November 28, 2023 • 25 mins
Ever wondered how it feels to walk in another person’s shoes?
To truly understand their emotions, not just on a surface level but to feel it as your own?
Welcome to the world of empaths, where we explore this extraordinary sixth sense.
Together with your host, Kristin Schwartz, we journey through the fascinating neuroscience behind empathic abilities, understanding the nuances of how our brains wire us to experience the emotions of others as our own.
We gain insights and knowledge about the emotional depth and the power that comes along with being an empath.
However, every coin has two sides, and being an empath is no different. With this ability to feel deeply, empaths can often find themselves overwhelmed.
As your guide, Kristin provides you with practical tools and strategies to thrive as an empath. From grounding techniques, and visual exercises, to the necessity of setting emotional boundaries, we address the importance of balance and self-care.
We also explore meditation and mindfulness as tools to fine-tune your empathic abilities.
So join us for this enlightening journey, whether you're just beginning to understand your abilities or have long been aware, there's something to learn and grow from in this episode.
You are not alone in this journey, let's navigate this together, after all, this is not just a trait, it’s a gift that the world needs more of.
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Thanks for tuning in to the Realized Empath Podcast! 🎙️
If you're vibing with us, there's so much more to explore. Head over to RealizedEmpath.com for free resources, blog posts, and a community of like-minded souls. 🌱
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @RealizedEmpath for daily inspiration and empath hacks. Until next time, stay sensitive and strong! ✌️💕"
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Announcer (00:01):
You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast,
where we get real about lovingand stumbling through our
sensitive lives With your hostand holistic counselor, Kristin
Schwartz, who helps redefinewhat's possible for an empath
who embraces a path ofself-healing.
Kristen Schwartz (00:22):
Welcome back to a new episode of the Realized
Empath Podcast.
Here are go-to podcasts for allthings empathy and sensitivity.
I'm Kristin Schwartz, yourguide and fellow traveler on
this journey of discovery andgrowth.
Today we're embarking on afascinating adventure into the
(00:45):
sixth sense, exploring empathicabilities beyond the ordinary
senses.
So in our world, we relyheavily on our five basic senses
right, sight, sound, taste,touch and smell and we rely on
these to navigate our dailylives.
(01:06):
But what if I told you there'smore, a hidden yet powerful
sixth sense that lies withinmany of us, often waiting to be
awakened and harnessed.
This sense, my friends, is ourempathic ability, a unique gift
that allows us to feel andunderstand the emotions and
(01:31):
energies, and even the unspokenthoughts, of those around us.
Now you might be thinking am Ian empath or how can I recognize
and cultivate this specialsense?
Whether you've always known youhave this gift, or you're just
starting to notice these uniqueexperiences, or maybe you're
(01:54):
just simply curious about theworld of empaths, this episode
is crafted with you in mind.
So throughout our time togethertoday, we're going to explore
the nuances of empathicabilities, how they can enrich
our lives and also thechallenges they bring.
So empathy is not just aboutfeeling what others feel.
(02:17):
It's about connecting deeplywith the world around us,
understanding that the subtleundercurrents of human emotions
and, in many ways, experiencingthe world in a richer, more
colorful spectrum.
But let's not forget that beingan empath can sometimes feel
(02:38):
like a double-edged sword.
So that same sensitivity thatallows us to deeply connect with
others can also leave usfeeling overwhelmed by the
barrages of emotions weencounter.
Today we'll learn not justabout embracing our empathic
abilities, but also aboutmanaging them effectively,
setting boundaries andmaintaining our emotional
(03:01):
well-being.
So get comfortable, take a deepbreath and prepare to embark on
this enlightening journey withme.
So together we're going touncover the mysteries of the
empath sixth sense.
Share stories, offer insightsand equip you with practical
tools and strategies to help youthrive as an empath.
(03:23):
Want you to remember that thisis an interactive journey, so I
encourage you to reflect on yourown experiences and share them
with our community, because yourstory might just be the beacon
of light that someone else needs.
So, without further ado, let'sdive into the heart of today's
topic the sixth sense exploringempathic abilities beyond the
(03:46):
ordinary senses.
So segment one is understandingempathy as a sixth sense.
Welcome to the world of impasse, where our sixth sense isn't
just about intuition.
It's a profound connection tothe emotions and energetic
currents around us.
(04:07):
This sixth sense, your empathicability, is more than just
feeling deeply.
It's about understanding lifeon a level that transcends words
.
So let me share a story.
Last week I was in a cafe and awoman at the next table was sad
(04:30):
.
Right, she was crying while shewas talking to a friend and,
without even realizing, I foundmyself feeling her sadness.
