For one thing, being overly sensitive in this insensitive world plays a big part. Our Empathic antenna is always on high alert as we navigate our way through life, picking up all sorts of pained emotions and stresses as well as dealing with our own stress.
As Empaths, our emotional senses are generally heightened, which can mean we just don’t handle any other excess stress. And it certainly doesn’t help that so much in this world seems to be designed to cause worry in one way or another. For example: the cost of living, excess traffic, career misery, and, for us Empaths, over feeling everything.
But one major issue, for an Empath, is the energy we project when feeling stressed. It can have a rebound effect, which, in the long run, can cause many more issues. We will look at how this works shortly. But first, why does an Empath so quickly get hooked by anything that triggers stress? Continue reading →
I would just like to start by apologising for not posting very much lately. I feel like I’ve been super-busy (with very little to show for it), and finding myself with little time to write a post.
Anyway, whilst going through my files recently, to make some space on my laptop, I came across an article that I had written a few years ago, but never got around to posting. As I read through, it made me smile, thinking about how much of it relates to the journey of life.
So, I decided I would share it with you all today, and see whether you too can relate to it.
Enjoy…
Did you ever watch the film, The Wizard of Oz?
Was it one of your favourite films as a child?
Or did you read the book, authored by L Frank Baum?
I loved the film. I remember viewing it at Christmastime every year. It was so magical and amazing to watch. I never got bored of it, even though I’d seen it so many times.
So, when I have been doing my meditations of late, The Wizard of Oz theme keeps coming in to my awareness, especially the Emerald City.
When I pondered the significance behind the visions, it came to me that the story itself very much embodies the journey of life.
In fact, there is so much symbolism in the story of Dorothy on her journey to find the Wizard, that I’m not sure if I ever realised it before (I often forget the findings I make, during meditations, unless I write them down). But now, I am fully understanding the hidden messages within the story of The Wizard of Oz (the version where Judy Garland plays Dorothy.), and why it has been popping into my meditations.
If you’ve never seen the film, I’ll explain a little more…
Dorothy gets stranded in a strange but magical place after being knocked unconscious during a tornado. She wakes up in a land that is bright and beautiful, filled with little people, called Munchkins, and witches, both good and bad. Upon waking, in this strange world, Dorothy is desperate to get back home to her family and friends in Kansas, where she feels safe and her life makes sense. She is told by a Good Witch, Glinda, that she must find the Wizard of Oz, for he is the only one who can help her get back home. So, Dorothy sets off on her journey, on a yellow brick road, looking for the Wizard. Along her path she meets a scarecrow, who thinks he doesn’t have a brain, a tinman, who thinks he doesn’t have a heart, and a lion, who doesn’t believe he has any courage. Together they head off to find the One who will give them all what they need.
When they finally get to the Wizard of Oz, they discover that he is a fraud. He has pretended to be an all-powerful being to gain respect from others and to be in charge. However, Glinda then reappeared, and explained to Dorothy that she had to go on the journey to the Emerald City, and face the dangers along the way, because she had to discover for herself that she had the power within to get herself home. If she had been taken directly to the city, or if she had discovered her own power straight away, she wouldn’t have made the friends she had, or had the experiences she’d endured.
How the Film Compares to Life
We are all on our own ‘yellow brick roads.’ AKA the journey of life.
It’s a journey where we have to confront many fears and find our courage (Lion), a journey where we have to wake up to the control and programming of governments and authority, and the mainstream media (Wizard of Oz), and free our brains by thinking for ourselves (Scarecrow), a journey where we work to have more compassion and empathy for others, and move out of the lower three chakras into our heart centre (Tinman), it is also a journey where we find our ‘inner-home’, and come back to ourselves, through overcoming our own challenges (Dorothy).
In the film there is a good witch and a bad witch. The bad witch seems to be the more prominent character, who is constantly appearing. She desperately wants the ruby slippers off Dorothy’s feet, because they are magic and hold much power.
And doesn’t that also compare to life?
We have all had the experience of a ‘dark witch’ wanting to take our power (joy), and use it for themselves. And when I mention the dark witch, I’m referring to the narcissists of the world.
We may be travelling down a beautiful road one minute, then the next, a dark witch (narcissist) and her flying monkeys (followers) come to test us, throw us off our path, push our buttons, and steal our shine.
These encounters are often painful, yet, in the thick of things, they generally serve a purpose that not only teach us valuable lessons, but ultimately raise our vibration and awareness. It’s in facing these trials, and learning from them, that we eventually come to find ourselves in a better space.
Just like Dorothy, we’ve got to keep going if we want to get to the place we want to be. A place that feels like home, where we are safe and at one with ourselves.
We make these realisations whilst travelling the turbulent path of life (yellow brick road). And, again, just like Dorothy, we can make the discovery that we had the power all along, we just need to uncover how to use it.
So, yes, in my opinion, the story of The Wizard of Oz is symbolic of life now as we are living it. We may not always realise the significance of something as it is happening to us, or how it is shaping our choices and the direction we are taking, but generally all will be revealed.
Ok, there you go.
