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Faey will start the discussion in the video, then you can add your thoughts and feelings below…
Meet Skilled and Conscious Empath, Dr. Michael R. Smith…
Today, I like to have an amazing teacher and a good friend of mine share his story.
Let us know how he discovered about his empathic nature…and started his spiritual journey.
And how he is now making pathways and breakthroughs for the rest of us fellow empaths. Finding nuggets and tools to help all empaths and highly sensitive individuals who are ready to become a skilled and conscious empath themselves!
Becoming a Skilled and Conscious Empath – A Spiritual JourneyArmed with a Ph.D. and a lucrative counseling professorship at age 30, I embarked on what was to be one of the shorter careers in the history of academia. Despite being nominated for early career awards and authoring a half-dozen research publications, I decided to leave my tenure-track position at the University of Wyoming in 2005 after just three years to begin working with empaths in Santa Fe, NM. I had to follow my heart. After I realized I was an empath, there was no turning back.
The cultural identity of empath is rapidly growing and gaining mainstream acceptance; Dr. Judith Orloff’s best-selling holistic healing books are evidence of that. The primary characteristic of an empath is a high degree of sensitivity to the emotional state of other people. If you’ve ever been told that you’re a good listener, then you might be an empath. People feel comfortable sharing their emotions and deepest thoughts with empaths, and thus, we tend to be especially popular around high-stress times like the holidays.
However, an empath’s ability to bond with others can lead to unintended health consequences. In many cases, empaths will take on other people’s emotional pain as if it was their own. In toxic situations, intense emotional energy can affect an empath deeply. We can unintentionally absorb emotions, like a sponge. I walked around for years with what felt like two fishing hooks stuck in my heart area.
In 2003, I sought out healing for my accumulated emotional and physical pain. I began a five-year apprenticeship with two Native American healers and drove the 8-hour trek from Laramie, Wyoming to Santa Fe every month. I quickly discovered why counseling came so easy. The Native American community recognizes empaths. These individuals have been trained as the medicine men and women in tribes and communities.
Research has shown that approximately twenty percent of people are highly sensitive in general. In my experience and observation, fewer still are empaths (those sensitive specifically to other people). Perhaps 5 percent of all people are natural empaths – and most don’t recognize it. I am seeing women and men who have lived their entire lives wondering what was wrong with them, being called hypersensitive or oversensitive – who can now breathe a sigh of relief. What was thought to be a quirk or even mental illness in actuality is a special gift for being able to understand the emotions and motivations of other people.
In my coaching practice, I help empathic individuals differentiate what energy is theirs, and what is coming from other people. We work on coping strategies to manage the high sensitivity and prevent the absorption of harmful energy.
I’m so happy and privileged to work in this special field with empaths, helping us to become more joyful, more skilled, and more conscious of the tremendous spiritual gifts with which we have been blessed.
For more helpful energy tips and techniques to help Empaths & Highly Sensitive People (HSP), check out Dr. Michael Smith’s The Complete Empath Toolkit: 44 Practical Steps to Master Your Energy and Personal Power.
Words of wisdom for all Empaths and Highly Sensitive People from Dr. Michael Smith.
Empaths and the Shadow – Overcoming Darkness by Creating Light
Empaths understand, as walkers between worlds, the polarities of Darkness and Light.
Every single thought carries energy that affects ourselves as empaths and others. Empaths know and understand this unlike any other individuals, because we take the brunt of other people’s negativity. We feel it in our own energy fields.
Empaths often will hear the very not-so-nice words and literally experience the not-so-nice energy that has been created by others. The mere act of walking into a chaotic restaurant or department store is all that it takes (thus, empaths avoid crowded places like the plague).
Negative energy stays around. If left unchecked, it will accomplish its mission of advancement of the Darkness. One simple negative thought will linger unless we recant those words and take responsibility for our own karmic negativity.
If we do not face the Shadow side and learn to become friends with it, then we will never learn to grow past it, nor be of any real help to others. The shadow side is an invitation to create Light. It can NEVER be changed or altered by merely ignoring it or by running away (which empaths tend to be very good at). The Shadow and Darkness are strong signals that we need to do everything in our power to Create Light.
