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Empathy

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Zorro

I haven't really noticed a lot of talk about empathy, not recently since I have been here anyways. It is an area that interests me greatly. I am just curious to hear some thoughts about it. I am sure there are other empathetic people here besides myself.
Do you generally agree with the school of thought that there are two types of empaths, those that feel it and those that know? What is it like for you? Do you find it useful? or do you find it difficult? Has it ever helped you in situations that arise? Do you think it is a form of telepathy?(I have read that some people do.) Basically, I am just curious about what you think about it, as well as your experiences with it.
I can post about my own later when I have more time.
I haven't really noticed a lot of talk about empathy, not recently since I have been here anyways. It is an area that interests me greatly. I am just curious to hear some thoughts about it. I am sure there are other empathetic people here besides myself. Do you generally agree with the school of thought that there are two types of empaths, those that feel it and those that know? What is it like for you? Do you find it useful? or do you find it difficult? Has it ever helped you in situations that arise? Do you think it is a form of telepathy?(I have read that some people do.) Basically, I am just curious about what you think about it, as well as your experiences with it. I can post about my own later when I have more time.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

SheepKing

It is hard to really define the actual line that is between empathy and telepathy. Any psychic interaction between to people isn't always clear cut.
A problem that many people have is they define "telepathy" as "Hearing someones thoughts." Which isn't entirely correct. The better definition of telepathy, (my reference is www.m-w.com ) is:
Telepathy: communication from one mind to another by extrasensory means
If you use that definition you are not limiting yourself to simply 'emotion'; or even just 'verbal thought'. You are encompassing ALL interactions between another persons mind to your own. This can include, in my eyes, the transmissions of thoughts/emotions/physical sensation/dreams and what have you. Maybe it should be called telempathy :-P
Empaths who feel vs. ones who just know... I believe it really depends on the person. So, I'd say yes there are 'two types'. However, at any given moment someone can be either type. It's not something set in stone. I myself fluctuate on how I perceive another persons emotional state from 'just knowing', to actively feeling.
It is a useful ability and if applied right you can develop very strong relationships with people based on your intuitive knowledge of how they are feeling. Just about every girl I've had a significant relationship has told me, " You know me so well, how I'm feeling, what I'm thinking. I don't know how you do it. " This is direct application of psychic perception and my general good nature/intuitive intelligence.
The most important thing someone who wants to develop a sense of emotions for someone else should understand is that you must be able to discern your own emotional state before you start trying to listen in on someone elses. If you do not it is easy to confuse the source and be in doubt. Another important thing you need to understand is how to APPLY what you know about how someone else feels to either help them, persuade them, calm them down, or to just get the most out of knowing what you know.
It is hard to really define the actual line that is between empathy and telepathy. Any psychic interaction between to people isn't always clear cut. A problem that many people have is they define "telepathy" as "Hearing someones thoughts." Which isn't entirely correct. The better definition of telepathy, (my reference is www.m-w.com ) is: Telepathy: communication from one mind to another by extrasensory means If you use that definition you are not limiting yourself to simply 'emotion'; or even just 'verbal thought'. You are encompassing ALL interactions between another persons mind to your own. This can include, in my eyes, the transmissions of thoughts/emotions/physical sensation/dreams and what have you. Maybe it should be called telempathy :-P Empaths who feel vs. ones who just know... I believe it really depends on the person. So, I'd say yes there are 'two types'. However, at any given moment someone can be either type. It's not something set in stone. I myself fluctuate on how I perceive another persons emotional state from 'just knowing', to actively feeling. It is a useful ability and if applied right you can develop very strong relationships with people based on your intuitive knowledge of how they are feeling. Just about every girl I've had a significant relationship has told me, " You know me so well, how I'm feeling, what I'm thinking. I don't know how you do it. " This is direct application of psychic perception and my general good nature/intuitive intelligence. The most important thing someone who wants to develop a sense of emotions for someone else should understand is that you must be able to discern your own emotional state before you start trying to listen in on someone elses. If you do not it is easy to confuse the source and be in doubt. Another important thing you need to understand is how to APPLY what you know about how someone else feels to either help them, persuade them, calm them down, or to just get the most out of knowing what you know.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