Hopefully, this quick read will have given you some food for thought, and maybe let you see the much-loved story in a different light.
I trust everything is keeping fabulous in your world.
First of all, I would just like to say a very happy new year to all you lovely Empaths out there. Let’s hope 2024 brings peace, happiness and health to all.
I write this post whilst sitting out on a veranda in Marbella, Spain, overlooking a rather spectacular golf course. My husband is out on the course playing golf, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to write a post, and share some thoughts with you, as I’ve not had much time to write of late.
As I tap away at my keyboard, the sun is shining down through a cloud-speckled blue sky, and within my eyeline palm trees are swaying gently on a light breeze. Perfect!
It is just so lovely being outdoors. The past few months in the UK have been pretty much non-stop rain. I’m not sure what kind of weather you’re experiencing, in your part of the world, but being able to get outdoors without an umbrella and a rain coat is so uplifting, and now almost feels like a novelty.
Anyway, I digress from the topic I wanted to discuss with you all today, and that is the subject of whether we should have the right to control freedom of speech to protect our feelings. Because, in a world that appears to be on the cusp of collapse, having freedom of speech just seems so important, especially when so many people are swallowing down their truth for fear of being cancelled, attacked, ridiculed or rejected.
I recently watched an interview with the comedy actor, John Cleese. He was discussing the importance of creativity in our lives, and how modern society and the education system seems to be stamping it out.
A point he also made, that I found to be very valid and interesting, was how people are no longer taking control of their emotions and are instead trying to control the words and behaviours of others.
When we attack someone’s opinions, and try to control what they say or think, we are restricting them from being their true selves. We are also taking away human liberties, which allows for us all to have different outlooks on life, whether those outlooks be right or wrong in the eyes of others.
I am not talking about trying to curb harsh demeaning comments that are said or written purely to hurt others, nor am I advocating for unnecessary cruelty or bullying. But everyone should have a right to an opinion, and be able to vocalise that opinion, regardless of whether it offends or whether others don’t believe in those same ideals.
We are all different, even as Empaths, in our beliefs and ideals, but what I am seeing now is how individuality is being stamped out. And, I don’t know about you, but I find that quite scary.
As a Sensitive person, I am more than aware how we can take offence in someone’s words or actions, or how we can have our feelings hurt by other people’s insensitivity. I also know how dark or pained emotions feel inside, especially those times when we don’t feel good enough.
As I look back on my own life, I can now see how the emotional reactions I endured have served a purpose in my own development. Through the steps I have taken, in the quest to feel more emotionally balanced, I have naturally evolved. As I know many of you have too.
Instead of expecting others to change for us, it is part of our responsibility to find out what is really causing any hyper-sensitivities and then work to find balance. That is not to say we have to do it alone or without help, but nevertheless, we’re the ones who have to do the work.
And sometimes, we simply have to accept that we are highly sensitive people, who might always be on the defensive or offensive.
Take Back Control
I am constantly advocating ways for Empaths to take back control of their emotions. This blog is full of posts written to help Sensitive people find balance or get back in control of what they feel, especially within this world that is constantly manipulating emotions, so that they can enjoy the life they were meant to lead, free from unnecessary pain.
However, when we expect others to change their ways for us, instead of looking at ways to take control of our reactions, we are effectively giving our power away. We are allowing others to be in control of us.
The irony is, all the answers we need to find happiness and contentment lie within. We just need to find the right keys to unlock the doors to our hidden potential.
These keys can be as simple as stilling the mind, enough to hear our quiet guiding voice, through meditative practices, or by changing the diet, or balancing our hormones, or simply getting out of a toxic relationship. And sometimes, it is just discovering what is making us unhappy or even depressed.
Whilst I’m on the subject of depression, something that is currently massively overlooked, in these times of shutting people down to protect people’s feelings, is depression has been skyrocketing. This in itself shows the approach of controlling the behaviour and words of others does not work in making people happy.
As I have discussed many times before, the types of emotions that are currently being ignited, do untold damage to both the body and mind. The energy of which keeps the bearer continuously in their heads, which effectively prevents any true connection back to the heart.
Staying within the heart, so to speak, is the best way for us to remain connected to our own intuition, which in essence keeps us on the right track.
Also, a question that is not being asked is why is everyone so incredibly sensitive, emotionally, to everything? And I am not just talking about the HSPs and Empaths. I am talking about a large percentage of the population. What is causing this pain?
This is me talking as an Empath, someone who overly feels everything and always has. And I would not wish emotional pain on anyone. But nor would I want to take anyone else’s freedom away to protect my feelings. Because, another very big lesson I have learnt on this journey is that not only do we have the responsibility to get in charge of our emotions, but also how we interpret the intentions of others.
All I am currently seeing around the media are reasons to be fearful or angry. And the thing is, people are reading and believing headlines, designed to distract, divide and offend, instead of stopping to question the narrative behind them.
Offence Cannot Be Given
There is a saying that offence cannot be given, only taken. Which suggests that we have the power to choose whether we should be offended or not. And that also means we have a choice whether we allow ourselves to get riled or insulted over goading headlines.