It was if her emotions hadsilently communicated with mine.
And this, my friends, is ourempathic sixth sense in action.
Have you ever had a momentwhere you just knew what someone
(04:52):
was feeling without themneeding to say a word?
How did it feel to be soconnected?
And I want you to share yourexperiences with us.
Write to the comment section ofthe podcast and use hashtag
empathic explorations, and let'sshare what it feels like for us
(05:14):
to know what other people arefeeling without having to hear
words spoken.
Empathy isn't just about feeling, so science backs this up.
Research in neuroscience haveshown that impasse may have more
active mirror neurons, sothat's the part of the brain
responsible for empathy.
(05:35):
We're not just understandingothers, we're experiencing their
emotions as our own.
So a study from the Universityof California found that people
with high levels of empathyprocessed emotions differently
in their brains.
So this isn't just emotional,it's physiological.
(05:55):
Our brains are literally wiredto feel more.
Now imagine you're at a bustlingsocial gathering.
The air is thick with like amosaic of feelings excitement,
nervousness, joy and maybe evenanxiety.
So, as an empath, you're notjust an observer, you're a
(06:16):
participant in this emotionalsymphony.
So picture this you're in acrowd and the emotional energy
is overwhelming, so you start tofeel anxious.
So, even though you were happyjust moments ago, now you're
feeling the undercurrent ofanxiety.
What's happening there?
More than likely, you'reabsorbing the emotions of those
(06:40):
around you.
So how do you navigate thesewaters without drowning in
others emotions?
So let's break that down alittle bit.
The first step is self-awareness, right?
So we can't help ourselvesunless we're actually aware of
what's going on.
So you wanna recognize when theemotions you're feeling are not
(07:03):
your own.
This is crucial, right?
And then, second, you want tohave some grounding techniques
that you can pull from yourtoolbox.
You wanna practice groundingyourself.
So here's an exercise you canfind a quiet spot, close your
eyes, take deep breaths andimagine roots expanding from
(07:26):
your feet into the earth.
So this visualization can helpyou stay centered.
Now, if you're in a publicplace, you don't have to close
your eyes.
You can get actually prettygood at this and imagine the
roots coming out of your feetwhile your eyes are open, while
you're in a crowd, while you'relistening to someone else talk.
Right, you don't have tocompletely stop living your life
(07:47):
to do a visualization andground yourself in the moment.
Next, you want to set emotionalboundaries, so it's okay to step
back if you're feelingoverwhelmed, so politely, excuse
yourself, take a moment torecharge.
It's not selfish, it'snecessary for your wellbeing.
(08:09):
And last, you wanna have someemotional decompression.
So, after an event, giveyourself time to unwind, journal
your feelings or engage in arelaxing activity.
So what this does is it helpsyou in processing and releasing
(08:29):
any absorbed emotions.
Remember that your empathicability can and is a gift.
It all depends on how you useit and how you take care of
yourself.
But it's also yourresponsibility, right?
It's about balancing your ownemotional wellbeing while being
(08:49):
open to the feelings of others.
So I have a question for youwhen was the last time you felt
emotionally overwhelmed in acrowd?
What did you do to cope?
And I want you to share yourstruggles and solutions with the
community.
Remember, we all lift eachother up.
That's what community is about,and it's necessary for all
(09:13):
humans to have that community inconnection.
So, remember, share in thecomments or come over to social
media, on Instagram, and use thehashtag empathic explorations
and let's explore this journeytogether.
All right?
Next segment is let's talk aboutsome tips and tricks for
(09:34):
managing empathic overwhelm.
So what we're gonna do in thissegment is we're gonna focus on
a complex challenge for impasse,which is sensory overload.
So have you ever felt like theworld is just too loud, too
bright, too emotional?
That's what we call empathicoverwhelm.
(09:54):
It's like walking into a roomwhere every TV is on Like a
different channel and you canhear them all at once.
Right, that's overwhelming,right?
So, like I've said before, it'scrucial to have that
self-awareness to recognize thesigns of overwhelm within
(10:14):
ourselves.
So maybe you feel anxious andcrowds, or maybe you're easily
upset by news stories.
So there are body signals thatyou, that your body, will
communicate with you, that ittelling you it's time to step
back.
Ignoring these signs is likeignoring a smoke alarm.
It's not a good idea and overtime, it leads to burnout,
(10:39):
breakdown of self-trust and itcan lead to depression.
Now we already talked aboutgrounding, how grounding helps
you Anchor in the present moment, away from the chaos of
external emotions.
And grounding is not someWoo-woo Concept.
