posted April 30, 2008 11:41 PM           

Because what the world really needs now is Empathy.

The Empathy Symbol stands for 2 sides reaching out, and reaching into each other to really understand what the other is feeling and experiencing.

Whether it’s Men and Women,

Blacks and Whites,

Jews and Muslims,

Gays and Straights,

Red States and Blue States,

Christians and Atheists,

Asians and Latinos,

Handicapped and Able-bodied,

White collar and Blue collar…

Whatever the 2 sides are.

Because it’s a lot harder to hate someone you understand.

Because in order to get to Peace and Love and Harmony in our World, we first have to have Empathy for one another

....USE IT....
....SPREAD IT....
....LIVE IT....

I found this symbol at the following link:
Click here
Thank you Deb. It's meant a
lot to me to have this.
****************************************************
When a person is an empath,
like me, they tend to take on the feelings of the people around them.
Both good feelings & bad feelings.

Empaths are usually very
psychic or telepathic & have all the feelings to go with their impressions and thoughts
that are coming from other people.

I pick up on very subtle things that may
go completely unnoticed by other people.
Some say that it's a 'Gift Of God'
and I like to think that,
but it's not very easy being one.

I feel both the physical pain of others, as well as personal, spiritual, and psychic pain of others.

I just wish that people could understand that.
It's very hurtful to me when the people
that I love the most, don't or
won't, try to understand this
about me.

I have a very hard time going into loud and crowded places, like the grocery store
or the mall.
Also, I can barely watch the
news on TV anymore because I get so
upset at all the horrific things going on
in this crazy world.

If I get something
horrible in my head, like a child being molested or kidnapped, it will bother me for weeks and weeks. I become depressed and
cry a lot, plus I get sick to my stomach and I just feel sick all over.

It tears my heart out to see
how cruel people are to eachother in this world. It's just too much to bear most
of the time..

I think that everybody alive has the capacity to become an empath, but only certain people can truly experience this gift fully....
and that comes from spiritual growth
and how far along you are in the Spirit
World....like people who are very strong in spirit and who have also been through a lot in this life and perhaps also in past lives.

I have been this way ever since I can remember, and I have memories as far back as 3 year's old. So it couldn't have just been from this life. But whether or not you believe in reincarnation
is beside the point.

It is just a very strong feeling of love and compassion.
I cry a lot,
not just for myself, but for others.
I feel the happiness and
sadness of everyone around me....

Sometimes I just cry because something
has touched my heart so much that I have no other way to express
myself.

I guess you could say that we mainly see
the "God Part" of people, unless someone
really hurts us, or one of our loved ones.....
It's very hard for empaths to see the
evil in people.

Even when we do see the evil in people,
we tend to not believe it or dwell on it too much, because we know that there
is a little part of God dwelling
~inside of everyone~

We realize that everyone has to grow in their own way,
and in their own time.
For
We are all as much a part of God
as anyone else is.

*************

What is the difference between sympathy and empathy?

Let's take the example of a death.

I think that anyone who has lost
a loved one can relate to
how it feels to lose someone that you
care very much about, so most people can sympathize with someone who has lost a loved one.

BUT, an empath takes on that persons
pain as if it were
their own experience.
Get what I'm saying?? There is actually
a HUGE difference in the two.

The challenge for empaths is to learn to let go of the things they are feeling from others. Otherwise we will surely go
insane from carrying the
burdens of the world with us!

What we need to do constantly, is to meditate, pray, and surround ourselves
with a psychic shield.
I admit that I'm not very good at this though.

Having a sense of humor helps a lot too!
Thank God I have a great sense
of humor, because that has helped
me to survive this crazy world
more than anything!

Also, try to find friends that are funny
and not as sensitive as you are.
That helps a lot, too.
***********

~Empathy Character Traits~

~Feels emotions often and deeply~
~Keenly aware of other peoples feelings~
~Easily hurt or upset by insults or unkind remarks~
~Avoids conflicts and confrontations~
~Cannot easily release sad or upset feelings~
~Feels deeply for others suffering and pain~
~Prone to recurrent depression~
~Keenly aware of, and affected by beauty (art, music, nature)~
~Feel overwhelmed or depleted by too much stimuli
(large crowds, loud noises, hectic environments)~
~Was sensitive as a child~

~I found this on About.com~

This describes me to a tee!
I would just like to add a couple
of my own here, now.

