I remember my first inkling that I might be an Empath. I was in middle school and got the word “empathy” on a spelling list. When the teacher gave us the definition, I almost cried out loud, “That’s it! That’s the answer to world peace!” It seemed clear to me: anyone who could feel the feelings of another, couldn’t hurt them without hurting themselves.
Sadly, the rest of the world seemed to be lacking this simple understanding. It wasn’t until Star Trek the Next Generation that I actually had a word that fit comfortably as a label. At 20 years old, Counselor Deanna Troi helped me to realize I was an Empath.
I’m not alone, today there are many people who identify with this label. Feeling other people’s feelings was never very comfortable for me. In fact, I mostly experienced it as pain in my solar plexus. I was 40 before I learned to deflect some of that energy, so it wasn’t so uncomfortable. I was also around 40 when I finally felt a really good feeling as a result of being an Empath, and it was glorious. Now that I’m over 50, I feel like I have a better handle on it than ever, and for that, I am truly thankful.
I’m a member of An Empath support group on Facebook. They currently have over 300,000 members from all over the world. I’ve never been in contact with so many Empaths before. It’s fascinating to watch each new member ask all the same questions as every new member before them. The patterns are clear and unmistakable no matter their sex, race or location. It’s clear to me that our numbers are growing, perhaps exponentially.
Think about that for a minute. A growing number of people who really have no wish to hurt others because it literally causes them pain. These people are living life all over the world and setting a clear example for all to see of what Humans can be. They’re raising children, creating businesses, inventing stuff, creating art and running for office. Best of all, they’re supporting and mentoring the next generation of Empaths, who won’t have to wait until they’re 50 before they can live their lives comfortably and with confidence. Then, being the loving and compassionate people they are, that next generation will go on to support and mentor the new Empaths to come, who will become even stronger at a younger age.
Of course, to me, this is an excellent development. My 12 year old self is jumping for joy at the prospect of a world with so many people who feel so deeply. If the numbers keep growing, it won’t be long before violence and abuse stand out like a sore thumb as wrong and unacceptable. To me, it feels like a natural step in the evolution of Mankind that will finally allow Humans to live and work in true peace and cooperation. It’s almost enough to give one hope for the future. I just hope we’re not too late.