Zorro

Thanks Sheepking! I like the defintion of telepathy that you gave, essentially anything mind to mind.
Learning to handle emapthy is really something. See, Sheepking, you talk about people who want to develop it, well, there are people to whom it comes naturally, that have no clue about it at all. It sucks, especially when you feel emotions and don't just know them. Confusing the source is very simple to do and if you are unaware that it even exist, it is automatically assumed that it is yourself. Learning to control it when you don't want it or try it is something rather important. There are probably a lot more people out there who are thinking they are just nut cases that are actually empathetic than you think. It is extremely aggravating.
I do think that there are people that are more/less sensitive to others though. Does anyone have thoughts on that?
Thanks Sheepking! I like the defintion of telepathy that you gave, essentially anything mind to mind. Learning to handle emapthy is really something. See, Sheepking, you talk about people who want to develop it, well, there are people to whom it comes naturally, that have no clue about it at all. It sucks, especially when you feel emotions and don't just know them. Confusing the source is very simple to do and if you are unaware that it even exist, it is automatically assumed that it is yourself. Learning to control it when you don't want it or try it is something rather important. There are probably a lot more people out there who are thinking they are just nut cases that are actually empathetic than you think. It is extremely aggravating. I do think that there are people that are more/less sensitive to others though. Does anyone have thoughts on that?

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

Sean

I have always been of the group that thinks empathy and telepathy, while related, are still two separate skills.
I can use my empathetic skill, and "extend" it in a sense, to cover telepathy. Or I can just use telepathy straight up.
I suppose my distinction originates in my belief that emotions ORIGINATE from the heart. I know that a lot of people think that emotions are chemicals in your brain... but I don't really buy that :-P. I'm sure the chemicals in your brain are related to your emotions (of course)! But I don't think emotions ORIGINATE from the brain.
However, I think that thoughts originate from the brain (as do most people, I think :-P).
So, in my belief structure, communicating emotions is done by the heart. It can be done with the brain, but it's harder, and less "pure".
As for those who feel anothers emotions, and those that "just know" - is there really that definite of a distinction between empaths? I've never known there to be two categories of empaths in that regard. I've always thought everyone felt the emotions, and you can "just know" because you are feeling them, and you know what you're feeling :-P. If that makes sense :-P.
*shrugs* Just thoughts.
~Sean
I have always been of the group that thinks empathy and telepathy, while related, are still two separate skills. I can use my empathetic skill, and "extend" it in a sense, to cover telepathy. Or I can just use telepathy straight up. I suppose my distinction originates in my belief that emotions ORIGINATE from the heart. I know that a lot of people think that emotions are chemicals in your brain... but I don't really buy that :-P. I'm sure the chemicals in your brain are related to your emotions (of course)! But I don't think emotions ORIGINATE from the brain. However, I think that thoughts originate from the brain (as do most people, I think :-P). So, in my belief structure, communicating emotions is done by the heart. It can be done with the brain, but it's harder, and less "pure". As for those who feel anothers emotions, and those that "just know" - is there really that definite of a distinction between empaths? I've never known there to be two categories of empaths in that regard. I've always thought everyone felt the emotions, and you can "just know" because you are feeling them, and you know what you're feeling :-P. If that makes sense :-P. *shrugs* Just thoughts. ~Sean

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

Akio

Eastern philosophy here ^_^.
I think that both telepathy and empathy are the same base technique, linking and gathering. Everyone experiences these things in different ways, although the roots of it are still the same. I believe that there are multiple ways to experience the same thing, and all that matters in the long run is the accuracy of the persons abilities.
Eastern philosophy here ^_^. I think that both telepathy and empathy are the same base technique, linking and gathering. Everyone experiences these things in different ways, although the roots of it are still the same. I believe that there are multiple ways to experience the same thing, and all that matters in the long run is the accuracy of the persons abilities.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