As a society, instead of giving people more reasons to be angry or fearful, we need to be helping people find the root cause of their sensitivities and emotional pain. And help each other heal, instead of trying to silence people. Because being trapped inside a world where there is no freedom of opinion or speech is a seriously frightening place to be. Think George Orwell’s 1984
We need to be looking more at reasons why so many people are suffering and cannot cope with life. The old adage that we are now living longer, so people didn’t live long enough to experience what they are now suffering, doesn’t work anymore. Because this is not an old person thing. Many young people are not coping with life.
Life in the Past
We only need to go back 80 years to our grandparent’s era, and see that the masses were not experiencing what we currently are.
Something they didn’t experience, back in the day, was EMF, chemicals in their diets or genetically altered foods, they also didn’t have hormone disruptors like plastics, and they weren’t constantly stuck indoors looking at computer screens whilst being bombarded with blue light. In fact, there’s probably a long list of toxic things they didn’t endure that we do.
Granted, their sanitary conditions weren’t what they are today, and they were also exposed to toxins in their environment that we no longer are. The place where I live used to be a big mining area. Mining was the main source of income for many households. In fact, most of my ancestors on my father’s side were miners, so they would have been exposed to all kinds of noxious dust and harsh working conditions. And every day, when they went to work, there was always a risk to life if, for example, a mineshaft collapsed.
Obviously, there were other toxic work places, like factories that had no health and safety measures. There was also food and money shortages (aka The Great Depression) that made life difficult. But people just seemed to get on with it, and made the most out of life. At least that’s what I can tell from the many stories I have been told or read.
Although we may have come a long way in some respects, we have also regressed in others. And people, especially the young, are suffering the consequence.
The Cause
So, getting back to what is the cause of all this deep unhappiness and depression. In my opinion, a big cause is the fact our hormones have been hacked. And not in a good way. Which is having the effect of making people unable to control how they feel, both emotionally and physically.
Ask any woman who has experienced a monthly period or gone through menopause, how their moods and happiness can be impacted by shifting hormones. We will tell you that our hormones can make us depressed, angry, upset, give us headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and more. And yes, we can be overly emotional, or sensitive to the words and intentions of others.
But I don’t think it was ever suggested that people should be stopped from speaking their opinions, just to stop us having our feelings hurt.
It reminds me of when we are not feeling good enough, and we look to the outside world, wishing for it to change. We may think, for example, if that person were nicer to me, I would feel happier. And then we may get what we wished for, but yet feel no better. It doesn’t complete us or make us happy. We then look for something or someone else to change how we feel, and then when that doesn’t work, something else. Generally, when we look outside of ourself for answers it doesn’t make us happier. That is an inside job.
Emotions are Transient
To quote Matt Haig, ‘You are not your feelings, you just experience them. Like walking in the rain. But the rain will pass.’
And to add to that quote, if we want to get away from the rain we go back inside. If we stand outside and wait for someone else to bring an umbrella to shelter us, we will just get wet.
Yes, emotions come and emotions go. Sometimes they can be so all-encompassing that they are almost suffocating. But unless we take steps to get back in control, we will be forever at the mercy of our emotions.
Sometimes in life, we all need the reminder that waiting for someone else to make changes to their lives in order to change ours doesn’t work. Even in a relationship, there’s got to be both parties working to make it succeed.
So, in culmination, although I do not accept that we should expect people to change their beliefs or opinions in order to protect our feelings, I do believe we should all be working together to help those who are suffering, and try to find the root cause.
And perhaps we will all benefit from showing more empathy and understanding, in how we express our ideals and beliefs, so that we don’t cause unnecessary harm to others.
Ok, that’s my musings for today.
I hope everything is keeping perfect in your world.
Have you ever been in a certain person’s presence, and found yourself feeling really weird, or even negative, yet having no reason for it? As in, the other person has done nothing to offend or upset you?
Or have you ever found you’ve not been able to talk to a certain person and not really known why? You might find yourself stumbling over your words, or sentences don’t form in your mouth. And again, there’s no real reason. The other person seems perfectly lovely.
This could be all part of The Empath Shutdown.
Here are some more symptoms of how an Empath can act, around certain people, when in Shutdown:
If you are an Empath, you will already know that people can impact you in weird and wonderful ways.
Some people can lift you up, some people will drag you down, and some people do none of the above.
Generally speaking, it doesn’t take long to make the determination of how you will be impacted by the people who come into your life. And what I mean by this is, after only a short period of time, spent in a certain person’s presence, you will get to feel their energy and the effect it has on your body and mind.
An Empath quickly comes to understand that if someone’s energy continuously invokes a negative physical or emotional reaction, when in their presence, that it might be best to avoid them.
That said, it’s not always people’s energy which is the problem, instead it is the traits they carry.
So, bearing that in mind, there are some types of people that an Empath is best avoiding. Continue reading →
If you read my last article, you may have noticed I mentioned that many Empaths tend to be prone to suffering adrenal fatigue, caused by amygdala activation.
