
Ahhh, to be an actual, ‘just wired that way’ Empath — One who is naturally made to be more sensitive to the energy currents (subtle and not-so-subtle), including the thoughts and emotions wafting and swirling around us at any given moment.
To be a Sensing-Empath, or an Empathic-Sensitive as some might say, is to have a set of unique innate gifts or medicines for our times.
In this case, Empathic Sensitivity is an inherent or natural trait — the way we’re made — not a learned-behavior.
But the inherent capacity to actual sense and feel subtle and ‘unseen’ energies? That’s innate, not taught.
I’m not sure — in fact, I don’t actually think — that actual empathy can be taught, though certain awareness or ‘having a clue’ might be increased, and skillful communication and interpersonal behaviors taught (or mimicked).
That said, empathic sensitivity may not always feel like a gift when you’re getting barraged or drained by the energies around you, which is often in these days of neuromarketing, 24/7 adrenalin-stimulating ‘news’ and media programming, and the level of forgetfulness in the culture about the power of thought, words, and emotions.
So to be a natural sensing empath becomes a matter of awareness and skillful cultivation and self-care.
As well as gifts, there are hazards on the path, due to the ‘toxic normal’ conditioning of a Bully Culture that often casts sensitivity and empathy as an aberration (see “You’re Too Sensitive … Not!” below) while at the same time benefiting from the empath’s gifts (and energy).
If you’re a natural empathic, energy-sensitive sort, you know what I’m talking about.

To cultivate and bring the medicine of your empathic nature (and to be authentic), an Empath is wise to understand the toxic-normal conditioning, and what that looks like in everyday interactions.
That way, the Empath can reclaim her or his Empath mojo by learning to see the bully and energy vampire tactics in play and choose more consciously what you’ll participate with, and what you won’t, thank you very much.
You’ll also honor your Empath nature with the self-care and energy hygiene that helps you bring your Empath medicine to the world (and stay as well and sane as possible while you’re at it!).
After all, if we don’t honor, respect, and stand for our Empath nature, who will?

Each of the following posts and articles offers up its own inspiration (for Empaths, by an Empath).
Plus each is a portal through which you’ll find just the right insight to guide you on your beautiful Empathic-Sensitive Way.
This series and focus is ongoing, both in this Sophia’s Children blog and my one-on-one work with Empathic-Sensitive change-agent clients, so I’ll be posting more on this topic.
You’ll find the Resources for Empaths & Sensitives Series page here.
Enjoy the inspiration.
If you need the benefit of more personalized, intensive coaching and lantern-holding, consider scheduling one-on-one tele-coaching sessions with me.
For that or related questions, just send along a direct email to info ‘at’ ivysea ‘dot’ com to explore your options.
Big Love, Be Well, and Be You,
July 1, 2014 at 11:55 pm
Namaste! I so love being a Empathic and Highly Sensitive man. Healing is in my DNA.
July 2, 2014 at 1:18 am
Beautiful, Keith. May more and more empathic sensitives learn to love their gifts (and expressing those gifts according to their purpose/dharma!) as well. Namaste to you, too. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings, Jamie
October 22, 2015 at 4:25 pm
Reblogged this on Sophia's Children and commented:
‘Tis the season, with the ‘thin time’ of All Souls and Samhain days coming up at the end of the month and early November — and the general Transformation Times Zap Zone energies afoot.
Here’s an updated Resources for Empaths and Sensitives musing, along with the link to the various posts for Sensing-Empaths and other energy sensitives, and kindred spirits who are feelin’ it just about now.
Big Love and Thin Times Blessings,
Jamie
October 22, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Many thanks, Jamie, for this timeous post. This year, one of the best things for me was acquiring a lovely new office/workroom (with very comfy sofa) right beside a local park (and round the corner from a buddhist meditation centre) where I have created a retreat day for myself every Friday. And only two work days a week. That way, I keep my boundaries pretty well. Blessings, Anne
October 22, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Thanks for visiting, Anne, and how wonderful that you’ve got your new office situated so near a local park and meditation center. So you’ll all be contributing to the nourishing, healing energy ‘medicine’ of your area … like acupuncture needles. 🙂
Yes, indeed, cultivating and tending the energy — personally and in our spaces and places (and with clients with whom we work) — is alchemy, both art and science, and of course lots of learning, practice, and experimentation.
And did I say devotion and discipline? Very Virgo and Saturnine, that. 😉
Thanks for visiting and sharing, Anne.
Blessings and xoxommm,
Jamie
October 23, 2015 at 12:01 am
I was thinking of one of my daughters, who I knew was sensitive before she was born, as she startled from loud noise. It’s true that her empathy is a trait that has always been there.
October 23, 2015 at 4:04 pm
That’s a good observation, Joanne. There’s a spectrum and I’d guess different types of empathic sensitivity and the ability to sense a bit more acutely from what’s around us, but that sensitivity to environmental/atmospheric stimulus is one sign for sure — Susan Cain shares quite a bit about the research on this in her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Highly recommended! xoxo Autumn blessings to you, Jamie
October 23, 2015 at 4:25 pm
I bought a copy of Quiet, which is on my (much-too-long) reading list.
October 23, 2015 at 5:22 pm
🙂 Ahhh, yes … the reading list (and book pile) is ever growing, isn’t it? Thankfully. 🙂
October 23, 2015 at 5:33 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one!
October 23, 2015 at 5:54 pm
Definitely not. 🙂 And as long as that list gets, and the piles get, there are always new additions!