It's actually backed by scienceand research shows that
(11:02):
grounding or earthing Can reduceinflammation and improve sleep.
I sleep every single night witha grounding pad on my bed and I
swear by them.
And it's really easy forImpasse to get stuck in our
minds when we start to feel Allkinds of things, all the
(11:23):
energies, all the things that wepick up during the day.
Grounding is about coming backto the present moment and Into
our bodies.
That's where peace lives piecesin the present moment.
But what if grounding isn'tenough?
What if you still feel stuck inthe emotions of others?
It's like being in a boatwithout an ore right.
(11:47):
You need tools to help you,steer you clear.
So having energetic boundariesis essential.
So think of it as an invisibleshield around you.
It's not about building walls.
It's about knowing where youend and Others begin.
So here's a practical exercise.
(12:08):
Visualize a bubble around you.
This is your space, youremotional territory, when you
sense external emotions comingin.
I want you to imagine thembouncing off your bubble.
It's like a mental exercisethat can have real physical
(12:28):
effects on your well-being.
Let me share a quick story.
So a friend of mine, who's alsoan empath, used to absorb her
colleague stress like a spongeat work.
She'd come home drained everyday, and once she learned to
visualize her bubble at work,she could empathize Without
taking on their stress, and itwas a game changer for her.
(12:52):
So I want you to remember thatbeing an empath is like your own
special sauce.
Okay, but we all have limits,so I want you to recognize yours
.
I want you to practicegrounding, set emotional
boundaries, set energeticboundaries and, most importantly
, I want you to be kind toyourself.
(13:13):
So you're navigating a worldfilled with emotions that most
people can't even perceive.
Alright, in this segment, we'regoing to go a little bit deeper
into how you can enhance andRefine your empathic abilities.
Now you might be wondering whyis this important?
Well, as impasse, we have thisincredible gift of Sensing and
(13:39):
understanding the emotions ofothers, but it's crucial to fine
tune this ability, to avoidOverwhelm and to use it
constructively.
So let's start with Meditationand mindfulness, which are twin
pillars of empathic growth.
So meditation isn't just apractice and I've said this
(14:03):
before it's a gateway toUnderstanding your inner world.
So when you meditate, you'recreating space between your own
thoughts and emotions, and thisis vital for impasse.
Why?
Because it helps you discernwhich feelings are yours and
which you're absorbing fromothers.
(14:25):
What I would love, and I inviteyou to do, is start with just a
simple five-minute meditationeach day, like find a quiet
place, sit comfortably and focuson your breath so, as thoughts
or emotions arise, the goal isto acknowledge them without
attachment and Gently bring yourfocus back to your breathing.
(14:49):
So this practice is likeWeightlifting for your empathic
mind.
So I've worked with someone inthe past who was an empath and
struggled a lot in crowdedplaces, and when they started
practicing simple meditationseach day over time, what they
(15:11):
found was they could navigatethe crowded spaces without
feeling so emotionally drained,and the secret was that they
learned to observe theirempathic reactions without
getting lost in them.
And that's the key.
It's not so much what you'reperceiving that's causing you
(15:33):
suffering.
It's when the mind starts tospin stories about what you're
perceiving.
The reason why we get stuck inthe energy of others is because
when we notice it.
We then add Commentary to itwho's is this?
Why do they feel this way?
How do I get rid of this?
(15:54):
We start to spin stories andthen we attach to that energy
Right, we're.
And then we're attaching theenergy of blame or maybe anger
right, because now we'reresentful that we felt fine just
five minutes ago and now wedon't, right.
So Once our mind grabs on tothat, that energy then becomes
our responsibility.
(16:15):
It's ours now, not theirs.
So meditation is aboutwitnessing what comes up and
letting it pass by like a cloud,just letting it pass through
the sky.
Now let's talk about mindfulnessfor a minute.
So mindfulness is about beingfully present in the moment, and
it can be a make or break forimpasse.
(16:37):
So when we're mindful, we'reaware of our environment and
we're aware of our innerreactions to it.
So what that does is it givesyou control to not be swept away
by external emotional currents.
So here's a mindfulnessexercise Next time you're in a
(16:57):
conversation, I want you tofocus Entirely on the other
person, notice their expressions, notice their tones, observe
their reactions and emotions.
But here's the key Remainpresent in the conversation.
So this exercise can help youbuild Empathic resilience.
(17:20):
The key is balance.
S eing an empath doesn't meanyou have to be on emotional high
alert all the time.
It's okay and necessary to takea break from absorbing others
emotions is okay and necessary.
I See this a lot.
90% of what you're picking upon is none of your business.