The term adrenal fatigue has been used to explain:a group of symptoms that are said to occur in people who are under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress.
In case you’re wondering, the adrenals are small organs located above the kidneys that produce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
The theory is when someone suffers long-term stresses, the body prioritises the production of stress hormones, which then stops or hinders the production of other important hormones (such as progesterone) that are produced by the adrenals.
This then has a knock-on effect throughout the body and the hormones produced.
So, what are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue? Let’s take a look: Continue reading →
Have you ever wondered whether empathy is built-In? Does it come part and parcel of being an Empath? Or is it something that comes with the journey of life?
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. He was explaining to me how he was teaching his daughter the impact of her actions, and how teasing or making fun of other children was not a kind thing to do. Which then led to the discussion as to whether telling your child is enough? Or do they have to experience unkindness from others for them to understand the impact of cruelty.
It got me thinking… If I hadn’t been on the receiving end of cruel words, as a child, would I have the same empathy and understanding as I do now? In that I always try to consider the effect of my words, and will avoid saying something that may hurt or offend another. Or, did my empathy come part and parcel of being an Empath?
Let’s face it, there aren’t many children who sail through life without getting bullied or teased for one thing or another.
I’m sure you all have memories of being picked on by someone, whether that be an older sibling, parent, teacher or other. I don’t think anyone really escapes. And whether sensitive or not, the effects of being on the receiving end of cruel words in childhood can be carried for a lifetime. Continue reading →
One thing we all know, as Empaths, is that we feel other people’s emotions.
Which isn’t always a bad thing, when they aren’t affecting us in a negative way.
However, the problem arises when we start absorbing the emotions, belonging to others, and taking them on as our own.
Regularly absorbing other peoples’ emotions can affect our health and happiness in so many different ways. Often leading to issues such as emotional toxicity.
When we absorb other people’s emotions it can affect not only the way we feel, but also the way we think. It impacts our adrenals, which are the stress glands. This then has a knock-on effect on the other endocrine glands, which are the glands that produce our hormones. This in turn can lead to hormone imbalances.
Everything in the body is connected, and so are our endocrine glands. When one hormone goes out of balance, it can affect another gland and the hormones it produces. So, what starts off as absorbing another’s emotions, and thus taking on their stress, can eventually lead to thyroid issues, chronic fatigue, food intolerances, and so much more.
I often describe the aftereffect of Empaths absorbing negative emotions as like having an allergy or food intolerance. Just like an allergen might give you a physical reaction, when you come into contact with it, you can get a physical reaction from the emotions you absorb. Continue reading →
As you probably know, things are massively changing in the world. And, as Empaths, we are picking up on all the fear and uncertainty that is all around us, which is affecting many of us in some very random ways.
It is in these times that we have to remain vigilant of keeping ourselves in a good place, both mentally and physically.
But it doesn’t help that it is so much harder to find articles on the internet these days in regards to natural health and wellbeing. It seems like the majority of ‘alternative’ self-help articles are hidden from view or it takes a lot of scrolling through search engines to find what we need.
For this reason, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the most popular posts, from my blog, that have been shared on social media and the like over the last 12 months.
You may have already read some of the following articles, depending on how long you’ve been following this blog, some of them go back to 2011, but it’s always nice to have a refresher. Continue reading →
As you know, here on my blog, I like to write articles about how to make life easier for an Empath, and how to combat the emotions they often have to deal with.
One of those ways is by sipping a lovely cup of healing char.
Teas that calm your soul and soothe your emotions have so many benefits for an Empath.
Because, let’s face it, one problem that comes with Empath life is having heightened or erratic emotions. (Especially after what we’ve all been through these past two years.)
Heightened emotions can lead to all sorts of health issues, especially of the adrenal glands (endocrine glands that produce the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol).
When the adrenals get overactivated, by too much stress, it can cause a whole host of mental and physical problems, as well as autoimmune conditions…
Increased cortisol can also lead to weight gain (hello pot belly), without you having to overeat. Which is made all the worse worse if you drink coffee with caffeine.
So, anything we can do to help soothe our emotions, naturally, is a big bonus for all-round wellbeing (and for our waistline). And this is where herbal teas come in…
Nature gave us many of the things we need to heal, or find calm in life, in the way of herbs and spices. Too often, when on the hunt for a ‘quick-fix’, we overlook these powerful healers.
It is an interesting question, isn’t it? If It’s Not True for Me Does That Mean It’s Not True for You?
If I experience something as an Empath, but you don’t, does that mean that you’re not an Empath?
If you have strong intuition, but I don’t, does that mean I’m a weak Empath?
If I can see your aura, but you can’t see mine, does that make me a more powerful Empath?
If you know the meaning of the emotions you feel in another, but another Empath doesn’t, does that mean they are unskilled or inauthentic?
Or what if I get incredibly fatigued when around a certain person, but another Empath doesn’t, does that mean I’m just bored of paying attention to that person, and the other Empath has got a greater attention span? Or is it they’re vibrational frequency or negativity is ‘sucking out my sunshine?’