~Startles easily~
~Abhors confusion~
~Nurturers~
~Very sensitive to bright lights~
~Notices subtle changes in the atmosphere~
~Needs to retreat within themselves to become focused~
~May have a tendency towards alcohol or drugs to escape at some time in life
from all the stimuli or confusion around them~
~Feels physical pain more than others~
~Has a strong affinity with animals.~
~Loves children and children love them~
~Often have premonition-type dreams~
~Prone to migraines and tense muscles~
(Also disease's like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
I have both.)
~Often get involved with people who have a lot of problems~
(Thus leaving ourselves open to getting hurt deeply because of trying to help others)
~Feel that we have a "mission" in life to make others understand~
~Will often tolerate a lot more abuse than other people do, even though we are hurt deeply~
~ALWAYS misunderstood by others~
~Insensitive people tend to think that we are mentally ill or wacko~
~Often thought to be hypochondriacs by Dr.'s, because we are prone to sickness that comes from others~
(i.e. Test results may show nothing, but we are still sick nevertheless)
~Can feel physical or mental pain from long distances~
(Such as from people we are close to)
~Feels an affinity with willow trees~
~Empaths usually work in a helping profession or are poets, musicians or artists~
~Tires easily and naps frequently~
~Attracted to gems and crystals~
~See through people into their souls and beyond their masks or games~
(A lot of people are afraid of us for this reason)
~Are often looked upon as being soft, stupid or an easy pushover~
~Usually have a great sense of humor~
~We are the best listeners on earth!~
~Very faithful as a friend~
~An accute sense of smell and hearing~

posted May 01, 2008 12:42 AM           

I am very interested in what was mentioned about building a psychic self defense. I wonder if it would help me cope with things such as loud noises?

posted May 01, 2008 01:01 AM           

"I refer to this state in the Book of Storms as the "unbonded" Empath. Before figuring out who you are, you must figure out what you are, and reconcile the two. It's called the Book of STORMS for a reason! Learning about your internal storms, the nature of "storms", and how to "manage your own inner weather" are all par for the course. Empaths identify with many forms of nature and frequently feel affinity towards storms. Obviously, it is a powerful personal smbol for me. I have always felt "connected" to storms. As a metaphor, storms offer an unending supply of creative insight.

Many Empaths suffer from anxiety due to an overload of incoming stimuli and intuitive information. Some suffer from depression due to being overwhelmed with all the "storms" going on inside. It is not uncommon for an Empath to tell me that he or she has been diagnosed as "bipolar/manic-depressive." Now, that does not mean that if you were diagnosed as bipolar that you are automatically an Empath - it just means there is a possibility that we are quick to put medical labels on things without fully investigating them.

The interesting questions that arise are: Are Empaths more susceptible to mental illness? OR Is the mental illness/distress the result of being an unbonded Empath? Which comes first? This research still goes on. I have met plenty of well adjusted Empaths - yet will still find that they seek some sort of comfort somewhere, either in mild medication or counseling, something to soothe those internal storms".
http://mysilentecho.com/dreamtongue1.htm

"Empaths identify with many forms of nature and frequently feel affinity towards storms".

Remind you of anyone?

posted May 01, 2008 01:33 AM           

You scored as a Shaman
You are a Shamanic Empath. You are at one with nature and can speak with animal/plant life. Your powers come from the Sun & the Moon, and the elements. The weather moves with your mind and all of nature is at your beck and call

posted May 01, 2008 02:43 AM           

Well, I've never prayed,
But tonight I'm on my knees, yeah
I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah
I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind , I feel free now
But the airwaves are clean and there's nobody singing to me now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWThgJtBHso&feature=related

posted May 01, 2008 04:00 AM           

And welcome!

posted May 01, 2008 01:11 PM           

i can especially relate to this one:

posted April 19, 2009 12:29 AM         

I identify with most of the traits of Empaths. Although I used to act nastily here at LL, I consider myself an Empath. But I don't cry much any more. I used to cry a lot, either for myself or for others. My tolerance for loud, crowdy places has increased. I do not own a TV, but I stopped watching local TV news a long time ago, because the local TV news was absolutely chaotic.

I can feel the slight changes in the atmosphere, the unspoken feelings of others, and the tones, wording and styles people express themselves.

D

posted April 19, 2009 01:42 AM         

What kind of empath are you?

You Scored as Precog

You are a Precog Empath. You are a visionary & a human thermostat. You can predict outcomes and see where paths may lead. You are a good scout and a guide to others. Be careful of your dreams. Your sight penetrates the veil that hides the truth from mankind.