The goal of the work I do is to teach empaths to be better Light Creators. It is our responsibility to ourselves and to others. Creating Light is done through pure prayer, patience, and finding others who are stronger on which to temporarily rely. We cannot accomplish our Collective task as humans and as empaths unless we help each other. That means asking for help when you know you need it – putting aside your ego. I struggled for many years by myself in isolation, thinking that I had to do it all myself. Only when I dropped that belief did I receive the help that I needed, and get to a place where I now am thriving and not a victim anymore.
It’s my belief that empaths have asked for this experience, and here we are Now with a job to do. Accumulated negativity (otherwise known as Karma) is never altered unless we have a stronger Light energy to absorb it and transmute it. Thus, the power of prayer and intention.
Prayer from a pure and humble heart is strong enough to erase and diminish any negative energy. However, many times it will take years to be enough to overcome the Darkness. This is the not-so-fun aspect of Karma, and of being an empath, sucking up everyone else’s negativity. And yet with patience, it WILL be overcome. That is a Universal truth.
I write these words to offer you encouragement to endure and persevere over whatever hardships that are currently Testing you. There is nothing that is strong enough to break you, unless you let it. And if you let it, then you may just get to come back into an earthly body again and do it all over again, until you get it right.
Go for broke this time. You’re an empath with a job to do.
Face you shadow – clean yourself up. And most importantly, ask for help! This time, let’s all get it right!
For more solutions and techniques to sky rocket your empath skills & protect and shield yourself unwanted negative energies check out Dr. Michael Smith’s Complete Empath Toolkit here.
Simple tip to reduce stress by Jeff Hopeck, a 3 Year U.S. Secret Service Veteran, Author and Speaker –who has dedicated his life to helping people eat healthier. Walk through this quick process with him and learn how to reduce stress in your life.
Simple Stress Reduction TipBy Jeff Hopeck
STRESS KILLS. Right now is the time to learn ways of reducing stress in your life. Tomorrow may be too late.
Stress comes in all forms:Â Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, chest pains, and even nervousness.
Over the years, I’ve been emailed and contacted with all sorts of gimmicky products that promise to reduce stress levels, but require paying money. RED FLAG! For me, the single most effective way of managing stress is 100% FREE and it’s something you can do in your car, at home, or in the office. The 3 simple steps are:
1. Find Comfort
Find a comfortable position (preferably seated or laying down) where both your mind and body are relaxed. For some, this is sitting in a chair and for others it’s laying down- either way, this first step is critical. For best results, try to avoid standing.
2. The 4:8 ratio
Next, start by inhaling for 4 seconds, then exhaling for 8 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times. Inhale, exhale twice as long…. relax. Keep it up! Try to get your mind off work, bills, and anything else that stresses you. Now for the best part.:
3. Pulling it Together
Once you have the hang of the 4:8 ratio, start focusing on your muscles relaxing as you exhale. Start with your arms, your fingertips, then your quadriceps, your neck, even feel your calves and ankles relaxing. Inhale, then exhale… feel your muscles literally open up like sunflowers and relax.
It really works! It’s important to keep your stress levels to a bare minimum- your life depends on it.
Here are some solutions to clearing negative energy we found useful. Everyone is different, so try them out to see which ones work better for you.
The number one key is to STAY GROUNDED in your body. This means getting regular exercise, eating nutritional food, and cutting out overstimulating things in your life.
Clearing Negative Energy In Your Environment:
1. Smudging your home with sage.
2. Doing Meditation and taking deep breaths.
3. Strategically placing bowls of sea salt in your home to protect you from entrance of negative energy. The salt acts as an absorbent to negative energy.
4. Using protective stones and crystals. Some good protective stones that repel negative energy are Onyx and Obsidian. While Amber and black tourmaline acts more like absorbers. And Amethyst is considered a healing stone. So you may also want to consider wearing protective stone jewelry. (Just remember to clean the stones regularly with sea salt and water.)