I have said it before and I will say it again, as Empaths we are all diverse. Just like everyone else, we have different personalities, we have had different upbringings, we have different DNA, we have differing physical ailments, we have different beliefs and different abilities.
What works for one Empath won’t necessarily work for another.
Some Empaths are introvert. Some Empaths are extrovert. Some Empaths will be highly vocal in their beliefs, others will keep their opinions to themselves (often from learning that when someone is not ready for the information, they cannot hear).
However, we are so pushed into herd thinking, that it becomes difficult for us to accept that, even as Empaths, someone can have different abilities, outlooks or issues to deal with.
I have even seen written, within the Empath community, that an Empath having to ground or protect, from the emotional energy of others, is a ridiculous idea. The writer stated we simply need to learn to navigate the various energetic frequencies instead of ‘protecting’ from them.
Which could be classed as a very valid concept. Learning to navigate the energetic frequencies that surround people and our environment is an excellent idea. But it really isn’t that cut and dry.
Just because one Empath doesn’t need to take measures of protection/grounding, before spending time in public, or within certain energetic frequencies, does not mean that another won’t need to. Their energy sensitivity may be higher.
Humans Are All Different
There are some who need to take extra vitamin C and zinc, in the winter months, to protect from winter viruses. Others take no supplements and are fine. Some people need to use extra high factors of sun cream, to protect from sunburn, others don’t. One person may need to use earplugs to protect from sound frequencies, or music, another might not. And yes, some Empaths need to take protective measures, before going in public places, and some don’t. It really is that simple!
I have said before on this blog that the more I learn about life, the less I know. But something I do know, is that the human experience is supposed to be unique for each of us, as is the Empath experience.
It is just society that tries to convince us that we should all be the same box-tickers, living like robots, with no acceptance for anyone who has opposite beliefs or indeed ‘unusual abilities.’
Lack of Acceptance
Now, although this post may sound like I’m having a good old rant, I really wanted to point out the importance of acceptance, and how it can really change our outlook on life.
We see it all around us. People expect others to accept them, for their beliefs, feelings or ways of living, but they refuse to accept anyone who chooses not to adopt their views…
It is human nature to want to be accepted, but if someone is not willing to understand or accept that others experience life from a different perspective than themselves, how can it happen?
Acceptance is Bad for Business
Why do you think we are encouraged to attack each other constantly, instead of accepting each other?
We cannot stop hate with hate, we cannot stop racism with racism, we cannot stop discrimination with discrimination, and we cannot stop unacceptance with unacceptance. But that is so often the narrative pushed.
One thing is for sure, if the world can simply learn to accept others, and all their differences, then there would be no reason to fight. But I doubt that would ever be encouraged by the ‘mainstream’, because, let’s face it, acceptance of self and each other is bad for business.
Make The Changes You Can, Accept What You Can’t
When I advocate for acceptance of others, I am not saying we get to live happily ever after with someone we have no right to be with, or that we should put up with bad behaviour. But if we accept the fact that we are all supposed to be unique, it goes a long way towards a happier life.
I am also not trying to encourage anyone not to make changes in life or just to accept their lot. More that we should ‘change what we can change, and accept what we can’t’.
When we truly accept that we are all meant to be different, in our appearance, health, thoughts, beliefs and abilities, it is incredibly liberating.
Even by accepting that some people can be completely disagreeable and we will never get along with them, it frees up so much of our time wasted in frustration by them or their ways.
If It’s Not True for Me does That Mean It’s Not True for You?
So, going back to the title of this post: As Empaths, if It’s Not True for Me Does That Mean It’s Not True for You?
We can say that my life and your life or my truth and your truth may be poles apart, but if we can come to accept that, then the world will be a much brighter place to live.
In many of my posts, I write about techniques that Empaths can used to protect themselves from the rigours of Empath life (here, here,here and here).
What I probably haven’t mentioned, in many of these posts, is that several of these protection techniques also act as powerful forms of distraction that work in so many empowering ways.
Distracting the mind from pain, whether physical, spiritual or mental, is an incredible tool which we often forget about using to our advantage…
Examples
There are many occasions when we use techniques to distract the mind without necessarily realising. When experiencing hunger pain, for example, if all you think about is food, you’ll remain hungry. If you engage your mind, with work or some tasks, your hunger quickly vanishes.
Another example can be seen in yoga: Whilst moving through the poses we might focus on ujjayi breath and holding bandhas (physical and energetic locks). By doing this, not only does it help direct prana, but the mind is focused and taken off the physical challenge of the pose. This also has the effect of taking the attention away from the stresses of everyday life. Which in turn contributes to a calm yet uplifted mindset after practise.
There are many other examples I could discuss, but, instead, let’s get straight to the easy distraction techniques you can use in your everyday life to stay empowered and on top:
1. Stay in Your Passions:
Doing what you love is so empowering during these challenging times. Not only does engaging in your passions work as a powerful distraction, but doing things that lighten your soul, and bring a sense of peace and joy to your life, will lift you up like nothing else.
If you don’t feel like you have anything to fit that bill, it is the perfect time to start experimenting with hobbies and pastimes, or just get creative.
