Empathic ability exists on a spectrum. Within this spectrum are three main categories of ability: High Sensing Person, Empath, and Clairsentient. Though they have similarities, each distinguishes itself from the others in subtle, but important, ways.
Here is a snapshot of empath abilities :
- High Sensing Person – High sensing individuals are able to take in and process external stimuli at a higher rate due to higher functioning brain waves. These people have sensitive hearing, sight, taste, smell and touch. Reaction to stimulus occurs at a greater frequency due to the stimuli only needing to be minor. Example : An HSP would find the flapping of moth wings behind a closed window to be irritating. As a result, they are more aware of the emotions of those around them since they read subtle clues like changes in body language and voice inflection.
- Empath – Those who are Empathic possess all of the qualities of HSP’s but are also affected physically by the energy of others in some way shape or form. They are magnetic to others and can often find themselves in unwanted situations due to others seeking their wise counsel. Those who are empathic can literally soak up the emotions and ailments of those around them. There are numerous types of empaths from animal to human to empaths who feel energy through a person’s handwriting. Empathic people often feel overwhelmed in social situations are require ample alone time to rest, recharge and reset.
- Clairsentient – One of the Clair abilities, clairsentient means “clear feeling”. Clairsentients have the signs and symptoms of HSP’s and Empaths while also setting themselves apart. Clairsentients is distinguished by physical symptoms manifested beforehand or in the moment. Example : A clairsentient may experience chills when they come in contact with negative energy. They also have the ability to discern where a feelings coming from and usually why they have the feeling. Clairsentients then navigate the feelings they experience to decipher the history behind those feelings with those living or dead.
Reference : https://otherworldlyoracle.com/empathic-spectrum-shielding/
I’m thankful for these clear definitions. I think these days we’re using the word empathy too loosely, when we really mean something like (or as) consideration, respect, or sympathy. These (latter) things anyone might have or acquire, whereas empathy seems more of a quality, if not a gift, one has.
Being even minimally considerate, respectful, or sympathetic can go a long way, especially communally. Empathic people could be treated in these ways, too, then positively employed for the betterment of folk getting along.
And now I’ll get off my soapbox.
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Since empathy involves understanding the emotional states of other people, the way it is characterized is derivative of the way emotions themselves are characterized. If, for example, emotions are taken to be centrally characterized by bodily feelings, then grasping the bodily feelings of another will be central to empathy. On the other hand, if emotions are more centrally characterized by a combination of beliefs and desires, then grasping these beliefs and desires will be more essential to empathy. The ability to imagine oneself as another person is a sophisticated imaginative process. However, the basic capacity to recognize emotions is probably innate and may be achieved unconsciously. Yet it can be trained and achieved with various degrees of intensity or accuracy. Empathy necessarily has a “more or less” quality. The paradigm case of an empathic interaction, however, involves a person communicating an accurate recognition of the significance of another person’s ongoing intentional actions, associated emotional states, and personal characteristics in a manner that the recognized person can tolerate. Recognitions that are both accurate and tolerable are central features of empathy.
We like the soapbox thoughts though š
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Interesting read. Our whole culture needs to cultivate empathy.
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People of different cultures are having to interact more frequently on a personal and professional level. Cultural empathy makes for smoother and more pleasant interactions and working relationships.
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I’m an empath. I agree with you. The stimuli can be overwhelming.
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But it’s not just emotions. According to Dr. Judith Orloff, author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, empaths can feel physical pain, too ā and can often sense someone’s intentions or where they’re coming from. It’s likely that most empaths are highly sensitive, but not all highly sensitive people are necessarily empaths.
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Profound and very informative
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Traditionally, empaths do better in lower stress, solo jobs, or with smaller companies. They are usually happiest working part or full time at home, away from the office frenzy, noise, politics, and nearby energy vampires. (They’re easier to deal with by email, text, or phone because they’re at a distance.)
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Thank you so much for this, it has enlightened me
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Glad it was helpful.
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Garima,
I do get that people are sensitive and awareness. I also think it gets misused, people freak out, or they ignore or hide it. Like any tool in an imperfect world we have to use it right.
Thanks,
Gary
On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 12:02 PM Be Inspired..!! wrote:
> GS posted: ” Empathic ability exists on a spectrum. Within this spectrum > are three main categories of ability: High Sensing Person, Empath, and > Clairsentient. Though they have similarities, each distinguishes itself > from the others in subtle, but important, ways. ” >
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Shielding is a quick way to protect yourself. Many empaths and sensitive people rely on it to block out toxic energy while allowing the free flow of positivity. Call on it regularly. The minute you’re uncomfortable with a person, place, or situation, put up your shield.
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