Being a spiritual empath (a.k.a. medium) means having a heightened sensitivity not only to the spirit world, but also to the physical and emotional experiences of others, of animals, the environment, and the energy of collective experiences—grief, suffering, and distress in the world around us. We experience feelings that go beyond mere emotions, feelings that encompass the profound changes on our planet, shifts in our solar system, and the overarching dynamics of nature and the unrest in the world. We innately tune into a maze of emotions and energies that swirl around us, we bridge connections between worlds and experience life with an understanding that transcends words.
This is a beautiful gift, allowing us the chance to engage with all of life in a deeper and more meaningful way—we feel deeply, we love deeply, and we cultivate connections that enrich our whole existence. Yet, this sensitivity can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of our own emotional identity; our empathic nature can blur the lines between our feelings and those of others. These experiences, whether we are consciously aware of them or not, create an energetic and emotional exchange that can make it difficult for us to discern where our emotions end and those of others (including those from the spirit world) begin, resulting in feelings of confusion and unexplained exhaustion.
This energetic exchange can also manifest as unexplained physical symptoms—such as headaches, fatigue, or digestive issues—and emotional disturbances, making it hard to distinguish our feelings from those we have taken on from others. It can be distressing to feel emotions that do not belong to us which can become extremely intense during periods of collective grief or chaos, whether from global events, environmental crises, or interpersonal conflicts.
As spiritual empaths, it's so important that we not only recognize the difference between our emotions and the energies we absorb from the world around us, but have practices that enhance the energetic quality of our experiences.
Strategies for Differentiation
Being a spiritual empath offers profound insights into the human experience and a unique lens through which to view the complexities of life. While the path can be riddled with challenges, it also presents an opportunity for deep understanding, compassion, and healing—not only for ourselves but for those we connect with.
Here are some of my spiritual empath essentials:
- Determine What Is Yours: When you feel drained or overwhelmed, simply stop and ask, "Who am I feeling?" This empowering question serves as a filter that immediately stops absorption and helps you clarify which emotions are truly yours and which belong to others. By taking a moment to check in with yourself, you create space to recognize the source of your feelings. At the same time, you immediately release any energies that are unserving to you and ultimately regain control over your emotional state and energy. I also recommend asking for these energies to be returned with unconditional love and spiritual awareness, so that those to whom they belong can address and process them appropriately.
- Emotional Check-Ins: Regularly pause throughout your day to assess how you’re feeling. Ask yourself specific questions about your emotions, such as "What am I feeling right now?" and "Is this feeling familiar or new?" This practice fosters self-awareness and helps you connect with your own emotional state.
- Practice Grounding Techniques: Engage in grounding exercises, such as walking barefoot in nature, meditating, or visualizing roots connecting you to the Earth. This helps anchor your energy and create a sense of stability. It will also help to release any energy that you have inavertedly absorbed and are holding in your body so it does not become symptomatic.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish emotional boundaries by consciously deciding how much energy you will allow to flow from others into your life. Communicate these boundaries with the people around you, so they understand your need for space. Boundaries are an act of self-love and help to cultivate healthier relationships with others. This also includes setting boundaries with the spirit world. Boundaries help to protect your energy and create a safe environment for your mediumistic abilities to flourish. By defining how and when you want to engage with the spirit world, you can enhance your connection, allowing you to maintain a balanced emotional state while still honouring your mediumistic gifts.
- Utilize Energy Filters: Visualize an energetic filter or shield around you. Imagine it as a protective barrier that allows only positive energies to enter—from white light, shimmering gold, or even elements from nature, like a thick layer of earth or a flowing waterfall—helping to block out overwhelming or negative influences and help you manage the flow of energy from others. As you envision your shield, intentionally set the parameters for what it allows in and what it keeps out. Affirm that only positive, uplifting energies can enter—those that nurture your spirit and enhance your well-being.
- Energy Cleansing Techniques: Engage in practices like smudging, salt baths, or visualization to cleanse your energy field. After these practices, take a moment to assess your emotional state, which can help distinguish your feelings from those absorbed from others.
- Avoid Overidentification: Be cautious of overidentifying with the emotions of others. Remind yourself that while you may empathize deeply, their feelings do not define your experiences in life. Reaffirm your emotional identity by focusing on what genuinely need and what you are worthy of.
By using these techniques, you can develop a deeper understanding of your own emotions and strengthen your ability to discern them from those of others, leading to greater emotional balance and well-being.
Embracing the Journey
Being a spiritual empath is a profound path of connection, compassion, and healing. True empowerment lies in honoring the depth of our experience while nurturing our own emotional landscape. It requires a commitment to self-awareness, self-love, and the continuous practice of discerning what serves us best. By implementing thoughtful strategies to manage our sensitivities, we can navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity, grace, and joy— sharing our light with others while remaining grounded in our own identities.