I never had a really clear understanding of this term until today when I did some surfing on the web. I have never, and still do not consider myself psychic. I have glimpses of things occasionally. However, I have always, since childhood, picked up very easily on the emotions of others, and had strong feelings going into certain buildings, areas, etc... I just figured I was a little more sensitive and "read" people's emotions a little more than average. Lately, I have found myself at the point of exhaustion after being on the phone with several family members. I've experienced this before, but it has been more intense lately.
Anyhow, I came across this site:
www.theuniversalempath101.com[/URL]
They have a really interesting survey that I'm going to do, and so much described my personality to a T. Anyhow, it was an interesting site, if you think you have a tendency towards this, it might be worth checking out.

Carrie, that is a great website. I have considered myself empathic for a while but they list some traits of mine that I never knew where involved with that, such as vivid dreamer and lucid dreams, restless sleeper and animal person. Also telepathy, I startled my boss once by reading her mind but that's infrequent. I'll have to read more.

Renee

I went to this site, of which I read quite a little, and to my surprise... I think I am probably an empath!! Gosh, so many things here just hit me right between the eyes. One of the things that bother's me most is how I am reading others empathically, but converting the feelings as something that I erroneously end up believing originated within myself. It literally drives me nuts sometimes. I had no idea that this was considered 'empathy'. I can get very uneasy in crowds occasionally... and, I seem to read locations/objects, too. I thought it might be all psychic awareness, but perhaps it isn't entirely just psychic in it's origin..... does that make any sense?

I guess the way that this 'empathy' seemingly impacts me most is when I know something is wrong... like someone has something bothering them, and I ask what it is, and they try to tell me it is nothing at all that is bothering them.... but my gut continues to tell me a much different story. It leaves me feeling like there is a problem, but I cannot fix it, and then it continues to bother me because the situation leaves me feeling helpless.... and helpless isn't something I like the feel of.

I know that both of my kids are empaths... but I never thought of myself as one. My son Dan has it to the point that he feels physical pain, just watching a medical show on TV. Kell also has this, and I know she probably is effected in other ways, too...

Thanks for posting this, Carrie, and I will be doing more reading in the future about this. My caring for animals, and even feeling 'empathy' for inanimate objects is really something that I never thought of as empathy, but maybe that is part of how I am reacting to my world. Very interesting!!!

Carrie,

Thanks so much for this great website! I was told once by an empath that I myself was one. I knew some of the traits, but not all of them. This website will be a great help to me and to others here as well

When I read last night's account of what Mare and Kellie went through with the dog, I felt it pretty strongly. It is as if I was right there with them. I knew and understood exactly how they felt. It can be a blessing, but a curse at the same time. Hmmm no wonder I'm a night owl and don't get much sleep. Thanks again for sharing this great site with us!

Glad y'all liked it and found it usefull also. When I started reading some of the characteristics, I kept muttering to myself, "I do that, I do that." It really provided some answers for me on things that I had always just accepted. James had even worried on occasion that maybe I was having mood swings, or occasionally over reacting to something someone had said. I never felt that was the answer, but after reading this, I realize that I was picking up on the moods and feelings of others. I understand exactly what you mean about this, Mare!
It was also interesting about the ideas of "blocking." Even as a young child, I would try to concentrate on another object if something was upsetting me.
I was just amazed by this! It is an area I would really like to know more about. This was a real eye opener for me.

That is a great website, Carrie - thanks for sharing it with us!

After learning more about empathy in recent years, I've come to the conclusion that I must be one. I'm forever picking up on others' emotions, how & what they might be thinking/feeling. It can and does affect how I'm feeling. I even experience physical pain from time to time when I see an injury in someone else (even on TV!). All of my life, since my brother can also feel that odd pain sensation when looking at an injury, I thought everyone did!
The other night with the dog, as much as I care about animals and of course I was upset that he'd been hit in the first place, I was surprised to find myself shaking like a leaf and an emotional mess after he'd been hit the 2nd time. Before it happened, I just *knew* he was going to be hit again and there wasn't anything I could do to stop it.... not more than 2 cars later, he was hit by the 2nd vehichle. It just tore me up. I'm still feeling the effects, it seems. I guess time will have to be the healer on this one.... ?

I liked the list of PSI abilities too... I saw a few that fit me there as well.

I'll be putting this site up in our links to keep it handy for everyone.

Kell

I seldom watch the local news anymore because I know I'll be an emotional basket case within a matter of minutes. It really is odd, because I am normally very stable and pretty darn happy, but when I see things like that I can become a blubbering mess.
I liked the list of psi abilities also, and found several that I fit into that I had really never thought of before. It looks like they've really done some research!