagnosed with ME.
 11.    Addictive personality: Alcohol, drugs, sex, are to name but a few addictions Empaths turn to, to block out the emotions of others. It can be a form of self protection in order to hide from someone or something (external emotions).
12.    Drawn to healing, holistic therapies and all things metaphysical: Although many Empaths would love to heal others, they can end up turning away from healing (even though they have a natural ability for it), after they’ve studied and qualified, because they take on too much from the one they are trying to heal. Especially if they are unaware of their empathy. Anything of a supernatural nature is of interest to Empaths and they don’t surprise or get shocked easily. Even at the revelation of what many others would consider unthinkable, for example, Empaths would have known the world was round when others believed it was flat.
 13.   Creative: From singing, dancing, acting, drawing or writing an Empath will have a strong creative streak and a vivid imagination.
 14.    Love of nature and animals: Being outdoors in nature is a must for Empaths and pets are an essential part of their life.
 15.    Need for solitude: An Empath will go stir-crazy if they don’t get quiet time. This is even obvious in empathic children.
 16.    Gets bored or distracted easily if not stimulated: Work, school and home life has to be kept interesting for an Empath or they switch off from it and end up daydreaming or doodling.
 17.   Finds it impossible to do things they don’t enjoy: As above. Feels like they are living a lie by doing so. To force an Empath to do something they dislike through guilt or labelling them as idle will only serve in making them unhappy. It’s for this reason many  Empaths get labelled as being lazy.
 18.   Strives for the truth: This becomes more prevalent when an Empath discovers his/her gifts and birthright. Anything untruthful feels plain wrong.
 19.   Always looking for the answers and knowledge: To have unanswered questions can be frustrating for an Empath and they will endeavour to find an explanation. If they have a knowing about something they will look for confirmation. The downside to this is an information overload.
 20.  Likes adventure, freedom and travel: Empaths are free spirits.
 21.  Abhors clutter: It makes an Empath feel weighed down and blocks the flow of energy.
 22.  Loves to daydream: An Empath can stare into space for hours, in a world of their own and blissfully happy.
 23.  Finds routine, rules or control, imprisoning: Anything that takes away their freedom is debilitating to an Empath even poisoning.
 24.  Prone to carry weight without necessarily overeating: The excess weight is a form of protection to stop the negative incoming energies having as much impact.
 25.  Excellent listener: An Empath won’t talk about themselves much unless it’s to someone they really trust. They love to learn and know about others and genuinely care.
 26.  Intolerance to narcissism: Although kind and often very tolerant of others, Empaths do not like to be around overly egotistical people, who put themselves first and refuse to consider another’s feelings or points of view other than their own.
 27.   The ability to feel the days of the week: An Empath will get the ‘Friday Feeling’ if they work Fridays or not. They pick up on how the collective are feeling. The first couple of days of a long, bank holiday weekend (Easter for example) can feel, to them, like the world is smiling, calm and relaxed. Sunday evenings, Mondays and Tuesdays, of a working week, have a very heavy feeling.
 28.   Will not choose to buy antiques, vintage or second-hand: Anything that’s been pre-owned carries the energy of the previous owner. An Empath will even prefer to have a brand new car or house (if they are in the financial situation to do so) with no residual energy.
 29.   Sense the energy of food: Many Empaths don’t like to eat meat or poultry because they can feel the vibrations of the animal (especially if the animal suffered), even if they like the taste.
 30.   Can appear moody, shy, aloof, disconnected: Depending on how an Empath is feeling will depend on what face they show to the world. They can be prone to mood swings and if they’ve taken on too much negative will appear quiet and unsociable, even miserable. An empath detests having to pretend to be happy when they’re sad, this only adds to their load (makes working in the service industry, when it’s service with a smile, very challenging) and can make them feel like scuttling under a stone.
If you can say yes to at least 10 of these traits (especially 1 to 10), you could very well be an Empath. Empaths may carry many of the same traits but they/we are still individuals.  We can override or block certain traits and some traits will come and go over the years (strengthen or weaken) as life circumstances change. Once one has become aware of one’s birthright of being an Empath (this will normally happen when any, or all, of the above traits start screaming at you for attention), it is then we can find remedies to ease symptoms and perhaps discover what our true role in life is.

