Empathy 101

Empathy 101

Written by Jessica Danforth

Let’s begin what does Empathy mean? It is defined as, “The capacity to share and understand others emotions and needs as if they were our own” (Dale, 2014). Empathy can be expressed in many different Empathic styles, and nearly anyone can cultivate or develop Empathy. You can experience Empathy through different manners such as Physical, Mental, Emotional, Natural, Spiritual or Shamanic styles that utilize this Empathic Spiritual Gift. A Spiritual Gift is an innate or natural psychic ability that you possess, and Empathy falls under this term. A quote from C. Joybell declares, “Our bodies have five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy. The differences between people lie in their use of their senses” (Dale, 2014).  

Physical Empathy is described as, “The capacity for sensing another’s physicality in your own body” (Dale, 2014). Through Physical Empathy you absorb the physical energies present in the external environment. This might be through sensations like aches, jarring pains, taste or smelling aromas. Even though you may be connected to these vibrations the sensations can actually warn, impede, or alert you to be more careful, deter, or make aware of what could happen to you by empathetically feeling it from an external source. Those who experience Physical Empathy tend to take on the physical pains of those around them, and they may even feel the bodily symptoms or illness in their own body, and they might even know where exactly in the body it’s occurring. They can sometimes hold an object and experience strong sensations. One example of this could be if you hold a piece of antique jewelry that someone has worn frequently and, in doing so, you sense the physical pains and pleasures from the person that owned the jewelry, and you also become lightheaded or nauseas this is Physical Empathy in action.

Mental empathy is outlined as, “receiving information and data from the outside world and seeming to simply ‘know’ what someone else knows” (Dale, 2014). This is the gut feeling the inner knowing, hearing, and seeing. It’s the sense that tells you what to pay attention to, and basically the mind-body connection in action. There is a general understanding within your body, and those who encounter Mental Empathy often understand what is motivating someone, even if they don’t know or understand themselves. They might even find it difficult to explain to people how they might possibly know what they know. They are able to read between the lines and know what people are really thinking or saying, and it’s easy for them to get a sense of another person’s perspective even when they don’t know that person well. Mental Empathy is knowing exactly what information to pay attention to.

Emotional Empathy is expressed as, “feeling another’s feelings as if they were your own” (Dale, 2014). Indicating clear feeling, and clear sensing. This form of Empathy is communicated through feelings, stirring emotions and urges that make you want to help out. You know exactly what to pay attention to and what to do, and can usually tell what is wrong with someone even if they don’t speak about it.  Those that experience Emotional Empathy are more sensitive to the moods, and feelings of others and might feel a wave of strong emotions from time to time. These feeling represent its own meaning, and provides a set of instruction. For example, joy affirms, sadness encourages, anger suggest it’s time to set boundaries, fear means you think through an idea and prepare, guilt examines behaviors, and shame might imply feeling stuck. One example of Emotional Empathy in action might be when a random person approaches you and shares the deepest secret or feelings they have for no real reason whatsoever.

Natural Empathy is classified as, “Relating to nature-based forces and creatures” (Dale, 2014). Everything in nature gives off a vibration, and everything is alive with vibration, voice, scent, and sight. Natural Empathy understands the world is shimmering with life yet breathing life into us. Natural Empathy is identified as the happiest when in harmony with nature: earth, water, and the sky. They can often tell what animals are going through physically or emotionally. They also can tap into environmental sources of information including planetary shifts, weather patterns, emotions and needs of animals, and caring to herbs and plants are all used in Natural Empathy for healing purposes to predict weather or environmental situations before it occurs.  Natural Empathy for example can be seen through the symbolism of an animal or through the winds, sunbeams, and even rain. Each animal represents a different concept in reality and has a specific meaning, For instance if a you saw a crow the crow is labeled as bringing change, so if you were to dream about or maybe see a crow this might infer change is on the horizon.

Spiritual Empathy is termed as, “Intuitively feeling another person’s level of honesty or dishonesty” (Dale, 2014). Spiritual Empathy is like having a sensor that responds to any shift in moods, and can always tell when someone is lying or being dishonest. The body serves as the vessel to register the spiritual information, but there is no physical jarring like physical empathy, or emotional wash like emotional empathy, or even the mentalism like mental empathy. Spiritual Empathy might encounter feeling the presence of nonphysical beings, and spiritual messages can be received through meditation, contemplation meaning being in the presence, or praying to the divine to provide discernment. Spiritual Empathy consists of thinking that we are all here to fulfill a destiny and are here to help people figure out their purpose. A lack of ethics and integrity is something that will bother a Spiritual Empathic person more than anything.

