S1 Ep 8: Navigating Life as an Empath

Candice begins the episode by defining an empath as someone who feels and absorbs other people's emotions and physical symptoms due to their high sensitivities. Unlike highly sensitive people, who may feel overwhelmed by stimuli, empaths actually take on the emotions and physical sensations of others. This unique trait stems from having hyper-responsive mirror neurons, which allow empaths to deeply understand and resonate with the emotions and experiences of others.

Shelly and Candice clarify that while both empaths and highly sensitive people share a low threshold for stimulation and a need for alone time, the key difference lies in how they process emotions. Highly sensitive people are more affected by environmental stimuli, while empaths absorb the emotional and physical energies of those around them. This absorption can lead to empaths experiencing physical symptoms that are not their own, making it crucial for them to differentiate between their own feelings and those of others.

Shelly shares a personal story about attending a social gathering where she felt an overwhelming desire to leave. It wasn’t until she left and felt immediate relief that she realized she had been absorbing someone else’s discomfort. This moment of clarity highlighted the importance of recognizing when emotions and sensations are not her own.

Candice also shares her journey of understanding her empathic abilities, which began with physical pain in her foot that was linked to stored family emotions. Through energy healing, she was able to release this absorbed energy, leading to a profound shift in her understanding of herself and her empathic nature.

One of the key themes of the episode is the importance of protecting and clearing energy as an empath. Candice and Shelly discuss practical strategies for doing so, including:

• Energy Protection Techniques: Visualizations, crystals, and setting boundaries to protect against absorbing negative energies.
• Energy Clearing Methods: Regular practices to release absorbed energies, such as smudging, salt baths, and energy healing sessions.

Candice emphasizes the importance of boundaries, self-love, and understanding one’s empathic abilities. She explains how empaths often struggle with people-pleasing and codependency, making it essential to establish boundaries and practice self-love. These practices help empaths reclaim their personal power and navigate their sensitivities in a healthy and empowered way.

Candice shares several resources that have been instrumental in her journey:

• Book: The Empath Survival Guide by Dr. Judith Orloff
• Book: The Empath’s Workbook by Krista Carpenter
• Podcast: Know Your Aura by Mystic Michaela
• Candice’s Free eBook: Understanding and Nurturing Your Empathic Self

We invite you to listen to this insightful episode of Healers With Humor and reflect on your own experiences as an empath.

-How have you navigated your empathic nature?

-What strategies do you use to protect and clear your energy?

-Share your thoughts and join the conversation with Candice and Shelly.

Thank you for being part of the Healers With Humor community. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can navigate the highs and lows and celebrate the beauty of self-discovery and growth.