5. Physically clean the place. This removes the old energy and keep the place in high vibration.
For more solutions and techniques to sky rocket your empath skills & protect and shield yourself unwanted negative energies check out Dr. Michael Smith’s Complete Empath Toolkit here.
Elevating Your Personal Energy and Grounding Yourself:
1. Take a nice warm shower.
2. Take a nice bath using Epsom Salt. Epsom Salt is to help you cut the psychic connection with others so that they are no longer pulling you. Plus, it helps your tired body relax.
3. Use essential oil or scent such as lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, etc. to calm and relax yourself.
4. Get a nice massage.
5. Meditate
6. Going outside for some sun.
7. Doing any type of physical activities that will help you stay grounded in your body. (e.g. Yoga, Tai Chi, martial art, jogging, boxing, exercise, or some kind of sports you enjoy, etc.)
8. Get some fresh air.
9. Connect with nature.
10. Going to ocean, forest, or mountain area also helps you rejuvenate.
11. Surrounding yourself around plants or trees of high energy.
12. Drink pure water. (Bless your water with positive energy before drinking it. And remember to thank it for purifying your body as you drink it.)
13. Eat proper balance nutritious meals.
14. Feel your emotions.
15. Take care of yourself.
Grab Your Copy of Dr. Michael Smith’s Complete Empath Toolkit here.
Are you the #1 Priority on Your List?
It’s crucial we make our health and well-being our number one priority. Why? Because many of us are busy taking care of others needs first while completely ignoring our own needs. If this becomes a habit, it’s easy to start feeling resentful (even towards the people we love). We can feel like no one truly appreciates us after giving and giving till there was nothing left for us to give.
When we are feeling great and in our optimal state of well-being, things flow easily. Giving become more effortless. Time sort of flies by. Many individuals can tap into this state of being when they are doing what they enjoy.
When you give after taking time off for yourself, you can give from a place of abundance and love. Others can feel the difference.
Many empaths and highly sensitive people feel selfish when they take time off to take care of themselves. This is cause for concern because we are wired different than the average Joe. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t effectively do what we’re here to do…but we’re not exactly wired to take care of ourselves first.
Yes, we are called towards tasks that require priority attention over our own needs but as an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP) it is vitally important we continue to take care of ourselves each and every day so we can contribute to the world as we are called.
6 Quick Daily Care Tips for Empaths and Highly Sensitive People:
1. Drink lots of clean pure water to hydrate your body and keep it functioning at its optimal. Water cleanses and purifies your body giving you sharp mental clarity. Trust me, you’ll be a happier person with a well hydrated body.
2. Exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical body. Get moving. This helps you move out old energy and bring in fresh new energy. Like water, movement is extremely vital for your well-being.
3. Eat healthy nutritious meals. Consume plenty of dark green leafy lettuce and vegetables. Note: Many empaths and HSPs find eating things that are grown closely to or below ground to be very grounding for them. Some examples are potatoes, yams, carrots, peanuts, squashes, pumpkins, and broccoli. And also some find eating red meat to be grounding for them. Overall, just eat well balanced meals throughout the day.
4. Feel your emotions. Process them as they come up. Don’t just shove it down and bury it. When you do, you actually become more and more numb and disconnected… And it’s not always easy to feel your feelings but do it anyway. These energy in your body needs to be move and transformed. I promise, you’ll feel better, lighter, and cleaner afterward.
5. Talk with positive individuals. Just immerse yourself in their positive energy by being in proximity or enjoying a nice conversation. This also does wonders –for we humans are social creatures.
6. Get some fresh air and sunshine. You can’t elevate your mood as easily when you are stuck inside a building. You are a living breathing creature who needs to be connected to nature –not hidden inside some concrete building with artificial light and air. So go outside. Breathe. And bask in the warm sunshine.
For more solutions & techniques for Empaths and Highly Sensitive People, I invite you to check out Dr. Michael R. Smith’s eBook, The Complete Empath Toolkit: 44 Practical Steps to Master Your Energy and Personal Power.