I am an Empath

This is not usually what I lead with, but for the purpose of this post, it will suffice. In my life, I don't really want a lot of people to know that I'm an empath because I already know what their response will be; and really, that's okay. It's completely okay for others to not believe and I completely respect that right... except in the case of my husband. He has to live with me and since he loves me, he accepts everything about me (even the things that drive him nuts).

Now many will say I don't "come out" to people as an empath due to fear, but for me, it's out of respect for them and an unwillingness to allow myself to be swamped by negative reactions. I'm sure many have already figured it out from my Facebook interests. I have had 3 friends ask me about it (that's all). I love questions! Ask me questions! Ask me about empaths and the white light. Ask me what it's all about and I'll be happy to explain. But no, I'm not going to put myself out there vulnerable to criticism and attack particularly when I know it'll come. That's not to say I haven't told people, but I've used discretion and my intuition to decide with whom I discuss my life. My path isn't yours though and I think that's important. If you want to tell people, you go right ahead and you own it!

This is something I've seen my empath students struggle with; finding their own path using their gifts. I've also seen them struggle with who they do and do not tell. Honestly, it's up to you. As the empath school gets up and running, I know I'll be telling a lot more people. If they don't like it, that's their problem. I refuse to accept that rejection and own those feelings as if they're my own and I should be ashamed. I empower you to do what's right by you and not waste time trying to get blood from a stone. Some cords of attachment should be cut.

 

In light and love;

~A

You Are Not a Reservoir

I heard a great quote today from Joyce Meyer that totally resonated with me on so many levels. "Learn to be a channel, not a reservoir. Let things flow to you and through you." And isn't that the hardest thing for an empath to learn, never mind, master?

We're built for healing on every single level. We give and we give and we give and even when we're tapped out and know it's unhealthy for us, we still give more because we seek to heal the others around us. And if you're like me, you feel guilty when you physically and mentally just can't give anymore. Why are we taking so much responsibility so personally when we know it's not rational? Well who said rationality had to come into this at all? Umm... just my sanity!

What we really need to learn is to separate our feelings from that reservoir we build up of other emotions that do not belong to us. Maybe we should try to be rivers instead of hoarders. Maybe, when emotions come to us, we grasp, acknowledge, thank them, and then let them go. We don't have to let them go to other people, we can let the earth take them. We can let God take them. We can let the white light take them. When we let go of those emotions, when we let them flow through us, we know they're going to be converted into positive energy that can't harm anyone ever again. We just know this. We believe. Only by learning this can we be effective, positive healers that truly make a difference.

So for this week, be a river. Let it all flow through you. Make a conscious effort to release it all to the earth, God, and the white light. Trust that you can do this.

In light and love;
~A

So Where Do We Go After Super Moon?

Are you feeling that huge mental, exhale after Super Moon? If you are like me, you were a total mess leading up to Super Moon and afterwards may not have that release of energies like you wanted to. Do I feel that mental exhale? Yup... but it's like a very slow exhale. Not the large gush I was hoping for. I've done a bit of research, mainly from my cards, talking to other empaths, and listening to Doreen Virtue. Here's my best advice to those of you still feeling that subtle headache after Super Moon has passed... ugh, there isn't enough ibuprophen in the world right now to help my headaches. Thank you angels and spirit guides for the information... but WOW this human shell is having a hard time incorporating it. But I digress... again. Sorry.

The energy levels are still extremely high due to the Solstice, Super Moon, Mercury Retrograde, Solar Flares and winds, and that Change Energy we've all been feeling to one extreme or another. So let's tackle... err explain, these.

The Solstice and Super Moon have left some of us with what Doreen calls an "energy hangover" and really, isn't that the best way to put it?! I love it! I have the headache, the stomach ache, sensitivity to light and sound. Yeah... hang over indeed! Why? Because tons of negative energy was released from us and the world. It's like detox right now, but as with any drug abuse problem, we are SO much better off without it.