ryan

Many people believe they have empathy, when in reality all they can do is "notice".
When we see people do things that we normally do when we feel a certain way, we might begin to think that they are feeling that way too. Most of the time, we are right, because people are people, and people usually have certain ways they go about expressing themselves.
That is not empathy.
That is, actually, a very closed minded way to interpret people's emotions, because we are assuming that everyone else expresses themselves the same way as we do. Not a very "out of the box" perspective.
Empathy IS a very "out of the box" perception.
E.g. If we see someone tearing, sniffing their nose with their cheeks turning red, we might assume someone is sad, because we might do that when we are sad, however they might just be cutting onions, or they might have allergies.
Don't get me wrong, I believe people can successfully perform empathy. However, I'd prefer to see empathy happen while someone is blindfolded, with their ears plugged and with someone they don't know. It CAN happen. Just people aren't always doing it.
EDIT: I realize saying this might sound discouraging or skeptical, but I do believe in Empathy 100%, I just don't believe that what everyone is calling empathy is empathy.
Don't call a kick a punch just because it hurt the same.
Many people believe they have empathy, when in reality all they can do is "notice". When we see people do things that we normally do when we feel a certain way, we might begin to think that they are feeling that way too. Most of the time, we are right, because people are people, and people usually have certain ways they go about expressing themselves. That is not empathy. That is, actually, a very closed minded way to interpret people's emotions, because we are assuming that everyone else expresses themselves the same way as we do. Not a very "out of the box" perspective. Empathy IS a very "out of the box" perception. E.g. If we see someone tearing, sniffing their nose with their cheeks turning red, we might assume someone is sad, because we might do that when we are sad, however they might just be cutting onions, or they might have allergies. Don't get me wrong, I believe people can successfully perform empathy. However, I'd prefer to see empathy happen while someone is blindfolded, with their ears plugged and with someone they don't know. It CAN happen. Just people aren't always doing it. EDIT: I realize saying this might sound discouraging or skeptical, but I do believe in Empathy 100%, I just don't believe that what everyone is calling empathy is empathy. Don't call a kick a punch just because it hurt the same.

Last edited by ryan, 4 years, 6 months ago
Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

Zorro

ryan, I really liked what you had to say. It is true. There are a lot of people who probably only notice, but call it empathy. It's kind of one of those things where if someone claims to be, you want to examine their claim because it could be false. It is something that anyone can be, but some are more naturally inclined to.
I would love to try your experiment, it appeals to me, so thanks for the idea(now I just have to find a way to enact it...)
A lot of people jump to conclusions, about everything, but, I think that someone who is truly naturally empathetic knows it. You can not deny feeling emotions that are not your own, especially once you know where they are coming from and seperate them from yourself, you can't deny it(It will drive you mad until you figure it out though, very overwhelming and if you are natuarally empathetic and don't understand it, it is awful.)
ryan, I really liked what you had to say. It is true. There are a lot of people who probably only notice, but call it empathy. It's kind of one of those things where if someone claims to be, you want to examine their claim because it could be false. It is something that anyone can be, but some are more naturally inclined to. I would love to try your experiment, it appeals to me, so thanks for the idea(now I just have to find a way to enact it...) A lot of people jump to conclusions, about everything, but, I think that someone who is truly naturally empathetic knows it. You can not deny feeling emotions that are not your own, especially once you know where they are coming from and seperate them from yourself, you can't deny it(It will drive you mad until you figure it out though, very overwhelming and if you are natuarally empathetic and don't understand it, it is awful.)