Good morning everyone!
Today, I want to introduce you to Dr. Michael Smith –he’s a kind soul who has been coaching and elevating the lives of those individuals known as Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and Empath to live a more fulfilling healthier life.
Michael Robert Smith holds a Ph.D. in counseling from the University of Nevada-Reno. He has 15 years of experience in counseling, shamanic traditions, mind-body energy medicine, holistic healing, and intuition development. A former professor at the University of Wyoming, he lives in Santa Fe, NM where he coaches empaths and highly sensitive people in energy management. He is the author of “The Complete Empath Toolkit,” and “Empath Intuition” audiobook.
Below is one of his insightful articles I like to share with you:
I’m an Empath – Now What?
Has anyone ever said “you have a trusting face?” Do you find yourself listening with ease to other people’s problems? Do strangers easily share intimate secrets? If so, you probably have gone through life being more affected by other peoples’ energies than you realize.
As an empath, you are someone who has been hard-wired, from birth, to perceive and experience the thoughts, emotions, physical sensitivities, and spiritual urges of other persons. It is much more than being a highly sensitive person, and not limited to just emotions. For you, it can be like living an episode of Star Trek! You don’t even have to try and you just know the motivations and intentions of other people.
You cannot change the fact that you are an empath. It is akin to your eye color. You either are or you’re not. Being an empath is not teachable; it’s not something to learn. However, you can learn to become a skilled empath and manage your empath nature. Hopefully you have, or will now, make it your intention to modify the intensity of the empath experience through adaptive means (meditation, movement, grounding, wearing protective stones). However, it is quite common for empaths to modify the feelings through not-so-adaptive means (alcohol, drugs, addictions). If you fall into that category, it is completely understandable and you are not alone! Almost every empath whom I have encountered has, at one point or another, sought to alter their mood through addictions.
The definition of being an empath means you are always “on,” constantly available to process other people’s feelings and energy. As an empath, you have a gift, or in many cases, what may feel like a serious curse! For now, let’s set aside any notions of judgement. Even if it feels like an overwhelming burden, which it certainly is at times, our responsibility as an empath is to ourselves first, others second. So with that in mind, let’s focus on how we can take responsibility for managing our energetic sensitivity.
Beware, though. Identifying and recognizing yourself as an empath may give you a charge. It may cause lingering sensations of relief, bordering on giddyness. You will come to understand that as an empath you are not alone.
So with that in mind, let’s talk about what I have found are 5 of the most helpful methods of keeping yourself clean, strong, and healthy as an empath, free of the negative energetic influences of others.
1. REFRAME YOUR MENTAL OUTLOOK
Being an empath is indeed a burden at times. To be maximally effective, we must do what counselors call reframing, that is, changing our mental outlook so there is no room for blame. We can do very little to change our currently inherited genetic characteristics (although I believe that prayer from a sincere heart can change the past, present, and future. But that’s a whole other story for another book!).
Somewhere along the line, it is my belief, and my personal belief only, that empaths have agreed to help come to the Earth in this time of tremendous social, political, and environmental transition to be the “vacuum cleaners.” Empaths are the ones whose task it is to clean up the suffering that we individually and collectively created in the past. This is a personal outlook that serves to help put my gifts in perspective. It also helps to promote what I believe to be my serious responsibility to myself and others. And whether or not you choose to view your empathic nature in these terms is ultimately up to you.
As empaths, It is helpful to take a close look at our personal narrative. What are the stories that we tell ourselves as we wash dishes or peel potatoes? If we believe in a story that we need protection from evil spirits or negative energy, then we more likely set ourselves up for the manifesting of that scenario. As empaths, we understand what’s it’s like to be knocked around by other people’s energy. However, I don’t think that it’s maximally effective to focus on just protection. If we focus instead on how to maintain a strong healthy aura, any negative energies will be naturally and automatically dispelled. Negative energy cannot exist in the presence of light. To use a sports or political metaphor, it’s a question of whether you want to be on offense or defense. Focusing on promoting positive strengths is almost always more effective than a mental outlook that’s designed to protect your empath energy from invasion. That said, it is absolutely true that empaths need protection – we just don’t want to overdo it.