The Mercury Retrograde will effect travel and electronics - basically, expect those to be screwed up. It also effects projects. Time to finish up your old projects, not start new. This awesomeness will last through July 20th. Luckily for me, I already started the "Spirituality/Empath School" project I'm working on. That's right, you heard me! Putting together an actual series of online classes and tools for empaths and those who are of a spiritual nature. I will even have a section for those who love and want to understand empaths and those of a spiritual nature. ANYHOW!

Solar flares and winds will be felt by those who are of a very sensitive nature. They will actually experience physical pain such as migraines and headaches. You may find yourself feeling tired and your electronics may not work properly. Battery draining anyone?

Change energy! Oh how I love change energy. It makes me feel like a kid on the verge of a sugar rush. Just remember though, all that scandal and deceit doesn't like being exposed. They would rather keep us in the dark and quietly conduct their business. Look out for the dramatic temper tantrums that are sure to follow. Do not get caught up in the drama. Rise above and continue to do your part by notifying your government of how you feel, signing petitions, but stay out of the drama swirling in your everyday life. Everyone is feeling this and there will be more drama queens than normal.

So now what, right? You know I wouldn't just drop this in your lap and then leave! Silly. Rest up, lay low, simplify your schedule, and hang out in the comforts of your own home as often as you can. Relax and enjoy your peaceful solitude. Meditate for yourself, pray for the world, spend time in nature, drink plenty of water, consume light meals of non-processed, organic foods, and listen to your body. Denying yourself the rest or nap or walk you want will just make your body more susceptible to the energies around you. Feel free to leave me a message and I'll be happy to help you get through it.

In light and love;
~A

WHAT?!

1,000 page views on my blog? Are you serious? This isn't a joke? You've got to be kidding me?!

THANK YOU to everyone who's not only viewed, but supported the blog by telling others and supporting the sponsors. I sincerely hope I have helped you in some way, shape, or form and I hope to continue doing that into the future.

Great things are to come. I can feel it! Keep the positivity. Walk in the white light. Take those leaps of faith. You are the light in the world. Don't ever forget it!

 

 

In light and love;

~A



SUPER MOON - To the rescue!!!



This year, we are getting as many people and lightworkers alike to pray for world peace at 8pm your local time. Ask, believe, and be open to receive. (I'm a poet and don't even know it.)

 

 

Doreen Virtue had this to say in her Facebook page:

Doreen Virtue

The Solstice and Super Moon energy is making some people irritable because of insomnia. Be gentle with yourself, and rest and retreat if you can.

Know that this is all a big blessing as the universe shines away corruption and deceit energy from our world. Do your part by shining light within yourself to reveal any old hidden secrets and be 100% honest with yourself about your true feelings. Once you admit all your truths to yourself, you will sleep like a baby and feel happy again.



Get Out of Your Own Head

This weekend, make sure you get out of your own head. With Super Moon coming... you're going to need it.

 

1. Mindfulness

2. Stillness

3. Meditation

4. Random acts of joy!

Lessons Learned

Today I found myself sucked into an argument I really didn't want to be in. Now I know that I can't change the world and that I can't possibly reach every single person on this planet and bring them to the light... but somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I had really hoped to do just that. So after a long and tiresome conversation with another human being, I am writing this post slightly deflated and only a little heartbroken. But, I'm choosing to see this as an important lesson learned instead of licking my wounds.

Those who love empaths should probably read this post and pay attention to it as you'll gain some valuable insight into the way your beloved empath's mind works. You'll learn some lessons too.

Every single day I am drawn to heal and guide people towards their light path. Every. Single. Day. My brain doesn't stop running. I don't stop thinking about things I could do better. I don't stop reminding myself to hold up my shield. I don't stop reminding myself to shine. I don't stop paying attention to everything around me. I ignore my own needs to take care of others first and not because I want to, because there's no other choice for me. If I were to ignore others and take care of my own needs and wants, I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself because I'd be thinking about the people I ignored.