In a world of rules, routine and restrictions, people seldom get time to be creative. But spending time creatively is one of the easiest ways to revel in the feel-good-factor. When you feel good you also feel grounded and centred. When creating from your passions, or interests, it has an uplifting effect and keeps the mind away from dark thoughts and feelings. A must for all Empaths.
2. Listen to Uplifting Music and Sing!:
Listening to the songs that move you in all the right ways can instil such a sense of joy and euphoria. If you know the words, sing along. It is incredible how much you can be uplifted by the music you love. It envelops your body and mind in the most powerful vibrations and distracts the attention in all the right ways. Singing along can itself be meditative. (Researcher, Gunter Kreutz, also discovered singing increases cortisol and other chemicals involved in healing.)
Music can go both ways. My advice would be to avoid music that encourages melancholy or brings back difficult memories, even if you enjoy the song.
This may sound strange. How can pen and paper help distract the mind? Well, when you write things down, for example with what you want to do going forward in life, you connect with your right brain which helps keep you in creative mode. There is something about handwriting, as opposed to tapping words out on a computer, that helps activate our creative mind. When the creative mind is activated, as opposed to the logical left mind, you also receive more revelations in regards to what is currently happening in your life, or in our world, and can help you see the ‘bigger picture’.
In regards of to what to write about, either let your heart-mind guide you to what is right for you, or make notes on how you would like your future to be.
4. Get Near Trees:
This might sound like the hippiest statement ever, but spend as much time around trees as you can. Gaze upon them. Even go as far as hugging a tree. This not only has the effect of distracting the mind from the darkness in the world, but it takes you into a place of calm and healing. Let’s face it, we wouldn’t be alive if we didn’t have trees and greenery. There is so much wisdom and healing energy around trees (this post explains more), and that is exactly what many of us need right now to clear, rebalance and reset from the demands of Empath life.
5. Stop Doing Things That Bore You:
This isn’t so much a form of distraction. More a form of empowerment. Feeling bored or unengaged by things that you used to enjoy, or were once an interest, is going to bring you down fast. If you are finding hobbies, lifestyles, or even people, you used to love, have stopped being pleasurable, maybe it’s time you stopped engaging in them, or at least have a break and see if you miss them. Perhaps try a new hobby instead.
6. Exercise:
Engaging in physical activity is a brilliant way to distract the mind from overwhelm or uncomfortable feelings. It’s also a fantastic way to keep the body and mind healthy. Depending on how you feel should depend on what is the best form of exercise to create balance within the body and mind.
If you are feeling lethargic and tired, some type of HIIT training (High intensity interval exercise) is super beneficial. It is also the best exercise for releasing human growth hormone. HGH is a hormone that naturally elevates our moods, raises physical energy and keeps the mind in a more positive space. I have attached a link here to a 20-minute HIIT video on YouTube that can be done by most fitness levels (it is even beneficial to do if you suffer chronic fatigue). Just be sure to start slow, at your own level and don’t force your body into anything it’s not ready for.
If you are the opposite of being lethargic, and feel wired or hyper, then breath-and-bandha-focused yoga will help bring you back to a state of equilibrium, whilst also working as a distraction for the mind.
The reason I recommend breath-and-bandha-focused yoga is because, speaking from experience, it can be easy for the mind to wander and remain unfocused in yoga practice. When practising using the breath and bandhas simultaneously, however, it takes your yoga practice to another level. Here’s a couple of links to videos, of how to engage yogic breath and bandhas, on YouTube:
Walking, whilst engaging your focus on your scenery/surroundings, is also fantastic for both high and low energy levels. Out near trees, even better!
The Biggest Obstacles
One of the biggest hurdles we face, when empowering the body and mind, is that when we are stressed or feel out of sorts, by the happenings in the world or indeed just Empath life, we often don’t feel like doing anything. We get so wrapped up in what we feel that we don’t think about anything else. But, when in a state of unease, this is the perfect time to use the power of distraction to engage the mind.
If you want to use clever distractions to your advantage, my advice would be to engage in them the moment you feel your mind wandering into ‘darker territory’ or, even better, find something you can do daily that keeps you in a state of empowerment…
Going through life over-feeling emotions and the emotional energy of others can create the perception of being unsafe, especially when out in public or around certain people. Feeling unsafe can put the body into fight-or-flight mode, which is a response of the sympathetic nervous system.
When the body is in fight-or-flight it is in a constant state of stress, which is heavily damaging to the body and mind, and can trigger anxiety and panic attacks.
Having knowledge of what we can do if we start to suffer with anxiety or panic attacks, even when they have been triggered by other people’s energy, can ensure we don’t needlessly suffer.
The following are some simple steps that can help keep you to ‘feel safe’, which in turn will help with or prevent anxiety and panic attacks…
1. Keep away from people who make you feel unsafe:
If you don’t feel safe, or have trust issues with certain friends or family members, or if you don’t feel they have your best interest at heart, it can cause emotional trauma. It is wise to avoid those who create safety issues for you.