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

SheepKing

Zorro on sensitivity:
I do not understands the mechanics of what really makes someone more sensitive, or even sensitive to psi, very well. Does it have to do with an enlarged energy field, good relations with the subconscious mind, being at the right 'frequency'?
But what I do know is that most people I have encountered have varying degrees of sensitivity, and every person has their own 'range'. So, I'm going to stab at it and say "Yes" some people are more sensitive than others. However, if you have a wider range of sensitivity, at times you may be less sensitive than others at the "same time". Get my drift?
And to sean about distinctions between those empaths who feel vs. just know... I suppose it seems to me like it would be the distinction between receiving a thought as a concept or actually hearing the exact words. Though one form is more common than the other, they are both possible. I do not believe there is a definite line between the two, and that the majority of empaths know because they are directly feeling, rather than knowing without feeling.
to Ryan: Aside from 'testing' empathy, it would be immensely impractical to have to blind fold yourself, plug your ears, and grab a random stranger every time you want to practice empathy. I believe that psychic empathy is much more common than you allow yourself to acknowledge.
Zorro on sensitivity: I do not understands the mechanics of what really makes someone more sensitive, or even sensitive to psi, very well. Does it have to do with an enlarged energy field, good relations with the subconscious mind, being at the right 'frequency'? But what I do know is that most people I have encountered have varying degrees of sensitivity, and every person has their own 'range'. So, I'm going to stab at it and say "Yes" some people are more sensitive than others. However, if you have a wider range of sensitivity, at times you may be less sensitive than others at the "same time". Get my drift? And to sean about distinctions between those empaths who feel vs. just know... I suppose it seems to me like it would be the distinction between receiving a thought as a concept or actually hearing the exact words. Though one form is more common than the other, they are both possible. I do not believe there is a definite line between the two, and that the majority of empaths know because they are directly feeling, rather than knowing without feeling. to Ryan: Aside from 'testing' empathy, it would be immensely impractical to have to blind fold yourself, plug your ears, and grab a random stranger every time you want to practice empathy. I believe that psychic empathy is much more common than you allow yourself to acknowledge.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

Amaroq

I'm pretty empathetic. I can usually know how people are feeling, or how they will react to something I say or do, emotionally.
No idea if it's psionic or just intuition. It's probably the latter for me.
I'm pretty empathetic. I can usually know how people are feeling, or how they will react to something I say or do, emotionally. No idea if it's psionic or just intuition. It's probably the latter for me.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

ryan

SheepKing: Haha you wouldn't have to do that every single time. It would be more like a test, or training. Wouldn't you agree that cutting off the normal ways you perceive people's emotions would be an excellent way to cultivate your ability to perform empathy?
When I said I'd prefer to see it happen that way, I don't mean every time. Once, maybe twice. It's important for people to be performing actual empathy, rather than fooling themselves, isn't it?
Please note, btw, I've already said this, I believe that people can perform empathy, 100%. I believe everyone on this forum/website CAN perform empathy (they have the ability to), I just don't believe that everyone does.
Amaroq, could be both, right?
It's a hard one to test for because not only are people's emotions hidden within themselves, people can lie about their emotions.
SheepKing: Haha you wouldn't have to do that every single time. It would be more like a test, or training. Wouldn't you agree that cutting off the normal ways you perceive people's emotions would be an excellent way to cultivate your ability to perform empathy? When I said I'd prefer to see it happen that way, I don't mean every time. Once, maybe twice. It's important for people to be performing actual empathy, rather than fooling themselves, isn't it? Please note, btw, I've already said this, I believe that people can perform empathy, 100%. I believe everyone on this forum/website CAN perform empathy (they have the ability to), I just don't believe that everyone does. Amaroq, could be both, right? It's a hard one to test for because not only are people's emotions hidden within themselves, people can lie about their emotions.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

Zorro

Sheepking, I don't know what makes some people more sensitive than others anymore than you do! :) It is a mystery to me. I would stab at saying that it is a combo of things and has to do with general awareness of the energy, relations with the subc.(I like that you brought that up), as well as frequency. Combined I think that that could be one possible explantion.
And to what Sean said about the distinctions, it is not so much that there is a solid line, it is what people naturally lean towards(and I guess it has a lot to do with shielding and blocking people out). The difference is that if you just know them, or have learned to control it enough, it is actually very different than feeling them. I think that a lot of it has to do with control. I never "just know," I always feel, to the point where I lose how I was feeling, like the, Why am I so angry? I have nothing to be angry about. Then realizing that it actually isn't me, but that underneath the smile the person I am with is feeling that. I think it has a lot to do with shielding and being able to control it.
I would give an example of the difference, but I would like to ask permisson from the person first.
Sheepking, I don't know what makes some people more sensitive than others anymore than you do! :) It is a mystery to me. I would stab at saying that it is a combo of things and has to do with general awareness of the energy, relations with the subc.(I like that you brought that up), as well as frequency. Combined I think that that could be one possible explantion. And to what Sean said about the distinctions, it is not so much that there is a solid line, it is what people naturally lean towards(and I guess it has a lot to do with shielding and blocking people out). The difference is that if you just know them, or have learned to control it enough, it is actually very different than feeling them. I think that a lot of it has to do with control. I never "just know," I always feel, to the point where I lose how I was feeling, like the, Why am I so angry? I have nothing to be angry about. Then realizing that it actually isn't me, but that underneath the smile the person I am with is feeling that. I think it has a lot to do with shielding and being able to control it. I would give an example of the difference, but I would like to ask permisson from the person first.