2. USE PROTECTING STONES AND WEAR A MEDICINE KIT
Stones have been known for their healing and protective properties for thousands of years. Stones are the oldest material on the earth, they are living creatures who offer their medicine to us if we will use it. Stones can be worn by carrying a medicine pouch around your neck or by wearing stone jewelry. I have found that the three best repellants for negative energy are Tourmaline, Onyx and Obsidian. Just like you, your stones must be cleaned regularly. I clean my stones usually every few days, depending on the intensity of my daily empath interactions. Give your stones at least 2-3 hours of direct sunlight in a crystal or glass bowl filled with sea salt and water. If you can’t get access to sunlight, run them under some tap water. It does almost as good a job.
3. USE NEW TECHNOLOGY
The first products that deserve mention are far infrared lightwave (heat) producing mats that penetrate deep into the body. I own a massage-table size product called the Amethyst BioMat that I have found indispensable in cleaning out energy. I lay on it every day when I feel energy accumulation. It uses far infrared heat, coupled with negative ions and the healing power of Amethyst, to increase blood circulation, thus producing an artificial fever in which the body’s immune system is stimulated. As you relax on top of the warm Amethyst, toxins are scrubbed away in as little as 30 minutes a day.
The second set of empath products worth looking into are the Electromagnetic field (EMF) protectors now on the market. It has been my experience that finding the right EMF protector for one’s unique energetic makeup can be hit or miss. I tried several products without success before finding the EarthCalm pendant. It’s a scalar resonance electric circuit which grounds one to the Earth’s energy field. I could feel the energy swirling in my field the moment I put it on. It is really crucial to understand that everyone’s energy system is different. Some products, including the Earthcalm, may actually do the opposite of what they are intended to do and make your sensitivity even more pronounced. The Q-Link pendant is another option that many empaths have reported successful. I do not sell any of these products. I list them simply because I have found them to be helpful in my own experience and that of my clients.
4. MOVE!
Exercise and movement in any form are great ways for empaths to move out old energy and pull in fresh energy. Martial arts and yoga are two of the best methods for an empath. Even a simple movement of one’s arm might be enough, or even a simple acknowledgment that your wrist hurts. The body responds to our focused attention in-kind.
If you are intimidated by the concept of martial arts, then try yoga, Tai Chi, or a user-friendly practice such as Nia, which is now emerging worldwide. I certainly wouldn’t be as effective without my daily Nia practice. Nia is a practice that re-trains the nervous system by combining a series of intentional, healing body postures with the power of dance and yoga. I find it to be the most joyful and playful experience of every day.
5. PROGRAM YOUR BRAIN WITH AFFIRMATIONS AND PRAYER.
Actual physical voicing of particular words and sounds produce a powerful effect in our empath energy fields. In the coaching work that I do with empaths, this is known as neuro-linguistic programming. The brain and body are programmed to produce good feelings with the repeating of certain mantras, words, or phrases. The process is designed to stimulate the empath nervous system into intentionally producing the actual energetic vibrations and feelings of peace, happiness, joy, and tranquility. I have a CD/mp3 album called “The Empath Experience” available on Amazon if you are interested further in this topic.
When you become a conscious empath, you will dramatically reduce your stress and anxiety, improve your mental outlook, improve relationships, and lead to a freedom and liberation previously unknown. You will be able to create joy where none was before present. In situations where you previously felt trapped, you now can bring in positive energy to change situations. You’ll begin to light up other people’s lives in a new way, and fulfill your destiny as an empath to help others. All of these skills take practice. With time, they will come more naturally. At some point, you will reach a tipping point; a critical point where your awareness exceeds your unconsciousness. It takes work on yourself to get to this place. Some empaths go all their lives and never reach it, but only for lack of will. If your will is strong enough, you will reach a place of emotional maturity and become a skilled empath.