(17:44):
And if it's none of yourbusiness, then why hold on to it
?
Why try to dissect it?
Why try to add a story to it?
You notice, now let it go.
And this is where Settingboundaries comes in and science
supports this.
Research shows that Empathshave a heightened response in
(18:06):
brain areas Related to empathyand emotional processing, and
it's essential to give theseareas a rest and remember Every
empath's journey is unique.
What works for one may not workfor the other.
Stay tuned into you.
Notice what works for you.
(18:29):
Don't get married to One way ofcaring for yourself and think
that you're somehow failing ifit's no longer working.
We grow, we evolve, we change,so be willing to Stay curious
about what's working for youtoday.
So I'm curious how did you findbalance, or have you found
(18:52):
balance, in your empathicjourney?
Have you discovered anypersonal techniques that help
you manage your empathicabilities?
I would love to hear from you,so share your stories and
insights with us on social media.
Remember to use hashtagempathic Explorations or leave a
comment on my website or shootme an email.
(19:13):
I'd love to learn and grow witheach other.
So as we conclude this segment,I want you to remember that
your empathic abilities are abeautiful gift.
I know sometimes they don'tfeel like it, but with practice,
mindfulness and balance, youcan turn this gift into a
powerful tool for understanding,healing and connection.
(19:35):
So next I want to go a littlebit more into the science behind
the sixth sense.
So what we're going to do iswe're going to explore the
science behind what we, asimpasse, often refer to our
sixth sense.
So it's not just a mysticalconcept.
There's real science at playhere.
So first let's talk about thebrain.
(19:56):
So neuroscientists havediscovered that certain areas of
the brain, like the anteriorinsula and the anterior
cingulate cortex, have are moreactive in individuals who are
highly empathic.
So these areas are responsiblefor processing empathy and
emotions and social information.
(20:19):
So let's go a little bit deeperinto mirror neurons.
So these are specialized braincells that actually react, not
only when we perform an action,but also when we observe someone
else performing the same action.
So this mirroring is a keycomponent of empathy.
(20:40):
It also allows us to feel whatothers might be feeling just by
observing them.
But it's not all in the brain,so our entire body plays a role
in our empathic abilities.
So the concept of gut feelingisn't just a metaphor.
(21:01):
The enteric nervous system,also called the second brain,
located in our gut, is linked toour emotions and to our
intuition, so studies suggestthat this gut brain connection
plays a crucial role in ouremotional lives and decision
making processes.
(21:23):
What does all this mean forempaths?
Well, it indicates that ourexperiences are deeply rooted in
our neurobiology and ourphysiology, so understanding
this helps us manage ourempathic abilities better.
It's also a reminder that whatwe feel is real, tangible and
(21:46):
scientifically grounded.
So what are your thoughts onthe science of empathy?
And the sixth sense Is knowingthe science behind it.
Change how you view yourabilities Like.
How much weight do you give thescience?
And I would love to know whatyou think about that.
As we wrap up this segment, Iwant you to remember that your
(22:10):
empathic abilities are not justa mystical phenomenon, but a
complex interplay of brainfunctions, neurology and even
your gut feelings.
So embracing both thescientific and the experiential
aspects of empathy can lead to adeeper understanding and more
(22:31):
effective management of yourunique abilities.
As we come to a close of ourjourney together today, I want
to extend a heartfelt thank youfor joining me.
If today's conversation sparkeda new understanding or
illuminated a part of yourempathic journey, I encourage
(22:53):
you to share this experience.
Imagine the ripple effect youraction could create.
By sharing this podcast, you'renot just spreading knowledge,
you're helping build a communityof understanding and support
for empaths everywhere.
So if this episode resonatedwith you, please pass it on to
someone who might find equalvalue in our discussions.
(23:15):
And, dear listeners, would youconsider leaving me a review if
this podcast has added value toyour life, would you consider
leaving me a review?
Your feedback not only helps usgrow, but also allows other
empaths like you to discover andjoin our supportive community.
For those of you seeking deeperinsights into your empathic
(23:36):
abilities and how to nurturethem, I invite you to explore my
book the Healed Empath.
So this book is a labor oflove, a guide crafted to support
you on your journey towardsunderstanding and caring for
your unique empathic nature.
Additionally, I'm thrilled toextend an invitation to our
realized empath retreat, whichis happening this January.
(23:59):
It's a gathering designed todeepen your connection with your
empathic abilities, surroundedby nature and rainforests and a
community of fellow empaths.
It's more than a retreat.
It's a celebration of ourshared journey.
Pals and registration can befound at realizedimpath.
com.
(24:19):
Don't miss this opportunity torecharge, reflect and connect
with like-minded souls.
