Nancy B. Loughlin

Special to The News-Press

You know you’re an empath when, like Obi-Wan Kenobi, you feel great disturbances in The Force.

But you also sense tiny trembles. You detect an atmospheric shift when one person’s energy enters, or contaminates, a room. Another person’s mood slams you when you lay a single fingertip on their skin. If anyone is in pain, you feel it, physically.

You’re the glue holding families together, the bandage for the group’s faulty communication.

So what makes an empath?

According to Katie Romano Griffin, Fort Myers Life Coach and hypnotherapist, the heart of the empath may lie in the subconscious.

She explained that during the course of an ordinary day, most people have filters that manage or block the daily flurry of message units.

Message units are accumulations of thoughts, physical movement and the stimulation of the five senses. These units bombard the conscious mind.

But, some people take in more message units, that sensory and environmental information, than others.

“Is empathy the result of a subconscious predisposition, or something else?” Griffin asked.

Empaths, because of their acute sensitivity, wind up assuming the roles of intuitive, healer, peacemaker and savior.

It’s empaths who drown.

The raw emotion of crowds can overwhelm empaths and blow their sensors. Empaths are the world’s emotional sponges because they wear signs that say, “Dump on me.”

Vampires, energy suckers, find empaths fast.

How can empaths protect themselves while they are busy feeling everyone’s pain?

If you’re an empath....

Griffin suggests all empaths strengthen the filter around the conscious mind. This is done through a daily meditation practice, rest and proper diet.

“Fortify the body systems so you can handle the message units,” Griffin said.

2. As often as you can during your day, center yourself in you. Place one hand on your stomach and one on your head. With your eyes closed, open your mouth and tone, “Ah,” and hold it for as long as you can. Better yet, tone, “No.” Hold it and mean it.

In addition to toning, work the throat chakra often.

While driving, sing and work your own voice. Take Fish Pose, Supported Shoulder Stand and Legs up the Wall. Wear blue stones around your neck.

3. Protect your space.

Declutter your home.

Reserve a single room for only you, paint it blue, and make it your meditation room. Inside, there’s only you and a meditation pillow.

Every day, smudge your house with purifying sage.

4. Keep your possessions to a minimum. The fewer the appendages, the better.

Can you fit all of your stuff in a single backpack? Probably not. But it’s a standard to keep in mind.

5. Every six months, inventory your tribe. If your contact with any person is draining you rather than energizing your purpose, cut ties and send love from a distance.

Nancy B. Loughlin is a Fort Myers writer and yogi. Visit her website at www.NamasteNancy.com or follow her on Twitter @NancyLoughlin.