May 24, 2022
Empaths have a tought time in this world. They are very different. It is difficult/impossible for those who are not empaths to understand them. Introverterted----empaths are easily overwhelmed by their internal and external environments: loud noises, large public venues, bright liights, high and low temperatures, unfamiliar odors, heat, humidity, cold, strangers, crowded spaces like elevators, brash extroverts, parties, weddings, formal dinners, densely populated noisy public events.
Empaths hide inside of themselves for protection and solace. They cry in private---tears run down their faces like tiny salty rivers. Empaths have very few individuals in whom they can confide.
Empaths intuit the family secrets. They remain mute on this subject, knowing that they will be dismissed as histrionic, overly0sensitive or psychologically disturbed.
Empaths are very gifted at "reading" individuals they meet, even strangers passing by. This is a great gift that they possess from their earliest days. They know if someone is greedy, secretive, craven, vile, enamored, scorned, fulminating, tawdry, crooked, scheming, cheating, unsavory, enlightened.
Don't expect others, even individuals you know uite well to understand your high sensitivities, clear perceptions, your need for solitude and rest.
Self kindness activities for the empath include:
Move at your own pace; don't let anyone rush you. Many children are herded around and forced to move quickly by other family members. This is particularly stressful to empaths, whose nerves are frayed, stomach roiled when they are forced to hurry mindlessly. It is distressing and disorienting.
Develop daily routines that work well for you and that orient you into the parasympathetic nervous system and out of the fight or flight sympathetic mode.
The practice of diaphragmatic breathing offers you an entree into the parasympathetic state. Diaphragmatic breathing activates the vagus nerve, one of the longest nerves in our system. The awakening of the vagus nerve puts you into the parasympathetic--the calming, healing, restorative part of the nervous system.
Learn to appreciate your solitude, unedited writing, beautiful music, basic yoga poses like Happy Baby, movement and exercise that works for you.
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Click the link below to access the Mental Health News Radio Network, an excellent series of shows with podcasters on every facet of mental health. I am honored that my podcast is featured on this Network