I don't stop feeling the pull either. I'm pulled towards certain people for reasons I don't always understand and sometimes, don't even like! I have intuitions a lot and sometimes it's things I really don't want to know, but I'm powerless to stop them. I understand things and people on a deeper level. I'm constantly frustrated that I can't accurately describe things because we, frankly, don't have the words to represent the meanings. I'm constantly frustrated that other people just don't get it and don't want to get it and don't care enough to get it. Why don't they feel the call to action? Why? And how am I supposed to answer that call? I don't understand how people are okay living in the dull negative with living in the light is SO much better! I don't understand why it's so hard for them to believe and understand. It's not like I'm asking them to jump off a building.... just give me a chance.

This is what empaths go through every single day. We worry for no reason. We feel sick, sad, angry, happy, annoyed, frustrated and more often than not, those feelings aren't even ours. We know how you're feeling, even before you do. We know when you don't believe us. We know when you're lying and we know when you're not being true. So please, if you love an empath as you say you do, give them some space to breathe and some understanding. Meet them half way. The best thing my husband has ever done for me, and completely surprised me, was to research into empaths and the white light and meet me half way. He has faith in me and he now understands how I get swamped and why I react to things a certain way. He knows how I'm feeling now which has made all the difference and brought us so much closer. I truly wish that for all empaths.

In light and love;
~A

Raising Your Vibrations

Sounds silly right? Raising vibrations? Okay whack-a-doodle. This was the hardest thing for me to grasp and understand as I struggled with being an empath, developing my gifts, and learning to walk in the white light. That's not to say I'm this perfect, enlightened empath now. No. Definitely not. I have my days where I struggle against myself and even some days where I can't find the white light at all. There are days I'm so down, I can't even pull up a feeble shield. But, in saying that, I find those days are less and less in number and intensity. I attribute this not only to my daily affirmations, developing my gifts, and using crystals and gemstones, but in understanding how my vibrations can help keep me in the white light and manifesting what I want in life. If you're familiar with The Secret teachings, you will have an easier time understanding this.

In a nutshell, the basic teaching of vibrations is that everything already exists and for you to get what you want, you need to be on the same frequency (or vibration) as that thing you want. At that point, we are able to manifest into our lives what we want. Positive things vibrate on a high frequency where as negative things vibrate on a lower energy. We've all felt it. When we're sad or angry and experiencing those negative energies, we want to withdraw. We want to curl into a ball. The negativity literally brings you down and steals your power. Now think about how you feel when you're happy and laughing; experiencing those positive emotions and energies. You want to expand, don't you? You want to hug others and spread the happiness. You are more effective and feel strong and powerful. It's all energy and energy vibrates.

Think about your crystals and gemstones for a moment. The reason they are so important to empaths is that they vibrate on their own frequency and help pull us onto their higher frequency. Only when we match that frequency can we use them and experience them as they're supposed to be experienced. Some may have actually felt the stones and crystals vibrate and know what I'm talking about. It's okay if you haven't felt it. You will once you open up more and you're on your light path. When I first received my stones, I felt the energy off them right away. This didn't happen with my second delivery. I wondered why for several days before I understood that I was worrying again. I was worried about money, debt, bills, people, GMOs, the world, etc. You name it, I was probably worrying about it. And why? What did the worry do? It didn't help! It just brought me down. I thanked the worry for letting me know and let it go. Now, I feel the energy of all my stones and crystals again.

There are so many things you can do to raise your vibrations and you will find every single one is very good for your body and soul. Some of you will understand right away that all of these things are designed to increase your inner peace and happiness while turning your focus inward. That is the secret of raising vibrations and happiness; it's all within you already. These are just a few things you can do to raise your vibrations. Feel free to talk about your favorite ways in the comments!

