Tag: empath

Consider Walking Barefoot Today

Would you consider walking barefoot today? You may respond, “Why?” Walking barefoot is a way to connect to the Earth and is called earthing or grounding. If you are an empath, you may have heard these terms. I was surprised to find this article with scientific evidence of the benefits of earthing.

I know it is winter in the Western Hemisphere and I give you some alternative earthing techniques below.

What is Earthing?

Earthing is contact with the earth’s surface electrons by walking barefoot outside. Alternatively, you can sit, work, or sleep indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the energy from the ground into the body.

The article from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health goes on to say, “Emerging scientific research supports the concept that the Earth’s electrons induce multiple physiological changes of clinical significance, including

  • Reduced pain
  • Better sleep
  • A shift from parasympathetic to sympathetic tone in the autonomic nervous system (a reversal of the fight or flight stress syndrome)
  • A blood-thinning effect

There’s even a book, titled Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever!.

Why is Earthing Important to Me?

If you are an empath, earthing is your connection home. It brings you back to center. And it’s a wonderful way to practice being in the moment.

During my walk barefoot on a natural path through a native forest in Florida, I enjoyed the different sensations the multitude of sensory points in the soles of my feet sent to my brain. The tiny grains of sand almost tickled me. Then the hard clay felt rough. Finally, the coolness of the grass made me smile.

I determined my barefoot walking distance based on the availability of benches. After removing my socks and shoes, I gingerly stepped on the well-worn grass and then sank into the soft sand. My footprints obscured the many shoe prints along the way.

Tips on Walking Barefoot

Although I preferred walking around my yard barefoot as a child, now my feet aren’t used to the complexity of the ground after years of wearing shoes. Safety is always the first concern when walking barefoot. Here are some tips.

  1. Inspect the area first with shoes on
  2. Remove obvious debris that can injure your feet
  3. Consider starting with a concrete area that is in contact with soil
  4. Choose a location that is quiet
  5. Keep your eyes open, scanning the ground
  6. Perhaps walk with a partner who understands the sanctity of silence
  7. Start very small, a few minutes at first

Being Practical Too

Perhaps it isn’t possible to consider walking barefoot today where you live. What can you do to adapt in your situation? Even standing on the Earth is a type of grounding. Refer to my ground and release exercise while sitting and use it while standing.

In Conclusion

Consider walking barefoot today, enjoying the healing aspects for your physical body, energy body and delighting your Inner Child.

Wiggling my toes,
Dawn

How Do You Deal With Being an Empath?

Perhaps now you know you’re an empath. How do you deal with being an empath? Still unclear what is an empath? Please, read my blog, How Do You Know if You’re an Empath?

What Can You Do About It?

Prior to my knowing I’m an empath, I’ve been a seeker of knowledge and self-discovery. Furthermore, I’ve come across many mystical / spiritual answers to dealing with the reality of being an empath. Have they helped? Absolutely. Can I recommend one mystical path to find your answer? No way. Hence, this route is one you must discover on your own, listening to your intuition.

What About Traditional Psychological Therapy?

Honestly, I’ve had a half-dozen professional therapists in my life. One, was exactly right for a specific need, others were either useless, helpful, or like my current therapist, Mary Joye, LHMC, a gift from God. Furthermore, I am grateful for Zoom, allowing sessions with Mary from anywhere.

How did I find Mary? I have a morning meditation where I take 3-4 deep cleansing breaths, place my hand on my heart and ask, “What do I need to know today?” For me, it’s like my subconscious gives me messages. I knew I needed to look up a suicide survivor group. That led me to the knowledge I was suffering from trauma with symptoms of PTSD. https://www.winterhavencounseling.com/ about it, which is raw, emotional, and gutsy… it’s a tough read. Finally, a search on Psychology Today, led me to a specialist in trauma… Mary Joye.

Psychotherapy Doesn’t Appeal Me

Okay, that’s a valid feeling. There’s another way you can explore how to survive this life as an empath. Explore the website of Dr. Judith Orloff. She has an online course to support her best selling book, The Empath’s Survival Guide. You will find the course on her empath support page. Of course, you can also buy her book and go through it on your own. We are each unique, seeking the best option for ourselves.