For more helpful energy tips and techniques to help Empaths & Highly Sensitive People, check out Dr. Michael Smith’s The Complete Empath Toolkit: 44 Practical Steps to Master Your Energy and Personal Power.
Ever feel overwhelmed by your environment? Does it sometime feel like others energy soaks into your personal space? Ever catch yourself feeling exhausted, angry, irritable, moody, or sick for no reason–it just came like a sudden flood out of no where? Have you ever asked yourself why you are so sensitive to others around you and the environment?
The good news is these feelings might NOT be yours.
You may be what others call an “empath” also know as a “highly sensitive person” (HSP). Empaths are highly sensitive of the environment and energy. Often they can sense others energy and even absorb others energy. They can sense how another person is feeling just by being in proximity or seeing the person as if the feeling is in their OWN body.
The following list is provided by Michael R. Smith, Ph.D of EmpathConnection.com to help you discover if you are an empath.
You May Be An Empath If…
1. You look at someone and “just know” their emotional state.
2. You can feel the energy coming at you (or being drained) from another person, especially from the eyes.
3. You have a blocked feeling in your chest [or core], as if someone is tugging on it.
4. Tend to run away from people when stressed, rather than engage.
5. You’ve been called “oversensitive,” especially if you’re male.
6. Always know where danger may lurk. (Curiously, you may have avoided accidents).
7. Are drawn to the tranquility of animals.
8. Are drawn to mountains, nature, the ocean – anywhere outdoors.
9. Can not bear violence in any form.
10. Can easily produce tears, sometimes at will.
11. You can feel the physical aches & pains of others.
12. Feel better after a good, intense cry.
13. See things from the “bigger picture” and from “the larger scheme of things.”
14. Are overwhelmed by large crowds or mobs (e.g. shopping malls).
15. Can sometimes feel affected by the energy of the full moon.
16. Have intense, fantastic, and sometimes lucid, dreams.
If this sounds like you… You’re not alone.
Here are some solutions to clearing negative energy Mark and I found useful. Everyone is different, so try them out to see which ones work better for you.
The number one key is to STAY GROUNDED in your body. This means getting regular exercise, eating nutritional food, and cutting out overstimulating things in your life.
Clearing Negative Energy In Your Environment:
1. Smudging your home with sage.
2. Doing Meditation and taking deep breaths.
3. Strategically placing bowls of sea salt in your home to protect you from entrance of negative energy. The salt acts as an absorbent to negative energy.
4. Using protective stones and crystals. Some good protective stones that repel negative energy are Onyx and Obsidian. While Amber and black tourmaline acts more like absorbers. And Amethyst is considered a healing stone. So you may also want to consider wearing protective stone jewelry. (Just remember to clean the stones regularly with sea salt and water.)
5. Physically clean the place. This removes the old energy and keep the place in high vibration.
Elevating Your Personal Energy and Grounding Yourself:
1. Take a nice warm shower.
2. Take a nice bath using Epsom Salt. Epsom Salt is to help you cut the psychic connection with others so that they are no longer pulling you. Plus, it helps your tired body relax.
3. Use essential oil or scent such as lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, etc. to calm and relax yourself.
4. Get a nice massage.
5. Meditate
6. Going outside for some sun.
7. Doing any type of physical activities that will help you stay grounded in your body. (e.g. Yoga, Tai Chi, martial art, jogging, boxing, exercise, or some kind of sports you enjoy, etc.)
8. Get some fresh air.
9. Connect with nature.
10. Going to ocean, forest, or mountain area also helps you rejuvenate.
11. Surrounding yourself around plants or trees of high energy.
12. Drink pure water. (Bless your water with positive energy before drinking it. And remember to thank it for purifying your body as you drink it.)
13. Eat proper balance nutritious meals.
14. Feel your emotions.
15. Take care of yourself.
We found some of these tips helpful:
Check out Michael’s Complete Empath Toolkit here.
Empath & Highly Sensitive People Energy Tips: Dr. Michael Smith
Empath Solutions 