Shamanic Empathy is specified as, “The Empathic style that includes all other styles as well as the ability to contact other dimensions and time periods” (Dale, 2014). Shamanic Empathy incorporates every sense of empathy Physical, Mental, Emotional, Natural, and Spiritual. Shamanic Empathy perceives spirit everywhere and in everything, and at times seem to be more aware of the nonphysical world, dimension, and beings than the physical world. They can tune into other dimensions, beings, times, places, and even space. Most feel like a stranger on this planet and feel hard to really tune into the world around, and most often feel overwhelmed by their own psychic sensitives to people, animals, objects, and even spirits. Shamanic Empathy possess a multidimensional awareness of others past lives, spiritual presence, and even knowledge about what might have occurred on a piece of land or in a house. They are those that always go through déjà vu about the pasts, and past lives. Those with Shamanic Empathy can do it all which is a blessing yet a curse at the same time.

Once again Empathy is characterized as feeling an external sources feelings and emotions as if it was your own whether it be through a Physical, Mental, Emotional, Natural, Spiritual or Shamanic scope. These Empathic gifts are psychic and energetic abilities that facilitate subtle body experiences of Empathy. Any person can improve their Empathic capabilities, and while others might believe Empathy is some sort of curse you can’t control, others find it as the most powerful blessing that a person can have. Those who experience Empathy feel that deep passion, and inner call to ease or feel for another person. As Sam Levenson wrote, “Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Reference

Dale, C. (2014). The spiritual power of empathy: Develop your intuitive gifts for compassionate connection. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications.

About Jessica Danforth

Jessica is a student pursuing mental health therapy at Florida State University. Her understanding and mastering of her own empathic gifts help her relate to others and shed love and compassion in a way that others are receptive to. She is the perfect example of how empathy is less of a weakness and more of a gift that can bring unity. 

A note from And Zen Some: 

My favorite healing stone for empaths to use is Labradorite! Labradorite shields your aura against energies that drain you, repairs holes from any leakage, and boosts your energy back to a good place. It also allows you to share your compassion without feeling drained. Remember, empath, there is a REASON that people feel drawn to you. Help them - but use Labradorite to help yourself. You can read more about Labradorite by clicking HERE ! 

Advanced Wire Wrapping Tutorial

Yesterday I tried a new technique while wire wrapping. For most of my pieces I start by cutting four one-foot pieces of wire and connecting them at the very end to start my loop. I allow the loop to flow into the piece. The new technique I tried was very different. Luckily I remembered to capture my process for those of you who have been asking how to wire wrap. 

Things to be aware of: 

I learned through practice, through callusing my fingers, through messing up multiple times, through learning what works for me specifically. I do not believe art is something that can be "taught." Wire wrapping to me is about finding your "flow", finding your own technique, and finding your own style. In this tutorial I will be very brief because each stone is different. You must let the energy of the stone carry you throughout the artistic process. Wrapping should be like a puzzle - determining where to put each piece of wire, what weave will best lock the wires in place, etc. Without me being there with you to see the shape and size of the crystal, this is the best I can do. I truly hope this bit of information and these pictures are helpful!

Step One: Cut four long (16-24 inch) pieces of base wire. I use 16 gauge, but many people will use 18 or 20 (thinner sizes) for finer detail. 

Step Two: Cut one very long piece of the thin wire you will be using for weaving. I usually cut a five foot strand, but end up needing more. I use 28 gauge wire for weaving, which is the thinnest I've been able to find. I love working with 26 gauge as well. 24 is normally too strong for attractive, tight weaves. 

Step Three: Wrap the thin wire around the center of all four pieces so they stay together. From here you will begin your weave. This will be the bottom of the pendant. 

The easiest technique in my opinion is to go over and under two pieces of wire with the thin wire. Make sure you are pulling the wire tight each time. With the thin wire start from the outside of the thicker piece, pull down into the middle, and pull out the other side, go over the outside piece of thicker wire, down into the middle, and out the other side. It is very basic weaving and after you learn this step, you will be on your way to playing around with other weaving styles. 

Step Four: After you have began weaving this side of your wire base, hold it up to the stone how it will sit. See what your next move is. You should pay attention to how you are going to hold the stone in place, what wire will move behind the stone to create a cage, and how you will begin your loop. 

The loose ends that come up to the top do not have to continue to circle the stone, you can put those pieces of wire around to the back of the stone, come around the side, whatever feels right. Like I said before, wrapping is like a puzzle and should be done by finding where each piece goes until you have it in the right spot. 

Step Five: Weave the other side of the base where you began your first weave (the bottom of the pendant. You can try a new weaving technique, use all four (or as many as you want) of the thick pieces of wire. 