Precog
100%

Traveler
100%

Universal
100%

Healer
100%

Judge
100%

Shaman
100%

Artist
100%

Fallen Angel
70%

When I choose the other tiebreaker question I like exactly the same:
I get this instead:

You Scored as Universal

You are a Universal Empath, you possess all the qualities of the other seven empath groups. You are what is known as an "Implicate" or Imp, a product of evolutionary design and genetic mutation. You are a psychic hybrid. (from "The Book of Storms" by Jad Alexander at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Empaths/)

Precog

100%
Traveler

100%
Universal

100%
Healer

100%
Judge

100%
Shaman

100%
Artist

100%
Fallen Angel

70%
___________________________________________
Are you an empath?

You Scored as Certified Empath

You are a natural born Empath! You are haunted by the calling of "the others" and walk in silence between the busy and the distracted. You qualify for certification by the School of Empath Psychology. From the Book of Storms Series newsletter on Yahoo! Groups.

Certified Empath
100%

An Intuitive
94%

Potential Empath
75%

Unbonded Empath
63%

Not an Empath
19%

You Scored as a : Certified Empath Certified Empath 100% An Intuitive 94% Potential Empath 75% Unbonded Empath 63% Not an Empath 19%

posted April 19, 2009 08:49 AM         

You are an Artist Empath, one who creates their own reality and infuses the realities of others with your energy & emotions. You are poetic and sensitive. You turn your feelings into creations and share them with the world. Everything you touch turns to song and is freed by the color of your eyes. Your spirit dances with the winds and paints delight in the evening sky.

Healer 100%
Traveler 100%
Fallen Angel 100%
Judge 100%
Artist 100%
Shaman 90%
Universal 90%
Precog 80%

posted April 25, 2009 11:55 PM         

Many thanks for the instructions.

You Scored as Certified Empath

You are a natural born Empath! You are haunted by the calling of "the others" and walk in silence between the busy and the distracted. You qualify for certification by the School of Empath Psychology. From the Book of Storms Series newsletter on Yahoo! Groups.

Certified Empath
100%
An Intuitive
100%
Potential Empath
88%
Unbonded Empath
38%
Not an Empath
0%

Really? Am I?

You Scored as Healer

You are a Healer Empath. You take in the energy of others and transmute it. You trigger transformation in others and free trapped energy. You are capable of great healing abilities. You walk between the worlds and bring waves of healing energy with your presence. (from "The Book of Storms" by Jad Alexander at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Empaths/)

Healer
95%
Artist
95%
Universal
95%
Traveler
90%
Precog
90%
Judge
90%
Shaman
80%
Fallen Angel
70%

Well...

D

posted April 26, 2009 12:16 AM         

You Scored as Universal

You are a Universal Empath, you possess all the qualities of the other seven empath groups. You are what is known as an "Implicate" or Imp, a product of evolutionary design and genetic mutation. You are a psychic hybrid. (from "The Book of Storms" by Jad Alexander at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Empaths/)

Universal 100%

Traveler 100%

Healer 95%

Artist 95%

Fallen Angel 85%

Precog 80%

Shaman 75%

posted April 26, 2009 12:26 AM         

You Scored as Certified Empath

You are a natural born Empath! You are haunted by the calling of "the others" and walk in silence between the busy and the distracted. You qualify for certification by the School of Empath Psychology. From the Book of Storms Series newsletter on Yahoo! Groups.

posted April 28, 2009 12:03 PM         

quote:

---

Because it’s a lot harder to hate someone you understand.

Because in order to get to Peace and Love and Harmony in our World, we first have to have Empathy for one another

---

posted April 28, 2009 11:15 PM         

Here's my own answer....

You Scored as Fallen Angel

You are a Fallen Angel empath. You have not found your place in this world yet and wander as a lost soul. Your wings have been clipped but you know deep inside they will grow back. You need to fly free and proud. Fallen Angels are spiritual beings who were trapped by flesh, and are now seeking to spread their wings again. (from the Book of Storms at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Empaths/)

posted April 29, 2009 07:46 AM         

I have learned to keep their energy separate so that I do not walk around carrying their weight. Suffice to say, I answered no to those questions for I DO NOt let it in yet I have the capacity to.

