I have known for 10 years that my eldest daughter is both psychic and a strong empath person. I have felt I am likely an empath too but have been reluctant to "label " myself as one because I thought I only had a few traits and to say I am truly empathic could be a big overstatement. While my daughter and I share empathic traits, I knew I did not share all of her traits.
I have not known to what extent my youngest daughter may or may not be an empath. Recently however, I have felt she might also be one.
Today I discovered a self diagnosis Empath test by Dr. Judith Orloff. Dr. Orloff is a psychiatrist and intuitive healer who specializes in treating empaths.
Holy Smokes Batman!!!
I am definitely an empath and now strongly believe my youngest is even more so than I am. This would explain soooooooo much. I thought I had a good working understanding of empathic traits.
Nope. Just a beginner level here. There is so much more going on with empaths than I originally understood. I have much to learn. All three of us share traits but we also have varying degrees of things going on and unique traits to each one of us as well. I bet as more research takes place, even more characteristics will emerge with people who are empaths.
Here is a link to the self diagnosis test. It is free. You don't fill out anything, just reflect on the questions listed. I hope it is ok to put the link here. If not, please delete it Jeanne.
https://drjudithorloff.com/quizzes/empath-self-assessment-test/
Dr. Orloff also has a good book, "The Empath's Survival Guide", which might interest you. The book contains the self-assessment quiz, as well as explaining the different types of empaths and ways to best protect yourself, while honoring and using your gifts in the best way. There's a good section on raising and nurturing empathic children.
I got 15/20 - so I have strong empathic tendencies. This explains a great deal about my personality and how difficult some things are for me to deal with. Empathy is an extremely important trait that is sadly lacking in our world - but those of us who have strong empathic tendencies suffer too because of how much we feel. It's a really difficult way to live but better than the alternative.
I'm 15/20 as well. I stay away from most crowds, especially grocery stores and malls during the holidays. People are incredibly stressed out during those times and I just get drained and anxious. Being empathic has helped me deal with family members who are autistic though.
Interesting, I am also 15/20.
Thanks for posting the test. I suspect that almost everyone in this community will test high in the scoring. It will help people to feel better about all the traits she's measuring. The bottom line is that you have a gift and that gift can make it difficult socially for you.
I was told years ago when I started giving readings that we were a tribe who came here to help the people of this earth get through these times. I was told that we were from another dimension where we understood that everyone was connected, including the animals and trees, the seas and mountains, the sun and moon. We not only understood the interconnectivity of all beings, but we felt it in our bodies and minds, and we resonated with the pain of animals and trees and people when they were suffering.
This level of empathy is a higher vibration. We are here to help others rise to that higher vibration. Some of us may feel grounded and strong and be able to model fortitude through these times. Some of us may feel beaten down by the heavier vibrations we encounter here, even in our own families, and have all we can do to just keep going. Some of us may be somewhere in between - sometimes strong and wise, and other times, weak and despairing and everything in between. But all of us are here to model the gift of empathy that is naturally within our beings.
That’s so beautiful, Jeanne. I took a walk today along a winding dirt path among towering Douglas firs, woodland ferns, blackberry brambles and the occasional madrona tree. It just felt so good to be in that space surrounded by those tall trees. I did feel the connection. Thank you Lovendures for the empath assessment. I’m another 15/20.
Thank you for the site and test- I scored 18/20- no surprise to me or my family. They are constantly criticizing me for being "too sensitive" . Crowds are dreadful, as are loud noises. If anyone is upset with me and yelling etc... I feel physically ill. Mediation has helped me cope and keep it in check. It can be a challenge at times, but it is worth the work.
You are very welcome.
I love walking in the woods and through the trees. It is difficult to do this time of year here in the desert southwest. I do have pine, ash, citrus, elm and ficus trees and many bushes in my backyard and yes grass, which provide for a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife. A hawk was in my yard last week and I continue to watch the 2 quail families which call my yard their home, grow. There are 7 quail teenagers now. I know we need to be water conscious but I also know my yard provides a refuge for wildlife. During the hottest time of the day, I have counted over 30 birds of various varieties resting in the shade of the tress on the grass, not moving a muscle conserving their energy. This is the first year I have noticed hummingbirds resting on tree branches too.
Yes, we are all connected . My understanding of the depth of that connection grows all the time. I imagine it will continue to do so through out my life.
Fun fact. My mom would scout out stores at the mall a day or 2 before we would shop for back to school clothes. She would do this knowingI could only a handle a short amount of time before my energy would drain. She would know what places would hold the most likelihood of me finding what I would need so we could make the best use of our time. She also noticed I would feel the fabric of EVERY piece of clothing before I would agree to try something on.
I always thought my mom was like the energizer bunny, sooo much energy. It is true, she still has a surreal amount of energy but I now realized that it wasn't so much that I was a low energy type of kid, it was the fact that I was effected by the energy of the people present and all the activity I needed to navigate around.
I am still sensitive to fabric textures. I feel them first before trying them on.