Being an Empath/Traits of Empathy

Being an Empath

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one’s empath capacity.

Empaths have the ability to scan another’s psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others.

Empathy is a feeling of another’s true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.

An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.

Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (ie: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.

Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one’s abilities (sensitivity) to another’s emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.

There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individuals awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.

Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners.

Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.

Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another.

They can become very proficient at reading another persons body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others.
In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.

While there is much we don’t yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.

Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker’s feeling. It is that person’s feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.

Empaths are often poets in motion.

They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous.

They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people… to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.)

The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere–in every culture and throughout the world.

Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area).

They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so.

In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life’s daydreamers, or even narcissistic.

They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live.

The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.

Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they’re more inclined to point out another’s positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that’s not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs.

In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears.

Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another’s ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light.

Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously.

It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding.

Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things.

As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer.

They often will search until they find one–if only for peace of mind.

~Article by Elisa Aurora~

Can’t Believe I Got This On Camera!

Current mood: happy

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I thought for sure Callie would pop her head up off the baby before I got the shot.  I actually got 3 shots in and she never lifted her head.  She did open her eyes but just so you know she was sleeping in that position on top of the baby.  Too cute!

Liz

Photo Parade

Current mood: loved

Here are some recent pictures from the camera.  These first ones are of Lola, who has suddenly become interested in the baby doll and playing “Mommy”.

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But she still likes to be the “Baby” too!!!

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These next pictures are from the Middle School Talent Show night, everybody got all dressed up.  Princess & Tay looked gorgeous.  I did their makeup so they wouldn’t look too washed out on the stage…their lighting in there isn’t so great.  But they did look way older than they really are so hopefully they haven’t gotten hooked on makeup!!!

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OOOOhhh she is MAD!!!

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Lola and Maddie-from-next-door…

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AND TO CLOSE, MY CUTE SWEET LOLA TAKING HER NAP TODAY…

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Currently listening :
Four
By Blues Traveler
Release date: By 13 September, 1994

Cute Pictures

Current mood: calm

Some cute pictures I recently uploaded

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The newest addition to our family – Blaze the cat.

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Cute face

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Peace out, bro…

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Muy adorable!

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Precious!

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There’s always at least one goofy face per photo session.

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Cute outfit!

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She arranged all of these rings by color, by herself. 

On the Wagons Again

Enough is enough. I’m back on the wagons:

The reduced-caffeine wagon.
The reduced-sugar wagon.
The reduced-junk food wagon.
The keeping my family somewhat organized wagon.
The taking better care of myself wagon.
The saving money wagon.
The enjoying life to its fullest doesn’t have to cost money wagon.
The positive thinking wagon.
The being outdoors more wagon.
The less-TV wagon.
The more time with kids wagon.
The enjoy-summer-before-its-over wagon.
The love my friends and family more wagon.
The remember-to-take-your-meds wagon.
The stop-feeling-sorry-for-yourself wagon.
The more exercise wagon.
The realize-your-cat-is-very-missed-but-it-was-his-time-so-just-remember-him-with-love-not-regret wagon.
The count your blessings wagon.

Yep, its time to crawl out of the pity pool, take a shower to clean the muck off me, dry myself off, and go swim in happier waters.

Just thought I’d share that.

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I miss Almonzo so bad. I keep replaying yesterday’s events over and over in my mind. Seeing the life leave his eyes, whispering words of comfort into his perfect little ears. I just wish I could hold his furry warmth next to me again and nuzzle my face into his mane. He was my little furbaby and I loved him so much.

One day, I will feel calm enough to tell you all the little things that made my Almonzo so special. Suffice it to say for now that he was unlike any other cat I ever knew of or owned, and I am positive there will never be a pet that I bonded with so completely.

CG

Almonzo is sick.

Update from earlier.