2. Check your diet:
Are you eating chemical-laden foods, or foods that are known to trigger autoimmune conditions? Anxiety can sometimes be a warning from your body, telling you to pay attention. If you suspect your diet is activating anxiety or panic attacks, keeping a food diary can help you pinpoint the triggers. Read more on this post.
3. Supplement wisely:
Even with the healthiest of diets it is difficult to know we are getting, or absorbing, a full range of nutrients. We often eat anti-nutrient foods without realising (foods that block or hinder nutrient absorption), which means the good stuff we do take in doesn’t get chance to do its job. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can be a big trigger for anxiety. A basic supplementation regime can help in regards to anxiety and panic attacks. This post gives more info.
4. Take Valerian Root:
Valerian root is a natural herb used for treating anxiety and insomnia. Similar to melatonin, valerian root puts you in relaxed sleepy state. Valerian contains a neurotransmitter called GABA, that is known to have a powerfully calming effect on the mind.
5. Do therapeutic exercise:
Yoga and walking are probably two of the most therapeutic forms of exercise. There is a type of yoga to suit everyone, but it has to be practised regularly to see results. Walking is easy and super beneficial for the body and mind. Also, high intensity exercise, which helps release human growth hormone, can be beneficial for stopping anxiety.
6. Use crystals:
There are many different types of crystals that can help with anxiety. Rose Quartz in particular is a lovely stone to help with panic attacks. It is a love stone that helps calm the emotions. When choosing crystals for anxiety it is best to see them in person (instead of ordering online). If gazing on a certain stone makes you feel calm inside it is generally a good choice.
7. Salt therapy:
Taking salt baths, especially Epsom Salts, can be incredibly calming and soothing for the body and mind. Even better, if you live near an ocean taking a daily dip can work wonders for soothing anxiety. This post gives more details.
8. Check your water levels:
If you are dehydrated, even just a little, it can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. This post gives more information.
9. Reduce wireless air time:
More research is coming to light showing how WIFI is a major cause of anxiety and panic attacks, especially when spending a lot of time wirelessly downloading on the internet (YouTube, etc.). Give yourself a few days away from WIFI and see what effect it has. Switch your phone to aeroplane mode when not in use and limit your time on the internet. This post explains more.
10. Keep your bedroom as a calm zone:
Quality sleep is important for preventing anxiety and panic attacks. Don’t keep electrical gadgets, especially WIFI gadgets, in the bedroom. Keep your bedroom well aired and clean. Use black out curtains to ensure a solid night’s sleep.
11. Use essential oils:
Essential oils are perfect for instilling calm. Lavender being one of the best allrounders, but other good ones are Basil, Chamomile or Geranium. You can normally feel the calming effects of these essential oils within ten minutes of application. Simply massage a few drops, mixed with a teaspoon of oil, into the soles of your feet. Or use them in your bath, add them to your body oils or put a few drops on your pillow before sleep time. Check this post out for more essential oils and their benefits.
12. Avoid caffeine:
Caffeine is one of the worst things for triggering panic attacks and anxiety. It is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and colas. Avoidance will go a long way to keeping anxiety and panic attacks at bay.
13. Avoid stimulants:
Alcohol and recreational drugs can be another big trigger of anxiety. Many people assume alcohol is a relaxant, but it is when the effects wear off that the problems start.
14. Avoid chemicals:
If you are Sensitive, it often means you will be sensitive to chemicals in products and scents, which can trigger many unusual physical reactions and stress within the body. Keep your products as natural as possible, including laundry detergent, household cleaning products and personal hygiene products.
15. Listen to soothing sounds:
There are some incredibly soothing sounds that can help reduce anxiety. Ocean sounds, angelic harmonies, thunderstorms, gentle chimes, etc. are incredibly calming to the body and mind. Try to avoid live music downloads (such as on YouTube) as the WIFI can trigger more anxiety. Perhaps buy a CD and listen through headphones.
16. Don’t eat late at night:
Eating late at night can be the trigger for sleep anxiety and panic attacks. Try to have your last meal at least three hours before bedtime to ensure it is digested. If you do need to eat close to bedtime, try to make sure it is low sugar/carb food.
17. Get out in Nature:
This is a perfect remedy for anxiety and panic disorder. Even listening to the birds singing is beneficial. Read more here on the benefits of nature for an Empath.
18. Massage and reflexology:
Massaging body treatments work wonders for helping with anxiety, especially reflexology, which works on the reflex points on your feet. Schedule in time for yourself and book in a weekly treatment to help soothe your body and mind.
19. Use meditation and breathing exercises:
Breathing and meditation practices help cultivate more positive thoughts, help balance the stress hormones and instil calm. However, some people find meditation too stressful to perform when experiencing panic attacks or anxiety. The stillness can become unnerving. In these cases, moving meditations, such as yoga with the breath, or deep breathing is massively beneficial.
The Whisky Breath is a quick breathing exercise which can offer instant relief. Simply inhale for a count of four and then exhale for a count of eight. Continue for as long as you need. This exercise switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to prevent or stop panic attacks. The three-minute meditation performed daily, after doing the Whisky Breath breathing, will help keep the mind positive and anxiety at bay.
