Empaths aren’t real. Or are they? Have you heard that empaths are fake, delusional, or just not real? I have. Does it surprise me? No, not at all, especially in our uber-divided culture that has fallen into extreme black and white faulty thinking.
Empaths have been around since the beginning of time. They are the sensitive ones in the group. They are typically heart-centered people guided by their intuitions and emotions. Empaths tend to be nurturers, artists, and musicians. Many empaths end up working as helpers of some sort – nurses, teachers, veterinarians, caregivers, and counselors – to name a few.
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
Nelson mandela
Empaths aren’t real.
It is true the term “empath” is relatively new and the general public might just now be learning the term, so I can see how those ignorant of the term could brush it off as being fake since THEY never heard of it.
Empaths have also been called highly sensitive people (HSP) and make up around 20-25% of the population – so yes, they are rare. They are the INFJs and INFPs personality types on the Meyer’s Briggs personality test, which points to their naturally introverted and intuitive natures.
Some people even refer to empaths as snowflakes. I actually love this one. See, snowflakes are a thing of unique beauty. They are soft, still, and quiet as they do their work. They don’t go ranting, bragging, and raging to make an impression. They just gently fall. Until…
Empaths are real.
Empaths are the true leaders, movers, healers, and shakers of the world. They may be quiet but that’s probably because they’re thinking of the next new innovation, the next cure for a disease or quietly starting a revolution.
The journey of the empath isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey full of doubt, uncertainty, and confusion because the empath doesn’t enjoy the status quo, and following it feels unnatural. Unfortunately, empaths typically feel lost in the rest of the 80% until they discover their power – their voice – and when they do, they become a force to be reckoned with.
So the next time you hear “empaths aren’t real,” consider the source. It’s certainly coming from a mouth of the 80% who can’t relate, who is used to calling the shots, determining what’s “real” and winning at everything. The time for gaslighting, minimizing, and denying the existence of people who don’t resemble the 80% is over.
I don’t know who said this first, but it’s worth repeating:
I am not a liberal snowflake. My feelings aren’t fragile. My heart isn’t bleeding. I’m a baddass believer in human rights. My toughness is in tenderness. My strength is in the service of others. There is nothing more fierce than formidable, unconditional love. There is not a thing more courageous than compassion. But if my belief in equity empathy, goodness, and love indeed makes me or people like me snowflakes, then you should know – Winter Is Coming.
If you’re an empath, know that your sensitivity is your superpower. Know that your uniqueness is no accident. You have a purpose or dharma to fulfill. Find yourself other empaths to hang out with so you can strengthen your voice, develop your intuition, hone into the greatest GPS on the planet (your emotions), and feel the support of like-hearted friends.
