Empaths                  

Emotional Sensitivity and Empathic Ability

By Kyra Mesich, Psy.D

Emotional sensitivity is a common character trait. Sensitive people feel emotions deeply, connect with other people's emotions, and make great counselors, teachers, and artists.  Sensitivity should be regarded as positive, but, sadly, in our society it is generally perceived as a weakness.  As sensitive people, we have often wished we were tougher or more 'thick-skinned.   Why is sensitivity so unappreciated and misunderstood?  

You may be surprised to learn the answer lies outside the realm of conventional psychology. Sensitive people are receptive to emotional energy. This happens on a conscious, psychological level, but also on a deeper, psychic level. This deeper aspect of sensitivity is what our modern day society ignores. It is this lack of understanding of the psychic nature of sensitivity that causes problems -- not sensitivity itself.  

Sensitive people are empathic. This means we are receptive to emotional energy from friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers. Because our society does not acknowledge the existence of empathic ability, sensitive people are left with no way to interpret or manage the empathic information received from the people around us. This is the reason so many people describe their sensitivity as painful, and why it can sometimes feel overwhelming.  We have never been taught about the empathic abilities we naturally have, much less how to use or manage the emotional energy we constantly perceive.  

Empathic ability is a psychic, intuitive strength.  But it can only be used to our benefit when we are aware and knowledgeable about its existence. Modern times have managed to keep us in the dark about the psychic gifts our sensitivity represents.  Are you ready to step out into the light?