THE WALKING GURU

Throughout my life, I’ve carried a unique gift: an intense sensitivity that lets me feel emotions deeply. It’s like having an emotional compass, but it hasn’t always been easy to manage.

The Pattern

At times, my sensitivity left me drained, lost in others’ emotions, neglecting my own truth due to deep-rooted fears. I’d prioritize their feelings, often at my own expense, a survival tactic from childhood, believing it earned me acceptance and love.

The Revelation

Yet lately, I’ve glimpsed the cracks in this strategy. Bottling up my truth fueled a cycle of fear—dread of not being heard, misconstrued, or shunned, even if you dare express yourself. I’ve recognized the need for change.

Embracing Guilt-Free Expression

I’m actively working on setting healthier boundaries and expressing my feelings without guilt not only to the receptive listener. It’s a process of rediscovering myself, my needs, and embracing my sensitivity as a strength. Mindfulness has become my ally, helping me stay present and grounded.

Breaking Habits

This journey isn’t always easy. Breaking old habits requires effort, but I’m committed to personal growth. I’ve come to understand that my empathy is a remarkable asset—one I’m eager to channel towards fostering genuine connections with others. My focus is now on nurturing both my well-being and nurturing relationships grounded in mutual respect, love, and profound understanding.

Empathy and Self-Care Can Intertwine

If you’ve ever felt that delicate struggle between being sensitive and taking care of yourself, and you’ve found yourself putting others before your own needs, ending up feeling overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone. We’re in this journey together, learning and growing, striving to create lives where empathy and self-care beautifully intertwine.

Moving forward with a more empowered and responsible mindset, here are some ideas you can consider experimenting with:

1. Develop Self-Awareness:
   Practice mindfulness to become aware of your own emotions. Take regular breaks to pause and recognize your own feelings.
2. Set Boundaries:
   Learn to say “no” when you feel overwhelmed or overly influenced by others’ emotions. Set clear boundaries to protect yourself.
3. Emotional Regulation:
   Learn emotional regulation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or relaxation techniques to better manage your own emotions.
4. Distancing Techniques:
   Visualize an “emotional bubble” around yourself to shield you from others’ emotions.
5. Take Time for Yourself:
   Schedule regular self-care and downtime to recharge from the emotional demands of others.
6. Reflection and Processing:
   Take time to reflect on and process your own emotions and experiences. Consider keeping a journal to sort through your thoughts.
7. Practice Communication:
   Learn to communicate your own feelings clearly and openly despite being overwhelmed or intimidated by others’ emotions or judgements.
8. Prioritize Your Needs:
   Make sure not to neglect your own needs while helping others. Prioritize your health and well-being.
9. Build Healthy Relationships:
   Surround yourself with supportive individuals who respect your needs and value your empathy without taking advantage of it.
10. Therapeutic Support:
    In some cases, seeking professional help from a therapist experienced in working with empaths can be beneficial.

Use a metaphorical “observer” perspective as if you were looking through a binocular from above to distance yourself from others’ feelings in the very moment.

Beyond Judgment

Love shatters the grip of judgments, empowering us to respond with compassion and steer clear of limiting labels. Empathy reveals our shared emotional tapestry, yet even within this unity, subtle intimidation and unspoken threats can inadvertently reignite deep-seated fears. Nevertheless, we have the ability to rise above judgment, honoring every individual’s emotions and needs. I recognize that sometimes it’s necessary and okay to take a break—a long break—to distance yourself and heal. Empathy and self-care go hand in hand, shaped by our mindful choices and steadfast devotion. Ultimately, withholding my truth just because someone might not be open to it is a disservice to both myself and genuine connection.