The term empath is used to describe a specific group of Highly Sensitive People.

HSPs have greater sensitivity to their environment, enhanced sensory perception and deeper processes of thinking and feeling. They make up approximately 20% of the population, across all countries and cultures. See the work of Elaine Aron for more information.

Empaths are highly sensitive people with a gift of being able to feel others' feelings, as if they are their own. This is not simply experiencing empathy for another human being and their suffering; this is an embodied, constant, lived experience.

In scientific terms, a person experiencing pain or suffering is witnessed by another person. They respond to certain facial or gestural cues, with empathy. Empathising is a first person, primordial act. But ordinarily, the pain or suffering is experienced as a non-primordial act, i.e. not felt directly.

In the lives of empaths, the pain or suffering of another is experienced as primordial. Empaths have the capacity to feel the origin of the sensation, the parts of the body that suffer, and the particular type of energy related to the pain (sharp, acute, chronic, numbing, dull, aching, tingling, electric, etc.).

The mechanism is not yet known, and research in this area is virtually non-existent. Perhaps it is a question of neurobiology or neuroscience, or something else entirely. 

In the search for making meaning, empaths deserve a narrative to reflect their personal and unique experiences.

The tuning fork is one metaphor to describe the empath gift.

Firstly, subtle vibrations of energy are easily picked up by empaths.

In my experience, much of the energy I sense from outside of myself, travels through my legs - much like the prongs of a tuning fork.

The affect of the energy or emotional content of another often lasts much longer than the original event! The empath experiences the feelings until they pass, or until they ground and re-centre themselves.

The tuning fork holds a pure note, and there is a purity to the gift of being an empath. The essence of an empath does not change, and there is an accuracy to their ability to resonate with other people.

In Chinese Medicine, the element of Metal is associated with letting go and cleansing what is no longer needed. This opens us to the beauty and purity within and around us. Metal is also related to value and self-worth, and this is the gift and richness of being born an empath - recognising these qualities in yourself and in others.

Lastly, the tuning fork provides a cleansing energy and is often used in healing work. The presence of an empath is in itself healing. The greatest gift we can offer another being is true understanding, deep empathy and connection to their authentic self.

What is your experience of being an empath?

What metaphors help you make sense of your experiences?

To find out more about mastering the art of being an empath, contact bryony@creativesoultherapies.com