Lastly, remember to subscribeto our podcast for more
insightful episodes.
Visit our website atrealizedempath.
com for a wealth of resources onempathy and to join our vibrant
community of realized empaths.
(24:41):
Together, we're not justnavigating our empathic
abilities, but embracing andcelebrating them Until we meet
again.
Keep nurturing your empathicgifts, cherish your emotional
depth and stay empathic.
It's what makes you fantastic,after all.
See you next time.
Announcer (25:01):
Thanks for listening to the Realized Empath podcast.
Revisit past episodes orcontact Kristen at
realizedempath.
com.
Did you love this episode?
Please share it with a friend.
Thanks for tuning in, Untilnext time.
Sensitive souls.
You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast,
where we get real about lovingand stumbling through our
sensitive lives With your hostand holistic counselor, Kristin
Schwartz, who helps redefinewhat's possible for an empath
who embraces a path ofself-healing.
Kristen Schwartz (00:22):
Welcome back to a new episode of the Realized
Empath Podcast.
Here are go-to podcasts for allthings empathy and sensitivity.
I'm Kristin Schwartz, yourguide and fellow traveler on
this journey of discovery andgrowth.
Today we're embarking on afascinating adventure into the
(00:45):
sixth sense, exploring empathicabilities beyond the ordinary
senses.
So in our world, we relyheavily on our five basic senses
right, sight, sound, taste,touch and smell and we rely on
these to navigate our dailylives.
(01:06):
But what if I told you there'smore, a hidden yet powerful
sixth sense that lies withinmany of us, often waiting to be
awakened and harnessed.
This sense, my friends, is ourempathic ability, a unique gift
that allows us to feel andunderstand the emotions and
(01:31):
energies, and even the unspokenthoughts, of those around us.
Now you might be thinking am Ian empath or how can I recognize
and cultivate this specialsense?
Whether you've always known youhave this gift, or you're just
starting to notice these uniqueexperiences, or maybe you're
(01:54):
just simply curious about theworld of empaths, this episode
is crafted with you in mind.
So throughout our time togethertoday, we're going to explore
the nuances of empathicabilities, how they can enrich
our lives and also thechallenges they bring.
So empathy is not just aboutfeeling what others feel.
(02:17):
It's about connecting deeplywith the world around us,
understanding that the subtleundercurrents of human emotions
and, in many ways, experiencingthe world in a richer, more
colorful spectrum.
But let's not forget that beingan empath can sometimes feel
(02:38):
like a double-edged sword.
So that same sensitivity thatallows us to deeply connect with
others can also leave usfeeling overwhelmed by the
barrages of emotions weencounter.
Today we'll learn not justabout embracing our empathic
abilities, but also aboutmanaging them effectively,
setting boundaries andmaintaining our emotional
(03:01):
well-being.
So get comfortable, take a deepbreath and prepare to embark on
this enlightening journey withme.
So together we're going touncover the mysteries of the
empath sixth sense.
Share stories, offer insightsand equip you with practical
tools and strategies to help youthrive as an empath.
(03:23):
Want you to remember that thisis an interactive journey, so I
encourage you to reflect on yourown experiences and share them
with our community, because yourstory might just be the beacon
of light that someone else needs.
So, without further ado, let'sdive into the heart of today's
topic the sixth sense exploringempathic abilities beyond the
(03:46):
ordinary senses.
So segment one is understandingempathy as a sixth sense.
Welcome to the world of impasse, where our sixth sense isn't
just about intuition.
It's a profound connection tothe emotions and energetic
currents around us.
(04:07):
This sixth sense, your empathicability, is more than just
feeling deeply.
It's about understanding lifeon a level that transcends words
.
So let me share a story.
Last week I was in a cafe and awoman at the next table was sad
(04:30):
.
Right, she was crying while shewas talking to a friend and,
without even realizing, I foundmyself feeling her sadness.
It was if her emotions hadsilently communicated with mine.
And this, my friends, is ourempathic sixth sense in action.
Have you ever had a momentwhere you just knew what someone
(04:52):
was feeling without themneeding to say a word?
How did it feel to be soconnected?
And I want you to share yourexperiences with us.
Write to the comment section ofthe podcast and use hashtag
empathic explorations, and let'sshare what it feels like for us
(05:14):
to know what other people arefeeling without having to hear
words spoken.
Empathy isn't just about feeling, so science backs this up.
Research in neuroscience haveshown that impasse may have more
active mirror neurons, sothat's the part of the brain
responsible for empathy.
(05:35):
We're not just understandingothers, we're experiencing their
emotions as our own.