My poor Almonzo. He is down to 5.5 lbs. His mouth is a travesty. It is so infected the vet can’t even figure out what is wrong until we get that under control. But it looks really, really bad. He said it could be an abcess, worst case scenario is it could be a tumor. I am to give him an antibiotic for a week, then next Wednesday we return for surgery. He will take a look at it then and determine what it is, and according to what it is, we can do what needs to be done. If it is a tumor, then it will depend on how bad and large it is as to whether anything can be done.

I am hoping that it is just an abcess, but just the thought that it could possibly be something that can’t be helped and what will happen from there, makes me feel terrible. Pray for my Almonzo.

My beloved Kitty, Almonzo, he is sick. I am no sure what is wrong for sure, but I think (hope) it is just an abcessed tooth. When we came home from vacation, I noticed he had lost more weight and he is already bony as it is. Anyway, then I started petting him and his ruff and underside is all matted up (unlike him). Today, his face is swelled up and he smells really bad.

I think it is an abcessed tooth, because that would keep him from eating (thus the weight loss), and maybe it hurts too bad to groom himself (thus the mats). We have an appt at 11 and I will find out. I hope that is all that is wrong.

He is my special baby and has been for 13 years. Even if his affections have turned more towards Hubby than me I still love him more than anything.

On other notes, we got home from vacation on Monday evening. I spent yesterday unpacking and then I had to drive to take Princess to her mom’s for a visit. After that I went home and did more unpacking, then I got on and checked my gargantuan amount of email. I took Sis-in-law’s quiz (got a 100 of course), and inspired me to make my own (Sis-in-law got a 100 of course). What really surprised me is that Princess took it and got 100 too. It is surprising because one of the questions has to do with how I deal with awkward situations–I didn’t know she knew me well enough to know what I would do in an awkward situation. Impressive. She’s a people observer, that one.

We had a good time on vacation. For once, Princess brought a friend who was a good kid and was basically an angel the whole time. Plus, it was an opportunity to take Tay (that’s her name) on a trip that she might not get to go on with anyone else. We went to St. Augustine, FL, and had a condo on the beach (made possible only because my sister and brother-in-law were paying for half of it too), and we had a couple of outings, one day to Disney (we hit 3 parks on one day! 10+ miles of walking!), and the rest of the time we lazed around the beach. I cooked dinner 4 nights out of the 7 we were there. Unfortunately, and my sister Lois was really sick the whole time we were gone (NOT related to my cooking, ha ha), and she is still sick even though she is home. I think she has a sinus infection or something. Poor girl.

We LOVED this beach and we are definitely going there again. We would go out on these night explorations when the tide was out, and we saw SO many things in the tidepools: hundreds of starfish, different types of crabs, jellyfish (blue ones!), lots of little fishies and big fishies, strange rock formations, and once we found a trail in the dirt that was very obviously a HUGE turtle. We followed it down the beach, but it ended in a deeper tidepool and we were unable to pick the trail back up. I was bummed because that would have been COOL to see.

The absolute best part of the trip for everyone was seeing how the Lola LOVED the ocean. Beach living really agrees with her. I’ve never seen her sleep so peacefully or explore so much! She hardly cried the whole time we were there. She’s a water sign like her mommy and daddy, and maybe the water brings her peace just like it does for her dad and I.

On our way back from vacation we stopped in Cincinnati to visit my family. We saw my dad twice. I can’t even begin to express how different he looks, he is getting worse and it is showing. It breaks my heart to see him that way, and since we left to come home I haven’t been able to shake the sadness from me. It makes me want to curl up in a bed and cry for days, but I have to continue taking care of the family and that is the only thing that is keeping me going right now. Thank Goddess that I have a therapy appointment tonight. I need to be reprogrammed. LOL.

Somewhat Overwhelmed

Yesterday marked one year since our dog Bruno died.