Do not worry if you mess up your weave. It can always be covered my swirls or more wire! :) 

Step Six: Once you have been weaving for a while, hold the stone up again. Can you begin a loop? To create the loop, you will start from the back and put something between the stone and loop to make a hole. With that piece you will come around the front and find a way to assemble those pieces of wire so the loop will stay in place. 

Step Seven: It helps lock the stone and wire in place if you come back up and wrap the loop with excess wire.  

Step Eight: Continue weaving and wrapping as much as you would like. Once the stone is in place it is up to you to create the amount and type of detail you want. 

To end a piece of wire, I create a swirl or tie it in the back of the loop so the loose end of the wire is not visible. 

To create a swirl, use needle nose pliers at the very tip and do small bends with your wrists until you have reached the desired effect. Use wire cutters to cut any loose ends you don't need. You can use leftover thin wire still attached to weaves to hold the swirls in place. 

How to Relax Using Crystals

After a long day, in the middle of a difficult day, before you go to sleep, or before you start your day, it is an excellent idea to put aside ten-twenty minutes to heal your nerves and ease your mind. Whether it's stress, migraines, a racing heartbeat, or worried thoughts - there are crystals that can help you overcome what you are feeling. When you lose your relaxed state, you lose your control. When you lose your control, you give up your power and strength to ego. Sometimes it's hard not to lose your control and your peace of mind. To reenter the state of relaxation and control, however, is easy. 

For Headaches: 

I was able to heal my migraines with this Lapis Lazuli stone. Amazing!

Amethyst, Sodalite, and Lapis Lazuli are my favorite crystals to use for headaches and migraines. There are two quick ways to relieve headaches using one of these three crystals. If you are able to lie down for ten minutes, simply lay comfortably with your arms flat to your sides. Place the crystal of your choice on your forehead (or on your third eye chakra) or hold it in your hands. Close your eyes and take deep breaths - in through your nose, out through your mouth. Your focus should remain on your breathing and on the warm, vibrating energy of the crystal's contact with your skin. Inhale positive energy, exhale negativity. Inhale peace, exhale stress and worry. Inhale serenity, exhale pain. If you are unable to lie down, simply sit with straight posture and do the same. 

For Grounding: 

Source: http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/mountain-pose/

When the feeling that you are losing all control strikes, you are in dire need of grounding. Some other symptoms include feeling tired or drained, overstimulated and jittery, feeling floaty, misplacing things or being clumsy, feeling like you are stuck in an out of body experience, or not being able to keep track of important things or conversations. Some excellent crystals to use to solve this problem are Smokey Quartz, Black Tourmaline, or Kyanite. Feeling like you are not grounded comes from your root and earth star chakras. Your root chakra is located at the base of your spine and your earth star chakras are located at your feet. The best way to ground yourself and gain back your control is to stand barefoot - especially outside in the grass if you are able to - and hold the smokey quartz in your hand. The way you should be standing is known as "Tadasana" for yogi's. This pose is powerful to practice because it is a helpful way to regain power within itself. You stand tall with your feet apart and arms next to you with your palms facing outward. Wear or hold the crystal you are using. This will center you spiritually and ground you with the Earth. If you are unable to go outside or stand, you can sit upright with your feet touching the floor and take deep breaths holding the crystal you are using. Imagine what is below you - the floor, the grass, the dirt, the earth, all the way deep down to Earth's oldest layers. Now picture the energy from those oldest layers all the way up sending life and vitality all the way up from your toes, through your body, and beaming out of your crown chakra into the sky and then to the galaxy. You are one with the Earth. You are safe. Everything you need is provided for you. 

For Frustration: 

Labradorite (left) and Lepidolite (right) are great crystals for restoring inner peace. The colorful sheen Labradorite offers is enough to distract your mind from all frustration. 

Frustration can be painful - when everything around you is not going as you wish it would. This type of feeling can be caused by people, work, life at home, etc. Some great crystals to use for this are labradorite, moonstone, and lepidolite. Labradorite and Moonstone are especially good for when people bring you down. These are two crystals that protect against energy vampires and will raise you to your higher consciousness - allowing only light and wisdom in and out. Lepidolite is better for stressful situations you may be faced with because it eases transitions. All three of these crystals are excellent stress relievers. The best way to use them is to sit or lie down holding them in your hand. Breathe deeply. Think of what is stressing you out. Channel this into the crystal you are holding and allow the crystal to channel it's energies into you. Remind yourself that other people and events are beyond your control and you should not allow those types of things to frustrate you. Affirm that everything has a way of working itself out. Allow the light of the piece of Earth you are holding to wash away your worries and restore you with the positive, calm energy you need. 