So a study from the Universityof California found that people
with high levels of empathyprocessed emotions differently
in their brains.
So this isn't just emotional,it's physiological.
(05:55):
Our brains are literally wiredto feel more.
Now imagine you're at a bustlingsocial gathering.
The air is thick with like amosaic of feelings excitement,
nervousness, joy and maybe evenanxiety.
So, as an empath, you're notjust an observer, you're a
(06:16):
participant in this emotionalsymphony.
So picture this you're in acrowd and the emotional energy
is overwhelming, so you start tofeel anxious.
So, even though you were happyjust moments ago, now you're
feeling the undercurrent ofanxiety.
What's happening there?
More than likely, you'reabsorbing the emotions of those
(06:40):
around you.
So how do you navigate thesewaters without drowning in
others emotions?
So let's break that down alittle bit.
The first step is self-awareness, right?
So we can't help ourselvesunless we're actually aware of
what's going on.
So you wanna recognize when theemotions you're feeling are not
(07:03):
your own.
This is crucial, right?
And then, second, you want tohave some grounding techniques
that you can pull from yourtoolbox.
You wanna practice groundingyourself.
So here's an exercise you canfind a quiet spot, close your
eyes, take deep breaths andimagine roots expanding from
(07:26):
your feet into the earth.
So this visualization can helpyou stay centered.
Now, if you're in a publicplace, you don't have to close
your eyes.
You can get actually prettygood at this and imagine the
roots coming out of your feetwhile your eyes are open, while
you're in a crowd, while you'relistening to someone else talk.
Right, you don't have tocompletely stop living your life
(07:47):
to do a visualization andground yourself in the moment.
Next, you want to set emotionalboundaries, so it's okay to step
back if you're feelingoverwhelmed, so politely, excuse
yourself, take a moment torecharge.
It's not selfish, it'snecessary for your wellbeing.
(08:09):
And last, you wanna have someemotional decompression.
So, after an event, giveyourself time to unwind, journal
your feelings or engage in arelaxing activity.
So what this does is it helpsyou in processing and releasing
(08:29):
any absorbed emotions.
Remember that your empathicability can and is a gift.
It all depends on how you useit and how you take care of
yourself.
But it's also yourresponsibility, right?
It's about balancing your ownemotional wellbeing while being
(08:49):
open to the feelings of others.
So I have a question for youwhen was the last time you felt
emotionally overwhelmed in acrowd?
What did you do to cope?
And I want you to share yourstruggles and solutions with the
community.
Remember, we all lift eachother up.
That's what community is about,and it's necessary for all
(09:13):
humans to have that community inconnection.
So, remember, share in thecomments or come over to social
media, on Instagram, and use thehashtag empathic explorations
and let's explore this journeytogether.
All right?
Next segment is let's talk aboutsome tips and tricks for
(09:34):
managing empathic overwhelm.
So what we're gonna do in thissegment is we're gonna focus on
a complex challenge for impasse,which is sensory overload.
So have you ever felt like theworld is just too loud, too
bright, too emotional?
That's what we call empathicoverwhelm.
(09:54):
It's like walking into a roomwhere every TV is on Like a
different channel and you canhear them all at once.
Right, that's overwhelming,right?
So, like I've said before, it'scrucial to have that
self-awareness to recognize thesigns of overwhelm within
(10:14):
ourselves.
So maybe you feel anxious andcrowds, or maybe you're easily
upset by news stories.
So there are body signals thatyou, that your body, will
communicate with you, that ittelling you it's time to step
back.
Ignoring these signs is likeignoring a smoke alarm.
It's not a good idea and overtime, it leads to burnout,
(10:39):
breakdown of self-trust and itcan lead to depression.
Now we already talked aboutgrounding, how grounding helps
you Anchor in the present moment, away from the chaos of
external emotions.
And grounding is not someWoo-woo Concept.
It's actually backed by scienceand research shows that
(11:02):
grounding or earthing Can reduceinflammation and improve sleep.
I sleep every single night witha grounding pad on my bed and I
swear by them.
And it's really easy forImpasse to get stuck in our
minds when we start to feel Allkinds of things, all the
(11:23):
energies, all the things that wepick up during the day.
Grounding is about coming backto the present moment and Into
our bodies.
That's where peace lives piecesin the present moment.
But what if grounding isn'tenough?
What if you still feel stuck inthe emotions of others?
It's like being in a boatwithout an ore right.
(11:47):
You need tools to help you,steer you clear.
So having energetic boundariesis essential.
So think of it as an invisibleshield around you.
It's not about building walls.
It's about knowing where youend and Others begin.
