Empathy explained: What is empathy?

Empathy is the experience of understanding another person's thoughts, feelings, and condition from his or her point of view, rather than from one's own. 

Why is empathy important?

Empathy is a social behavioral trait that allows us to take on the emotions of others in a way that we understand how they feel. This is important because it gives us the ability to respond to a situation appropriately. Think of it as joining in on the emotion of someone around you and matching that emotional energy. An example could be sharing the excitement of a sibling when they reveal that they are expecting a baby… Or feeling just as sad for a friend who has recently lost a loved one. Empathy encourages you to be supportive, and in turn, build social connections with people around you. The more empathetic you are, the more likely others will be empathetic towards you.

So would you consider yourself an empath?

• Perhaps you are highly sensitive to the emotions of the people around you.
• Is alone time very important to you?
• Or maybe you can feel the emotions of others and take them on as your own.
• Do your moods fluctuate throughout the day based on where you are and who you are with?
• Are you highly intuitive?
• Are kids and animals completely drawn to your energy?
• Do others consider you a good listener or always turn to you for advice?

Well, empaths come in many forms, and today, I’m going to share with you the different empaths to determine which one you are most aligned with.

So what are the different types of empaths?

Emotional Empath

As an Emotional Empath, you possess the ability to help and tend to the people around you in a way where you can pick up on their emotions. Think of it as knowing exactly how someone is feeling without having to ask. It’s easy for you to see past any front or coverup others may be using to hide their emotions, like sadness or depression. An emotional empath not only can pick up on the emotions but can also take them on as their own.

Physical Empath

A physical empath deals more in the energy of the body, but similar to that of an emotional empath, you have the ability to pick up on symptoms others are experiencing, and feel them in your own body as well. You intuitively can sense the ailments of others when you are in their presence. Many physical empaths work in both conventional medical healing and alternative healing practices.

Geomantic (or Environmental) Empath

Have you ever walked into a room and had the sense that something is off or just not right? Or felt extremely excited about being in a certain environment for no reason at all? Well, you may be experiencing abilities of a geomantic, or environmental, empath. As an environmental empath, you are aligned with the connection you have with certain places or environments. This can either be a positive or negative connection, but the strongest connection is to that of the natural world.

Plant Empath

Do you have a green thumb? Do you know exactly what plants need to thrive? If so, you just might be a plant empath. A plant empath has an intuitive sense for what plants need, and that goes far beyond water and sunlight. You have the ability to understand plants, knowing things like the right spot they should be placed in a home or garden, and how to handle plants correctly. Plant empaths also have a very strong connection to nature. They are actively seeking to strengthen that connection by choosing to spend time in nature.

Animal Empath

Are you that person that just loves animals? To the point where you feel dedicated to the care and understanding of them? Or maybe you consider yourself a dog whisperer? Chances are you’re an animal empath. Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) made an entire career around it. Your attunement to animals also has the ability to influence their behavior because you can sense exactly what they are sensing.

Intuitive (or Claircognizant) Empath

Are you able to sense the energy or “vibe” of a person, simply by being in their presence? Are you instantly able to deduce information or pick out a lie by sensing another person’s energy? This is called an intuitive or claircognizant empath, and many of these empaths, similar to physical empaths, also work in the healing profession. You are highly aware of the intentions of others just from being around them, so your senses are always sharp.

So, are you sensing a connection to any of the different types of empaths? Well, our senses can reveal a lot about us that we may not be able to realize on the outside. So I urge you to sign up for this FREE online workshop to unveil the subconscious blocks that could be sabotaging your life.

Remember, the social connections we build by the empathy we feel for others can be a huge signal to our subconscious mind. So join me and world-renowned life coach, Mary Morrissey, on this workshop to unlock your senses and reveal the clarity you need to create your greatest life.