Growing up, my family always labeled me as the sensitive one. It wasn’t just about shedding tears easily, although I’ve done my fair share of that. I’ve always been deeply attuned to the emotions swirling around me—kind of like a sponge soaking up the vibes. This began when I was really young, and I can still vividly recall an incident from kindergarten.
One day, my friend Mia fell on the playground and scraped her knee. The sight of blood sent her into a panic, and she started crying. I remember feeling an intense rush of her fear and pain, and it left me feeling helpless. No amount of comforting seemed to ease her distress, and I panicked because I couldn’t take her pain away.
In that moment, I took her hand, lay down next to her, and began to cry alongside her. By the time the teachers arrived, they assumed we had both gotten hurt and took us to the nurse. Later, my mom learned about the “incident” and, with a knowing smile, treated my feelings as part of the situation. She knew, even if she didn’t have the terminology, that I was more than just a sensitive person; I was an empath.
Judith Orloff, MD, author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, describes empathy as existing on a spectrum. At one end, we have empaths—those of us who feel everything deeply. Then there are highly sensitive people, and on the opposite end, you’d find individuals with empath-deficient traits like narcissism. Simply put, empaths are the most sensitive souls around.
As a child, I didn’t quite grasp why I was so affected by Mia’s injury, but I get it now. Empaths can absorb both emotional and physical pain from others, which is why our experiences can feel all-consuming. And yes, let’s talk about energy—this may sound a bit out there, but many ancient Eastern practices have recognized the existence of subtle energies among us, often referred to as shakti or prana. You might simply call it good or bad “vibes.”
Recent studies have validated the concept of “contagious emotions,” confirming what many of us have always felt. We don’t just relate to others’ feelings; we absorb them, sometimes so intensely that it’s challenging to separate their discomfort from our own. Eastern healers would call this transfer of energy, while I’d label it superhuman empathy.
While embracing empathy can feel like a superpower, it also comes with its challenges. Living in a world that often seems broken can leave empaths feeling weighed down. Whether it’s distressing news or troubling images online, we often struggle to compartmentalize. We connect deeply with others, and because of this, we genuinely care for everyone, which can lead to being labeled as overly sensitive or dramatic.
But as writer Jamie Adams captures perfectly, “Empaths aren’t ‘too’ anything. What others perceive as ‘over-feeling’ is simply being in touch with emotions—both yours and theirs.” Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes at this notion; I totally get it. You might find yourself in the middle of that sensitivity spectrum, but perhaps you’re also the person who attracts deep conversations with strangers, or who senses what others are feeling without them saying a word.
If you can relate, welcome to the club. It’s tough navigating a world full of emotions, but know that you’re not alone in this journey. There are more of us out there who understand exactly what you’re feeling, sometimes all too literally.
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In summary, being an empath is both a profound gift and a challenging struggle. As we navigate the emotional landscape of our lives, it’s essential to recognize and honor our abilities while also seeking support and understanding.
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