So how that affects the outcome, I am unsure. I disagree with the ehaler portion, though. Here are the results with that said:

posted April 30, 2009 12:04 PM         

It's amazing to me that the vast majority of people still cannot begin to fathom the significance, and reality, of inner experience. My grandmother tells about how, when she was little, very poor, and living through the great depression, she would walk around with holes in her shoes. She tells this story to prove that she has "been there", -- that she has suffered, and she knows what its like to be down. She tells it, also, as an excuse to avoid thinking about anything. She does not say it explicitly, but it is clear that she intends to suggest that, if you have not walked around with holes in your shoes, you have no idea what it is to struggle. I hear the same thing from people who endure any sort of difficulty in the outer world. They seem to think that outer struggles are the only real ones, and that all true, real experience occurs in the outer world. My Grandmother says, "What I know does not come from books. I have endured a long life full of experience, and I have suffered and known poverty. This is not up for debate." Here is part of a letter I wrote to her:

"I will say that you shouldnt underestimate the amount of life experience that can be packed into 15 years of living with 'mental illness' every day of your life. This isnt up for debate, lol. I dont know much about shoes, but I have leaks in my auric field. It makes me an empath, and it makes it hard to walk down the street, or watch t.v., or do just about anything. I absorb the emotions of other people -- people who have been thru wars and everything else you can imagine. I recently had a reading with a reputable psychic who told me that, in a recent past life, I was held in prison, tortured, and raped for years and years. She said I was a spiritual authority and I had hope and faith for years, but I was never freed from prison, and my faith (along with the rest of me) was traumatized. I dont expect you to give credence to something like this, but I share it anyway, in case you may, at least, be open to the possibility of such things. While much of the information I point to in order to corroborate my understanding is from books, the intuition and intellect that guides me is not. Since I learned to think, I discovered that I understood a great many things without reading or experiencing them. The more I searched, the more I found my own deep understanding corroborated by the life experiences of wise old men (as recorded in the books I take the time to read). I just read a book Jung wrote in his mid-80's (conspicuously lacking in actual events, but full of accounts of the 'life of the mind', which, for Jung, is the only true life) and was delighted to find someone who thinks and understands so many of the things that I do. For years, I have been contemplating the themes and questions that underly all of our life experiences, and all our ways of interpreting them. I've been conscientiously working out thoughts, practicing and learning how to think, and how to spot inconsistencies in my own, and in my neighbors', thinking. No book taught me that. That's all I'm saying. I dont mean to invalidate what you or Gramps have been through."

She understood this, and replied something to the effect that she hopes she never runs into that psychic, as it sounds like an awful thing to be told, let alone to pay to hear. I responded: "Some psychics will only tell you rosy things, to make you happy and keep you coming back, but I tend to be more suspicious of their legitimacy. Anyway, I would rather know the whole truth. And I think it can be, and has been (for me), very healing to be validated in that way. My whole life, I have felt as though I have been through some sort of unbelievable trauma. But I have nothing I can point to as an 'excuse', when people say, "Oh, what have you suffered?" Every day of my life I am open to thoughts and emotions that arise from the depths and corners of my psyche, demanding me to admit them into my deliberations, and undermining any chance I have at a "normal" life. It is not for me, to settle into some narrow niche. The life of action is inherently narrow and limiting, and one must have the ability to limit oneself, in order to be active in the world. But in my mind, in my heart, and in my soul, I am open (whether I wish it or not) to the whole of life, and I take part in the minds, hearts, and efforts of every man (and everyman). I am not spared the residue of the life of action; only the respect and many of the benefits it confers. I feel sure that many people, if they could see the world through my eyes, would much prefer their outward difficulties, to the inward ones I face." And I'm not even going to mention (well, okay, I am mentioning it) the mental and emotional "taxes" that I have to pay (in accordance with a Higher government) to support people who are too lazy, or sick, to think outside the box, and feel outside themselves.

So, yeah....

This -- Empathy/Empaths --
is a very important reality,
and one I wish more people
would be made aware of.

Thanks for posting the thread, LTT.

posted April 30, 2009 12:54 PM         

quote:

---

Imagination [...] is the power that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared. Unlike any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand, without having experienced. They can think themselves into other people's minds, imagine themselves into other people's places. Many prefer not to exercise their imaginations at all. They can close their minds and hearts to any suffering that does not touch them personally. [...] Those who choose not to empathize may enable real monsters. For without ever committing an act of outright evil ourselves, we collude with it, through our own apathy.

~ J.K. Rowling

---