35. Are Empaths Real?

I have to admit… I’ve had a great time laughing at the TikToks making fun of empaths. An “empath” has historically been someone who is energetically sensitive, perhaps even psychic. Oftentimes, they “take on” others' pain as if it's their own. Depicted in pop culture, they are often hypersensitive or “aware” of others and their surroundings. The negative side effects may include being energetically drained, having difficulty being around others, and perhaps being very emotional. Even in some cases, “taking on” the emotional, mental, and spiritual burdens of others.

I admit that when this term first came into popularity several years ago, I was a bit skeptical. To me, it didn’t necessarily indicate someone who was hypersensitive, but someone who had issues processing external information. For example, someone who is energetically sensitive may certainly be sensitive, but they’re able to transmute this energy rather quickly. Even the biggest and baddest psychics and energetically sensitive people should theoretically be able to transmute any type of emotion (whether positive or negative), rather quickly, and not “hang on” to it.

My first indication is that empaths aren’t empaths; they’re just not properly trained in releasing emotions. Otherwise, they would simply be energetically sensitive. However, to be honest, the terminology, I’m sure, is a bit fluid and complicated. I do sense that those who are emotionally sensitive may take on these “empathic” traits. Some people are certainly overwhelmed by emotions more than others. But I find this to be more associated with past negative experiences and astrological birth charts. As an example, water signs may be more energetically sensitive than others, but theoretically should be able to process energetic information more quickly, as water is their element.

It is interesting to dive deeper into it because I certainly consider myself sensitive to energy, but not empathic. Heck, I would hardly call myself empathetic after all, my chart is primarily comprised of earth and fire. 

The term “empath” has come under fire as people often feel that some people use it as a way to put themselves ahead of or before others. Perhaps to inflate their ego and make themselves seem “better” as if they are more intuitive and have more of a sense of what’s going on. Granted, any time someone does this, it’s likely to be off-putting, but I feel that the concept of someone being naturally intuitive should be celebrated. Perhaps it’s just about the approach.

I do truly feel that you can be energetically sensitive but not be plagued with the term “empath”. To be honest, I am not quite sure I resonate with the term itself. Oftentimes, I describe people as “empathic”, but it’s primarily an enhanced ability to feel others’ pain, or their thoughts, feelings, or emotions. I would argue that I’m “empathic” because I have this ability.

Perhaps there’s no need for the term “empath” after all. And if there is, I suggest the PR person gives it a new makeover…