How Do I Know This is Right for Me?

Caution and skepticism are good. As an empath, it can be difficult making good decisions.

Here’s a step-by-step way to clear out the feelings you may have picked up from others. By doing this, you can tune into your real self and make better decisions.

1. Remove yourself to a quiet place where you are alone.
2. Silence your phone and lay it down away from you.
3. Sit upright.
4. Close your eyes.
5. Lightly cover your eyes with your palms, fingertips resting at your hairline.
6. Take three deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth.
7. Slowly move your hands, fingertips tracing your hairline down to behind your ears.
8. Place your hands on your heart.
9. Take three more deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
10. Ask yourself about your decision, “Is this (insert your situation, purchase, choice, etc.) right for me?”

Your yes / no answer may come in myriad ways; you just know it, you hear the answer, you see a symbol or the actual word “Yes” or “No”, or you feel it in your gut, tingling, goosebumps… whatever is right for you.
Certainly, you can start this exercise with a question where you know the answer.

Test How YOU React

Here’s a testing example for the ‘Clear Out Your Feelings’ exercise:
in #10, ask the yes / no question. “Am I wearing jeans?” Then ask an opposite question. “Am I wearing khakis?” Note how #11 plays out differently between your two known, opposite questions and answers.
Once you’ve mastered this process, you can use it anytime you feel ‘off’. Those times may indicate you have picked up the feelings of others.

In Closing

I hope these ideas help you answer your question, “How do you deal with being an empath?” Since I believe we are the answer to the woes of the world. Does that sound like more responsibility than you desire? Don’t fret. There are many small steps to finding our fulfillment in this role. Through my posts about how we can practice self-care, live life to the fullest, and make a difference in the lives of others, you will find solace. If you believe this is part of your reason for being here, I invite you to sign-up for my weekly newsletter.

See you soon,
Dawn

How Do You Know You Are an Empath

This week I asked myself, “How do you know you are an empath?” My love of research led me to begin with the Google query, ‘definition of empath’.

Definition of Empath

The top result from Dictionary declared empath is a term used in science fiction literature, suggesting it’s a figment of our imagination. The second definition result is from Merriam-Webster. This one, I like..mostly.

One who experiences the emotions of others: a person who has empathy for others

Don’t you love it when the root word you are trying to understand is now used slightly differently in it’s definition? Now we need to understand empathy too.

The Google results from ‘definition of empathy’ were skewed exactly opposite from empath. Here is the top result from Dictionary for empathy.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others

Certainly, my definition of empath is one who experiences the emotions of others.

How Do You Know You’re an Empath?

Your experiences and reactions are unique. Therefore, some of these circumstances may ring true, if indeed you are an empath..

  • Large crowds cause discomfort
  • Relationships with ‘users’
  • Craving the peace of alone time
  • Saying yes too much
  • Over sensitivity to noise, smell, or conversations
  • Feeling exhausted after social situations
  • Finding you startle easily
  • Hearing “You’re over sensitive”
  • Preference for sleeping alone
  • Overeating to cope with stress
  • Difficulty making good decisions

Still not sure you are an empath? Take this 20-question self assessment test from Dr. Judith Orloff.

What to do Next

If you took the assessment and know you are an empath, don’t despair. In contrast, celebrate your naturally loving nature. Furthermore, give these ideas a try.

It Appears I’m an Empath

This realization may be difficult to swallow.  In contrast, you have a lot to give the world and the world needs you. Sit with this new knowledge and take the first step toward a more fulfilled life.

Ground and Reset:

  • Move to a quiet, private location
  • Sit upright
  • Relax your hands in your lap
  • Gently close your eyes
  • Slowly breathe in through your nose
  • Out through your relaxed mouth
  • Repeat this slow breathing three times
  • Feel the weight of your body in your hips
  • Now feel this heaviness down to your feet
  • Imagine this weight extending into the earth
  • The weight becomes roots into the soil
  • Continue slowly breathing
  • Gently open your eyes

Doesn’t that feel soothing? It’s a wonderful way to start everyday. Certainly, use this technique whenever circumstances feel overwhelming.

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Moving ever forward,
Dawn