So here's a practical exercise.
(12:08):
Visualize a bubble around you.
This is your space, youremotional territory, when you
sense external emotions comingin.
I want you to imagine thembouncing off your bubble.
It's like a mental exercisethat can have real physical
(12:28):
effects on your well-being.
Let me share a quick story.
So a friend of mine, who's alsoan empath, used to absorb her
colleague stress like a spongeat work.
She'd come home drained everyday, and once she learned to
visualize her bubble at work,she could empathize Without
taking on their stress, and itwas a game changer for her.
(12:52):
So I want you to remember thatbeing an empath is like your own
special sauce.
Okay, but we all have limits,so I want you to recognize yours
.
I want you to practicegrounding, set emotional
boundaries, set energeticboundaries and, most importantly
, I want you to be kind toyourself.
(13:13):
So you're navigating a worldfilled with emotions that most
people can't even perceive.
Alright, in this segment, we'regoing to go a little bit deeper
into how you can enhance andRefine your empathic abilities.
Now you might be wondering whyis this important?
Well, as impasse, we have thisincredible gift of Sensing and
(13:39):
understanding the emotions ofothers, but it's crucial to fine
tune this ability, to avoidOverwhelm and to use it
constructively.
So let's start with Meditationand mindfulness, which are twin
pillars of empathic growth.
So meditation isn't just apractice and I've said this
(14:03):
before it's a gateway toUnderstanding your inner world.
So when you meditate, you'recreating space between your own
thoughts and emotions, and thisis vital for impasse.
Why?
Because it helps you discernwhich feelings are yours and
which you're absorbing fromothers.
(14:25):
What I would love, and I inviteyou to do, is start with just a
simple five-minute meditationeach day, like find a quiet
place, sit comfortably and focuson your breath so, as thoughts
or emotions arise, the goal isto acknowledge them without
attachment and Gently bring yourfocus back to your breathing.
(14:49):
So this practice is likeWeightlifting for your empathic
mind.
So I've worked with someone inthe past who was an empath and
struggled a lot in crowdedplaces, and when they started
practicing simple meditationseach day over time, what they
(15:11):
found was they could navigatethe crowded spaces without
feeling so emotionally drained,and the secret was that they
learned to observe theirempathic reactions without
getting lost in them.
And that's the key.
It's not so much what you'reperceiving that's causing you
(15:33):
suffering.
It's when the mind starts tospin stories about what you're
perceiving.
The reason why we get stuck inthe energy of others is because
when we notice it.
We then add Commentary to itwho's is this?
Why do they feel this way?
How do I get rid of this?
(15:54):
We start to spin stories andthen we attach to that energy
Right, we're.
And then we're attaching theenergy of blame or maybe anger
right, because now we'reresentful that we felt fine just
five minutes ago and now wedon't, right.
So Once our mind grabs on tothat, that energy then becomes
our responsibility.
(16:15):
It's ours now, not theirs.
So meditation is aboutwitnessing what comes up and
letting it pass by like a cloud,just letting it pass through
the sky.
Now let's talk about mindfulnessfor a minute.
So mindfulness is about beingfully present in the moment, and
it can be a make or break forimpasse.
(16:37):
So when we're mindful, we'reaware of our environment and
we're aware of our innerreactions to it.
So what that does is it givesyou control to not be swept away
by external emotional currents.
So here's a mindfulnessexercise Next time you're in a
(16:57):
conversation, I want you tofocus Entirely on the other
person, notice their expressions, notice their tones, observe
their reactions and emotions.
But here's the key Remainpresent in the conversation.
So this exercise can help youbuild Empathic resilience.
(17:20):
The key is balance.
S eing an empath doesn't meanyou have to be on emotional high
alert all the time.
It's okay and necessary to takea break from absorbing others
emotions is okay and necessary.
I See this a lot.
90% of what you're picking upon is none of your business.
(17:44):
And if it's none of yourbusiness, then why hold on to it
?
Why try to dissect it?
Why try to add a story to it?
You notice, now let it go.
And this is where Settingboundaries comes in and science
supports this.
Research shows that Empathshave a heightened response in
(18:06):
brain areas Related to empathyand emotional processing, and
it's essential to give theseareas a rest and remember Every
empath's journey is unique.
What works for one may not workfor the other.
Stay tuned into you.
Notice what works for you.
(18:29):
Don't get married to One way ofcaring for yourself and think
that you're somehow failing ifit's no longer working.
We grow, we evolve, we change,so be willing to Stay curious
about what's working for youtoday.
So I'm curious how did you findbalance, or have you found
(18:52):
balance, in your empathicjourney?