• Listen to soothing music, write, draw, color, etc
• Random acts of kindness for no reward at all
• Be thankful
• Spend time in nature
• Spend time in water, especially salt water
• Get creative
• Finish a project
• Laugh and smile
• Meditate with healing gemstones and crystals
• Align your chakras

On a side note, empaths are so sensitive to negative energies and lower vibrations, we have a tendency to want to numb ourselves to it all with drugs, alcohol, food, and other vices. I'm telling you right now, that is just dumb! You're not numbing yourself at all. You're intensifying those negative energies and lower vibrations by not dealing with them and letting them go. The tests will continuously come back again and again and again until you learn the lessons. Get yourself out of that spiral and raise your vibrations. Let go of all that doesn't serve you. You're not only meant to be happy, but strong as well.

 

 

In light and love;

~A

Healthy Empaths

It's about time we talk about health for real isn't it? (I can hear you groaning. Suck it up soldier!) Healthy eating and regular exercise is just as important as grounding, shielding, and meditating. It will feed your soul while nourishing your body. Organic, whole foods are the way to go. Always avoid GMO products and processed foods as they tend to clog us and throw off and close our chakras. Avoid those processed sugars and replace them with agave or natural sugars in moderation. Let's face it, we have enough to deal with keeping up our shields, fitting in meditation, mindfulness, stillness, and grounding as it is without dealing with foods that undo everything we've just done! Plus, I've been experimenting with diet and exercise to see what does and doesn't work. Let's face it. Empaths tend to carry extra weight as a way to buffer the negative energies and keep them away from us. Not exactly the healthiest or effective way of doing that. Time to let that go.

Eating:
Most empaths prefer not to eat meat because we pick up on the residual energies the animal left behind. I like the taste of meat, but that rings true with me. I hate touching raw meat and I usually have to eat meat quickly without thinking about it. Before having children, I was a vegetarian for 4 years, something I'm phasing back to now that energies have shifted and my gifts have drastically strengthened and expanded. (Gotta love the headache that comes with that! Yippee!)
And empaths should eat lightly and about 6 small, balanced meals a day. Heavy meals make us tired and then down go the shields. You don't want that when you're trying to enjoy a night out! When eating out, try going for the lighter options. You'll feel better and be able to keep that shield strong. Balance is key.

Drinks:
Okay so I'll be the first to admit that I really love having a glass (or whatever) of wine on the weekends and with friends, even with some meals through the week. I do find that liquors bog me down and throw off my internal balance making it really hard to hold up a shield. Being tipsy (+) and not keeping up a shield doesn't make for a cute empath.
Water, water, water! Can't say it enough. Drop some citrus in it if you don't like plain water, but we really need it. Water helps us push out toxins and negative energies. Who doesn't like getting rid of negative energies? This girl does! For some reason, I've also found that milk doesn't help me at all. I feel all sticky and clogged up when I drink milk (energy speaking). I've switched my family to almond milk instead which seems to have lightened all of us up.
Sugary drinks, like soda, leaches the calcium out of your bones and lots of sugar throws off your balance. Best just to avoid it.

Exercise:
I will be the first to tell you how much I HATE aerobics and yes, I know how good they are for you. If you like running, jogging, and any other kind of aerobics then more power to you. I will say I do like riding my bike, but in nature only. Anyhow. Most empaths NEED some kind of yoga or pilates routine that they stick to at least 5 times a week. The slow, controlled movements balance us and allow us to slip into a meditative state. We all know how important meditation is! My favorite is the sun salutation. Check it out! It's fantastic and will leave you with a smile. If all else fails, take a nature walk or hike. The commune with nature will help you release negative energies while balancing and grounding you.

Sound off in the comments to share what has/hasn't worked for you!
Still have questions? Want to learn more? Connect with me directly https://www.facebook.com/dayinthelifeofanempath Blog updates, inspirations, conversation, and news about Empath School and the courses available for download. Hope to see you there!

In light and love;
~A

Supporting the Community

Hello everyone! I'm starting to see just how many entrepreneurial empaths are out there, so I will now be searching out and helping publicize empathic businesses. I will make sure to post links to their web pages and information in the "Faves and Must Haves" section. If any empaths would like to support their business here, please leave a comment or contact me via email (no spam please!). Please note, that I ask nothing in return and do not expect anything in return. Just be good to the empathic community. Support and lead each other to the light path.