For Worry and Panic: 

Here I hold two Uruguayan Amethysts. The deep purple crystals put me in such a trance. 

Blue Calcite, Carnelian, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, and Aquamarine are the best crystals to use to relax during this kind of trouble. Worry and panic originate in the mind, and can easily be fixed by a change in thought. However, it is very difficult to retrieve thoughts once they slip into the egoic realm of negativity. After the mind is dominated by negativity, other parts of the body can very easily be altered and brought into a terrible state. Blue Calcite can specifically be used to relax the mind and the heart rate. Carnelian is best used to calm scattered thoughts or brain chatter that is not benefiting you and to keep your mind focused on proper action that needs to be taken. Amethyst and Rose Quartz can be used to relieve the mind of negative, worried thoughts and bring your heart and spirit back to a peaceful state. Blue Lace Agate and Aquamarine can be used to relax the mind and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. When you realize you are beginning to worry and panic, and it is too late to create a positive reality for yourself - try this technique. 

No matter where you are or what you are doing, hold one of the crystals listed above in your hand and focus on it. For this kind of problem, it is not necessary to be seated, lying down, or standing - though it may help to physically be relaxed. Close your eyes and bring your attention to the crystal in your hands. Breathe in and out deeply as you feel the crystal vibrate in your hands. Feel the warmth of the crystal spread through your hands. Let the energy of the crystal wipe away any worry in you heart or in your mind. Remind yourself that you are safe, happy, and healthy. 

Four Crystals Every Empowered Woman Needs

Empowered women are strong, tough, and dedicated. They support and help each other. They are not jealous or greedy. They are smart and wise. They are politicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, mothers. They are caring, loving, passionate, and gentle. They know what is best for themselves and those around them. They nurture the things they care most about. They are fearless and that makes them flawless. These are the kind of people that are beaming with light, and therefore many negative energies are drawn to that light. In order to nurture oneself, protect oneself, and remain empowered - these crystals may be vital! 

1. Chrysocolla - 

Chrysocolla is my first recommendation to every empowered woman for several reasons. This stone is the essence of empowerment, expression, and teaching. It gives us the ability to to dig deep into our painful experiences and teach others through sharing what we learned. It allows us to be open and expressive. It also allows us to heal the heart by letting those painful experiences serve as lessons not only to others, but to ourselves; this allows us to reopen our hearts and allow for new experiences. Chrysocolla is also great for relieving premenstrual symptoms and cramps for those days when Mother Nature is totally not cooperating with us! It is great for women expecting a child, women who just gave birth to a child, and women who's grandchildren or great-grandchildren just entered the world because it helps relieve anxieties in order to fulfill their new caregiver role. It builds confidence, insight, and the ability to encourage others. You can find the pendant in the picture here! 

2. Rainbow Moonstone

These are specimens from one of my favorite shops on etsy, TheMagickWizard. Rainbow Moonstone resonates with the Goddess energy, the deep feminine energy that stirs deep within us all. This stone helps women resonate with the spiritual wonders of the moon that help us recognize how powerful we really are. This crystal helps us realize what we are capable of as fearless, empowered women. It teaches women confidence and serenity, to soothe the anger and aggression they may have within. By helping women resonate with the moon, it helps them become less sensitive to the full or new moon. This means they will sleep better, feel better, and express themselves better during these times. 

3. Red Coral 

Red Coral is an obvious pick. It is known as the "Women's Crystal" or "The Blood of Mother Earth" because it helps women become harmonious with the elements. For anyone who feels fatigued, tired all the time, out of their body or out of control, Red Coral would be great to wear or carry because it helps us become grounded to the Earth. It revives passion and drive within us all - some of the key elements that make us empowered women! Red Coral can also be used for menstruation and fertility. It can also help restore tissues in the reproductive organs. You can find this gorgeous bracelet here. 

4. Rose Quartz

This pendant is from my new Summer Solstice Line on my etsy shop. Rose Quartz is perhaps my favorite stone for the heart & higher heart chakras. It brings such a loving energy - perfect to help heal any woman. This crystal is excellent for helping women see the beauty in everything, especially themselves. One thing that makes an empowered woman empowered is the fact that they do not put other women or themselves down, in fact they nurture themselves and each other to help find beauty. This is a stone of confidence, high self-esteem, and forgiveness. This stone is also a powerful aphrodisiac, allowing women to give and receive love in each and every sense. It helps us get in tune with our sexuality and our sensual side. This allows us to connect with ourselves, our hearts, and the highest feelings of love and passion. Among all these things, it can help women who are have not found their fiery, passionate, strong sides. It helps awaken our love of self and forgiveness of self. It relieves guilt, trauma, worry, jealousy, and all other negative emotions that hold us back.