I waited all day for Princess to cry or talk about it. She has been talking about this date coming up for weeks now. However, it seems that mercifully, the day went by yesterday without her even remembering. Princess was extremely close to Bruno and she is still not completely over it (not that I expect her to be–her dad and I are not over it either). She will start crying out of the blue and it is usually about him.

Maybe she did remember it but just chose to keep it to herself. I don’t know. She was very happy and giggly yesterday. I am hoping it was genuine and not just a front. I doubt it was a front, because at one point, the cat did something funny and it made her laugh so hard she fell out of her chair and couldn’t bring herself to pull back up into the chair. I love to see her laugh like that.

Well, what else is going on in my life…hm. OK, my pregnancy is going pretty good. The baby is still very active and I am amazed at how I am learning about her patterns. When she moves, etc. I also know that when I talk, she quiets down. Whereever I place my hands on my tummy, she seems to gravitate there and pushes back. I think this baby might even love me a little bit.

Yesterday I had to go get the glucose tolerance test done at the lab. Luckily, Moee drove me there and back, because after I drank that stuff, I ended up getting very tired and light headed. When she dropped me back off at home, I went to bed and slept for over 3 hours. I hope that doesn’t mean anything bad. I guess if it does, I will be getting a phone call soon.

Christmas preparations are coming along slowly. I have all my Christmas cards made out, addressed and ready to go, but money is so tight right now that I don’t have the $ to buy postage stamps. I need 100 of them! $37.00!!! That’s a lot of money! At least it is, to me. I guess I need to just do it and deal.

Christmas shopping luckily has been economical. Princess and I made a lot of our presents and are pleased with the results. I will be doing some last-minute shopping next week near our next paycheck, because I couldn’t get everything this week. We simply didn’t have the means. However, I am not going to see my relatives (in Cincinnati or elsewhere) for a few weeks so I can wait to buy gifts for them, that will save me a bit of cash for now. It is imperative that I plan better for next year, and save money during the year for all these things.

I didn’t do too badly this year, SIL and I went shopping back in September/October for all the kids–I had planned ahead to have some money aside from one of my last few paychecks to buy the kids’ xmas presents, and we just happened to find a HUGE clearance sale at Toys R Us. We got great presents for all the kids at 1/3 of what you would normally pay for them.

It is definitely an adjustment to get used to losing a full-time salary and re-learning to live on one salary. It seems like there are just so many things we need. Things come up all the timeand I have to adjust everything to accomodate. One of the things I am trying to orchestrate for us is to begin saving a “Crisis Fund” that we can use when we need parts for our automobiles, unanticipated bills, etc. I am doing a lot better with clipping coupons and coordinating my menus and shopping lists with sales I see coming up at the grocery stores.

I have a lot to do around this house, too, and honestly, it just seems overwhelming to me sometimes. Usually what works is for me not to think about the whole big picture for a while, and just jump in somewhere and get a few things done. Then, I usually get into a stride and accomplish a lot. That is my plan for today. To see how much I can get done.

Don’t worry, I won’t overdo it. I’m going to make sure I take breaks and don’t overexert myself.

Well, it’s early and normally I’d be sleeping right now, but I am definitely awake. I will get an early start and maybe the next time you hear from me, I won’t be so overwhelmed.

Take care, all.

Steamy Dreams!

First of all, Golfwidow cracked me up this morning with the Stray Cat Rules, so I am going to republish them, without her permission. I hope she will not mind. If she does, then I won’t give her her toe ring back.

Hysterically accurate!