It's not a little thing to have found a way to support yourself while following your dreams and what you know to be right. It takes a huge leap of faith. It's not the normal leap either. This is a blind jump across a huge void where you can't see the other side or the bottom, but still knowing you'll be caught. You've already made a huge leap just by admitting to yourself that you're an empath. It's a leap that is so rewarding and so beautiful and will bring you so close to the light of the Creator. Don't ever deny how important you are in this life.

In light and love;
~A

Thank you!

44 days ago I started this blog. I didn't exactly know what to write on that first day. I watched the cursor blink at me for quite a few minutes. I took several deep breaths, waiting for something to come to mind. I must have started writing and deleted what I wrote six times. Frustration started to take over the happiness and excitement I'd felt just minutes before. I took another deep breath and decided to put my big girl pants on and just do it! I knew it was the right thing to do. There are so many empaths out there, floating around without direction or a sense of community. My heart goes out to every single one of you. My heart is always with you and always has been, even before I knew you existed. As of today, this blog has just broken 700 views and I am absolutely thrilled!

I am so thankful that you have chosen to follow me and take a few moments to read, and connect, with me. I look forward to connecting with every single one of you. Please, take a few moments and add to your community by signing off in the comments. I genuinely want to hear from you as well as your experiences.

I am always looking to share experiences, trial and error, and the life tales of people like our resident starseed and new empath. If you ever want to share your story on this blog, feel free to let me know in the comments or email me directly. I would LOVE to hear from you. So don't be shy. You're surrounded by love and acceptance here. Thank you all again!

In light and love;
~A

When we spiral

Let's face it, as empaths we tend to spiral. And not only do we spiral, we create whirlpools that, in turn, create tsunamis! Just by trying to be a good friend, we absorb the negative emotions and long after our friend has let them go, we dwell on them.

Last night, I had to run to my happy place(s); two deep friends who happen to be empaths as well. In their own way, they both brought me back up by reminding me of what matters. What matters is taking care of yourself first. Yes, we want to help everyone and everything. We're obsessed with it. But who can we help if we're broken? Last night, I was broken.

I convinced myself I had made all of this up. I felt like a fake and a fraud and a total loser. I thank God every single day for these two beautiful women who helped me realize the feelings weren't mine to own. One friend's exact quote was "Just because you have doubts doesn't mean it isn't true. Likewise, just because you believe it's true doesn't mean it really is. Maybe you just need to take a step back, take a few deep breaths, and see what the universe tells you." And she was right. It made all the difference in the world. I stepped back, took 5 deep breaths, and practiced what I preached. Mindfulness was the way to go. I was able to see things from that outside perspective I speak so much of and desperately needed. That's the problem with the spiral.

While we're in the spiral, we're debilitated. We're stuck in a dark room hearing the voices of doubt over and over and over again. Remind yourself to stop, step back, take a few deep breaths, and see what the universe has to tell you. You just might wake up the next morning in mid conversation with your spirit guides and higher self like I did and feel absolutely amazing! Today was the first day in weeks I woke up ready to face the day. Excited and happy and full of energy. I am happy, healthy, wealthy, wonderful, and wise. And so it is!

In light and love;
~A

Picture courtesy of:

http://fradelbarber.me/

 

Letting go of Ego

I can honestly say that, in my experience, letting go of my ego has been very difficult. It's constantly there, in the back of my mind, hiding in a shadow; lurking... like a stalker. Creeper. Believe it or not, this image actually helps me lessen it. I associate lurkers and stalkers with weird people who live on the outside of society and are afraid of getting caught. No bravery there, no strength either. I find I'm not afraid of people who slink in the shadows, never coming to the light, so I'm not afraid of my ego either. That doesn't mean we don't have epic battles in my head. Oh we really do. Even now, after all I've done and all I believe, the ego is still there whispering. For some reason, the last few days have been particularly bad with it. So, I'm going to grab this opportunity to tell you how I deal with it and how I'm letting it go piece by bloody piece.