Have you discovered anypersonal techniques that help
you manage your empathicabilities?
I would love to hear from you,so share your stories and
insights with us on social media.
Remember to use hashtagempathic Explorations or leave a
comment on my website or shootme an email.
(19:13):
I'd love to learn and grow witheach other.
So as we conclude this segment,I want you to remember that
your empathic abilities are abeautiful gift.
I know sometimes they don'tfeel like it, but with practice,
mindfulness and balance, youcan turn this gift into a
powerful tool for understanding,healing and connection.
(19:35):
So next I want to go a littlebit more into the science behind
the sixth sense.
So what we're going to do iswe're going to explore the
science behind what we, asimpasse, often refer to our
sixth sense.
So it's not just a mysticalconcept.
There's real science at playhere.
So first let's talk about thebrain.
(19:56):
So neuroscientists havediscovered that certain areas of
the brain, like the anteriorinsula and the anterior
cingulate cortex, have are moreactive in individuals who are
highly empathic.
So these areas are responsiblefor processing empathy and
emotions and social information.
(20:19):
So let's go a little bit deeperinto mirror neurons.
So these are specialized braincells that actually react, not
only when we perform an action,but also when we observe someone
else performing the same action.
So this mirroring is a keycomponent of empathy.
(20:40):
It also allows us to feel whatothers might be feeling just by
observing them.
But it's not all in the brain,so our entire body plays a role
in our empathic abilities.
So the concept of gut feelingisn't just a metaphor.
(21:01):
The enteric nervous system,also called the second brain,
located in our gut, is linked toour emotions and to our
intuition, so studies suggestthat this gut brain connection
plays a crucial role in ouremotional lives and decision
making processes.
(21:23):
What does all this mean forempaths?
Well, it indicates that ourexperiences are deeply rooted in
our neurobiology and ourphysiology, so understanding
this helps us manage ourempathic abilities better.
It's also a reminder that whatwe feel is real, tangible and
(21:46):
scientifically grounded.
So what are your thoughts onthe science of empathy?
And the sixth sense Is knowingthe science behind it.
Change how you view yourabilities Like.
How much weight do you give thescience?
And I would love to know whatyou think about that.
As we wrap up this segment, Iwant you to remember that your
(22:10):
empathic abilities are not justa mystical phenomenon, but a
complex interplay of brainfunctions, neurology and even
your gut feelings.
So embracing both thescientific and the experiential
aspects of empathy can lead to adeeper understanding and more
(22:31):
effective management of yourunique abilities.
As we come to a close of ourjourney together today, I want
to extend a heartfelt thank youfor joining me.
If today's conversation sparkeda new understanding or
illuminated a part of yourempathic journey, I encourage
(22:53):
you to share this experience.
Imagine the ripple effect youraction could create.
By sharing this podcast, you'renot just spreading knowledge,
you're helping build a communityof understanding and support
for empaths everywhere.
So if this episode resonatedwith you, please pass it on to
someone who might find equalvalue in our discussions.
(23:15):
And, dear listeners, would youconsider leaving me a review if
this podcast has added value toyour life, would you consider
leaving me a review?
Your feedback not only helps usgrow, but also allows other
empaths like you to discover andjoin our supportive community.
For those of you seeking deeperinsights into your empathic
(23:36):
abilities and how to nurturethem, I invite you to explore my
book the Healed Empath.
So this book is a labor oflove, a guide crafted to support
you on your journey towardsunderstanding and caring for
your unique empathic nature.
Additionally, I'm thrilled toextend an invitation to our
realized empath retreat, whichis happening this January.
(23:59):
It's a gathering designed todeepen your connection with your
empathic abilities, surroundedby nature and rainforests and a
community of fellow empaths.
It's more than a retreat.
It's a celebration of ourshared journey.
Pals and registration can befound at realizedimpath.
com.
(24:19):
Don't miss this opportunity torecharge, reflect and connect
with like-minded souls.
Lastly, remember to subscribeto our podcast for more
insightful episodes.
Visit our website atrealizedempath.
com for a wealth of resources onempathy and to join our vibrant
community of realized empaths.
(24:41):
Together, we're not justnavigating our empathic
abilities, but embracing andcelebrating them Until we meet
again.
Keep nurturing your empathicgifts, cherish your emotional
depth and stay empathic.
It's what makes you fantastic,after all.
See you next time.
Announcer (25:01):
Thanks for listening to the Realized Empath podcast.
Revisit past episodes orcontact Kristen at
realizedempath.
com.
Did you love this episode?
Please share it with a friend.
Thanks for tuning in, Untilnext time.
Sensitive souls.
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