STRICT, UNBENDING RULES FOR DEALING WITH STRAY CATS

1. Stray cats will not be fed.
2. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food.
3. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food moistened with a little milk.
4. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food moistened with warm milk, yummy treats, and leftover fish scraps.
5. Stray cats will not be encouraged to make this house their permanent residence.
6. Stray cats will not be petted, played with, or picked up and cuddled unnecessarily.
7. Stray cats that are petted, played with, picked up and cuddled will absolutely not be given a name.
8. Stray cats with or without a name will not be allowed inside the house at any time.
9. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house except at certain times.
10. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house except on days ending in “y”.
11. Stray cats allowed inside will not be permitted to jump up on or sharpen their claws on the furniture.
12. Stray cats will not be permitted to jump up on, or sharpen claws on, the really good furniture.
13. Stray cats will be permitted on all furniture but must sharpen claws on new $114.99 sisal-rope cat-scratching post with three perches.
14. Stray cats will answer the call of nature outdoors in the sand.
15. Stray cats will answer the call of nature in the three-piece, high-impact plastic tray filled with Fresh’n’Sweet kitty litter.
16. Stray cats will answer the call of nature in the hooded litter pan with a three-panel privacy screen and plenty of head room.
17. Stray cats will sleep outside.
18. Stray cats will sleep in the garage.
19. Stray cats will sleep in the house.
20. Stray cats will sleep in a cardboard box lined with an old blanket.
21. Stray cats will sleep in the special Kitty-Komfort-Bed with non-allergenic lambs wool pillow.
22. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed.
23. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed, except at the foot.
24. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed under the covers.
25. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed under the covers except at the foot.
26. Stray cats will not play on the desk.
27. Stray cats will not play on the desk near the computer.
28. Stray cats are forbidden to walk on the computer keyboard on the desk when the human is asdfjjhhkl;ljfd.;oier’ puyykmm4hbdm9lo9j USING IT.

Funny, huh?

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Ok, now to my real entry.

I wanted to just take this moment to acknowledge that there may just BE something to this 30’s gig. I am enjoying it very much.

As many of you know, the female libido often experiences an upswing in her 30’s. I can vouch for this fact.

I have also been thinking that it is all relative. The woman’s libido rises. Then, because of that biological change, she begins to produce more pheromones, which in turn makes her more attractive to the opposite sex. Which I feel is part of the reason that my husband Hubby has been very attentive lately.

Then I started thinking, this is probably why older women are so appealing to younger men. It’s that pheromones thing.

An older friend of mine says it is God’s way of keeping balance in relationships. When the man is younger, his libido keeps the spark going in the physical relationship. When the man’s libido starts to tone down, the woman’s picks up and keeps the physical relationship moving. And a good physical relationship is important to any love relationship, in my opinion.

Some people may experience these things differently, but this is just my own experience.

One of the benefits of this upswing in my already sensual nature, is the dreams.

The dreams.

I had a *wonderful* dream last night. Would you like to hear about it? If you’re embarrassed easily, please do not read any further.

OK. Apparently, in the dream, Hubby and I own a ranch with horses or something. We have a big house too. I did notice that, and that it was all rustic decor (which isn’t really like me but beautiful in the dream nonetheless).

Anyway, for some reason, Hubby comes riding into the house on a horse. He is all dusty from being out on the open plain (ha), and wearing these leather pants, etc. When I walk over to him, he kind of looks like a cross between himself and Viggo Mortensen (YUM), and I am just standing there just staring at his hotness.

He says, “What is it?”

I said, “You look *GOOD*…”

He looks down at me and says “So do you.” And he reaches down, pulls me up onto the saddle, and then takes the horse UP THE STAIRS to our bedroom (OK…I know that’s weird). He jumps off the horse and gets me, and then the horse isn’t there anymore and that’s when we get into the hot and heavy stuff you probably don’t want to hear.

But it was majorly arousing.

I kept calling Hubby “Cowboy” all morning, and I think he’s confused as to why. LOL.

I think the reason I find Viggo Mortensen and my husband attractive is because they are all rugged and of course, the jawline is beautiful. I have a thing for jawlines. My husband has a great jawline and is kind of rugged around the face too. So during the dream sometimes it would be Hubby, sometimes it would be Viggo, or like a cross of the two.

NICE.

Yep, if this is how my 30’s are going to be, BRING IT ON!

Have a wonderful day, ya’ll!