The first thing is always to identify what is your actual thought and what is ego. Ego will tell you that you can't do it. It's all the doubt and fear that hold you back. By practicing mindfulness and stillness, we get a better understanding of the ego's thoughts and that they really aren't ours. We also get a better understanding of what would happen if we did or did not listen to the ego. Try it some time. If you want a new job and you're thinking of applying somewhere else, but you're caught up in the "problems" of why you can go for it, then take a breathe. Be mindful of it. Watch your thoughts happening from an outside, non-judgmental perspective. Are your reasons for not going after the job you want valid, or are they fear based? If they're fear based, they're ego. Let them go because they don't serve you. Focus on what is valid and rooted in knowledge, light, and love. Those are the thoughts that serve you.

There are several schools of thought on how to fully tame and let go the ego. There's two that have worked for me. The first is to wrap it in God's light and bring it to God. The second, and my personal favorite, is to tell it to sit down and shut the F up! I picture it like that one drunk girl at the party who's stumbling around, being really annoying, and getting everyone angry. You either want to send her home in a taxi or tell her to sit down and shut up. I chose to take control of my ego. I ignore it and also point out to myself how ridiculous (and often illogical) the whole thing is. Once I have it quiet and I don't hear it so loud or so insistent, I then wrap it in light and send it to God. This has given me the biggest break I've ever had from my ego. That doesn't mean that it doesn't sneak back up on me sometimes, but it doesn't feel like a devil on my back anymore either.

The best thing you can do is remind yourself that you have control. I know sometimes it feels hopeless and like this huge daunting task. Trust though. Trust in God and trust in yourself. You have all the tools you need already inside of you.

In light and love:
~A

Mindfulness and Stillness

Mindfulness and Stillness. Two very important concepts, not only to empaths, but to all people. Its importance is paramount to understanding, peacefulness, manifestation, and happiness because it shows us that it's all within us. We don't need the newest gadget, or distraction, on the market. We don't need the jewelry and decorations. All we need, we already have within us. Our journey in this life involves knowing that and unlocking our potential. We're meant to be happy and strong in spirit, not necessarily body.

Mindfulness is a very gentle and quick meditation. It involves just being aware of what is and accepting it. When we practice mindfulness, we're paying attention in a very casual way on purpose. When we stop and just accept things as they are, non-judgmentally, we find we are calmer and feel more aware. We let go of the worry and pain and emotions that hold us back. We learn to see them from an outside perspective that gives us a fresh perception. What a wonderful gift that is! What an amazing thing to be able to step out of our shoes and be a monitor of ourselves and our thoughts. The best thing is, we don't catch judgment on what we see of ourselves either. We merely accept it all for what it is. No more 'fallacy of shoulds'. No more pressure to be or act a certain way. No more pressure at all. Just peace.

Stillness is awe inspiring. Please bare with me as I struggle to put into words what stillness is. Stillness is being present and accepting wholeheartedly whatever it is you are involved in at a point in time. Imagine sitting outside on a bench, your feet on the grass. The pond in front of you has many quacking ducks. Children run around screaming, laughing, and playing together. People pass by. The weather is wonderful, the sun shining. And you are perfectly happy with all of it. You feel the smile from the tip of your toes to the top of your head. You're so happy and peaceful in this moment, you feel like you're full to bursting. That is stillness. Total acceptance and awareness in sitting on that bench. Just breathing in the air, slowly and controlled. Not letting any one thing have more attention than another. Imagine feeling like this all the time!

Feelings like this don't come from without, they come from within. They're part of you and represent the very best you have to offer. Imagine how different the world would be if more people practiced mindfulness and stillness, and taught their children to practice as well.

I'm putting more resources in the "Faves and Must Haves" section of this blog for further reading to help you develop and grow into not only your empath gifts, but your spirituality as well.

Still have questions? Want to learn more? Connect with me directly https://www.facebook.com/dayinthelifeofanempath Blog updates, inspirations, conversation, and news about Empath School and the courses available for download. Hope to see you there!

In light and love;
~A