There’s more information on breathing exercises and yoga here and here.
20. Talk to a specialist:
If you know you have supressed past trauma such as a bereavement, emotional or physical abuse, or unresolved issues, it might help to talk to a trained therapist. Supressed trauma is often reignited in times of stress, which often triggers panic attacks.
21. Have your hormones checked:
This is a big one, especially for women. If you are going through any kind of hormonal transition, such as perimenopause or menopause, it can be a big trigger for anxiety, fearful emotions and panic attacks. Perimenopause often starts from the late thirties onwards and can create many unusual and uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms. (I will be writing more about this in the future).
So, there you go. Hopefully, you will have found something on the list that will help if you have been feeling unsafe, suffering with fear, anxiety or panic attacks.
Have you ever been with a group of people, where everyone is talking about a subject that you don’t necessarily agree with but go along with their narrative, just to keep the peace?
If you answered yes, you are certainly not the only one. It is human nature to want to stay in harmony with our inner circle, family and friends, even if that means going against our beliefs.
The 10th Man Rule, which we will look at closer shortly, is a way of challenging our innate character of wanting to ‘keep the peace’ and, instead of sitting with what is easy or comfortable, it challenges us to look at things from another perspective.
So how can this help?
The fact that humans are pack animals, tending to travel through life in herds, following in the footsteps of the one in front, even when the herd are going in the opposite direction to the desired route, is a reason to apply the rule…
Following the pack may seem the safest option, it is after all when we step away from the herd that we become vulnerable to attack. Yet, if we simply follow along with the rest, in regards to rules, regulations and ideas, without question, are we living in alignment with our truth? And where will it lead us?
Question Everything
When we don’t question the official narrative and don’t think for ourselves, we are not really living, but simply existing. We are living by someone else’s opinion of how our reality should be and following rules that don’t always make sense or feel right.
Not only that, too many people are blindsided to the fact that those who make decisions for the rest of us, otherwise known as ‘the powers that be,’ might not have our best interests at heart. And decisions they make on our behalf, are not only infringing on our freedoms, but may actually be putting us in danger and taking away the experiences we were destined to have.
I completely understand why people follow rules without question. For one thing it is instinctual and, the sad truth is, those who query ‘the official narrative,’ or the accounts of the mainstream media, often get attacked, ridiculed or accused of spouting conspiracy theories.
It is often easier to stay quiet than to share an opposite opinion.
Then there is the fact that when we suggest, to certain people, a differing opinion to their own, we come up against their ego. A strong egoic mind doesn’t like to listen to another person’s opinion, if it crosses theirs, because the ego always knows best.
We also have to battle against many cases of cognitive dissonance. See below for an explanation…
The simple fact is too many people are choosing to ignore the hypocrisy not only of the mainstream media but also of those ruling the world. Generally, because it is either the safer or easier option.
Yet, as you have probably found out yourself in life, the easy option rarely turns out to be the best choice in the long run.
The Wrong Solution
Take the situation that is currently happening in the world due to government decisions. It has becoming increasingly obvious, in regards to the past lockdowns, etc, that the solution to preventing the spread of a virus, has caused more harm to the human race than the initial problem (suicides, unemployment, a huge decline in mental health, to name of a few examples…).
But how does anyone speak out, against the official narrative, when they are viciously attacked for holding a different opinion to the media or governments and the people who are trusting of them?
We are supposed to live in a democracy and have freewill, but it is amazing how many freedoms people happily give away if they believe they are keeping themselves, and their families, safe.
Several months ago, in a post, I advised against arguing with others or trying to get them to see your point of view, if they are not willing to listen. It just leads to frustration and anger, often from both parties. However, as things in this world are becoming darker, more freedoms are being taken away and lives endangered, it might be time to try a different approach.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WHEN NO ONE IS LISTENING?
If you want to start a conversation, with friends or family, about the current state of the world, or any other issue, and you don’t want to be put down or attacked for your views, why not try using the concept of the 10th Man Rule?
A good way to use this is by explaining that some groups/countries use the 10th Man concept as a way to keep people safe and stop them from following their intrinsic herd nature.
I came across a good explanation online:
The 10th Man discipline is one where the group intentionally appoints at least one person to serve as the loyal dissenter. “Loyal” because their underlying motive is to arrive at the best decision for the organization. And, as the dissenter, they not only have permission but a duty to disagree and ‘poke holes’ in assumptions being made by the group. This technique forces you to slow down and re-consider the wisdom of the decision and whether contingency planning or other risk mitigation might be worthwhile.
What we are seeing in the world today is a direct consequence of people following the herd, not asking questions, or using their own initiative. As well as people being too afraid to speak out against those who have differing opinions.
But by playing the part of the 10th Man, it could help those following the dictated narrative to see from another perspective…
It might also help people understand that it is not a bad thing to have our beliefs challenged, especially in regards to the current tyranny we are seeing in the world.
UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF AN EMPATH
Empaths Empowered 