What is an "Empath?" - Part 2

In this three-part series, I will share my discoveries of understanding my own empath journey and what the "30 Traits of an Empath" means to me. I have broken this down into three parts so that it is easier to process and understand for yourself.

If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to email me here.

An empath is defined as "a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual."

In part one (which can be read here), we discussed traits such as just "knowing things," feeling like you are taking on other's emotions as your own, often being the "dumping ground" for other people's stuff, and being strong "bullshit detectors."

Below, you will find part two of the traits of an empath.

I would love to know how many you identify with for yourself!

1. We are often drawn to addictive behaviors: This is most often a behavior used by empaths to block out the emotions of others. It can be a negative form of self-preservation for us to protect ourselves from the energy of others. This is a reason why we need to be more self-aware and practice healthier self-care.
2. We are typically drawn to healing and holistic therapies, as well as the metaphysical: As empaths, we want to be healers to help those who are hurting. We have to set firm boundaries for ourselves or we may take on too much. we are also often interested in or connected to the paranormal and supernatural because we can feel energy from different realms. Empaths will frequently use the metaphysical to strengthen their empathic abilities and also as a form of protection.
3. We are very creative: Empaths love all forms of artistic expression because of our vivid imaginations. it allows us to release all of the energy and emotions we absorb instead of holding on to it.
4. We love nature and animals: This is another huge one for me. Ever since I was young, I have always felt connected to nature. I was constantly playing in the woods and creek around my childhood home. As I have gotten older, I have realized this is where I feel most grounded. It’s the same with animals and having pets. My dogs are not formal therapy animals, but they are my personal therapeutic animals. These are the things that keep us grounded, putting our feet in the grass and our arms around animals.
5. We need solitude: Our time to rest is vitally important to our wellbeing as an empath. We need to recharge and tend to our own emotional needs. I am an ambivert which means I have traits of both an introvert AND extrovert. Once I have too much social interaction, I shut down. It's like the battery on your phone going in low power mode. Empaths need time alone to recharge their energy.
6. We get bored and easily distracted: As empaths, to keep our attention, we must stay interested. Because of our vivid imaginations, we are more prone to daydreaming or doodling if we feel under stimulated. I find that do od ling or drawing actually helps me pay attention and stay focused during long
   lectures or trainings.
7. We find it almost impossible to engage in things we don't enjoy: We are authentic people. To do an activity we don't fully enjoy can feel like "living a lie" or being in au then tic, which then triggers feelings of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and irritability. This was the case for me when I was "forced" to play softball as a kid. I hated it and would end up twirling around, dancing in the outfield instead of paying attention to the game.
8. We strive for the truth: We like to see all sides of something instead of just one side. We will often go into ''rabbit holes," doing research on something that interests or relates to us. We are always wanting to know more. This was me after discovering I was an empath. After I started reading and learning, I felt like I was uncovering my own truth. Everything just made sense.
9. We are always looking for answers and knowledge: Empaths are always wanting to learn more. We are lifelong students, both formally and informally. We often feel frustrated by having unanswered questions. We are determined to find an explanation and confirmation. The main thing we have to be cautious with here is limiting information overload.
10. We enjoy adventure, freedom, and travel: We don't like to be in one place for too long. We seek to learn about the world through experiencing it and feeling the energy and excitement of different people and cultures.

Don't forget to stay tuned for the third and final installment tomorrow!