Posted 4 years, 6 months ago

nonconformist

Has anybody got hurt from empathy e.g felt someone in an ambulance and you almost collapsed from the pain. Then afterwards your heart felt like a hammer hit it.
Has anybody got hurt from empathy e.g felt someone in an ambulance and you almost collapsed from the pain. Then afterwards your heart felt like a hammer hit it.

Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

cinderwild

posted by nonconformist:
Has anybody got hurt from empathy e.g felt someone in an ambulance and you almost collapsed from the pain. Then afterwards your heart felt like a hammer hit it.
Are you suggesting you've felt that?
To everyone else: Empathetic sounds like such a negative word.
I keep reading, 'em-PATHETIC'.
[quote][i]posted by nonconformist:[/i] Has anybody got hurt from empathy e.g felt someone in an ambulance and you almost collapsed from the pain. Then afterwards your heart felt like a hammer hit it.[/quote] Are you suggesting you've felt that? To everyone else: Empathetic sounds like such a negative word. I keep reading, 'em-PATHETIC'.

Last edited by cinderwild, 4 years, 5 months ago
Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

Eyeofnight

posted by cinderwild:
To everyone else: Empathetic sounds like such a negative word.
I keep reading, 'em-PATHETIC'.
I noticed that when talking with a friend, it turned into a sort of joke between us.
Also in regards to the ambulance, I'm not to sure if you would feel pain... pain is not really an emotion (please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not very skilled in empathy I'm just stating my thoughts.) but a reaction from nerves spread throughout your body. I imagine you would be more likely to collapse from an emotion such as extreme sadness or such a thing. Say if you picked up on the feelings of a large group of people from a disaster zone.
[quote][i]posted by cinderwild:[/i] To everyone else: Empathetic sounds like such a negative word. I keep reading, 'em-PATHETIC'.[/quote] I noticed that when talking with a friend, it turned into a sort of joke between us. Also in regards to the ambulance, I'm not to sure if you would feel pain... pain is not really an emotion (please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not very skilled in empathy I'm just stating my thoughts.) but a reaction from nerves spread throughout your body. I imagine you would be more likely to collapse from an emotion such as extreme sadness or such a thing. Say if you picked up on the feelings of a large group of people from a disaster zone.

Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

nonconformist

posted by cinderwild:
Are you suggesting you've felt that?
yes I am, but I dont understand what it was but I dont think it was my emotion. After research on psipog I read that you feel empathy more in your heart and less in your mind, after read the article I came to the conclusion (note: I am open for suggestions) what I felt was empathy. It wasn't a pleasent experience, I also felt drained. It stop once the ambulance left and I sort "knew" something was going to happen through precog but I ignored it (big mistake). It wasn't like normal pain, it was well ...odd. So I thought I ask if anyone has had a similar experience.
P.s I don't expect you to believe me.
[quote][i]posted by cinderwild:[/i] Are you suggesting you've felt that? [/quote] yes I am, but I dont understand what it was but I dont think it was my emotion. After research on psipog I read that you feel empathy more in your heart and less in your mind, after read the article I came to the conclusion (note: I am open for suggestions) what I felt was empathy. It wasn't a pleasent experience, I also felt drained. It stop once the ambulance left and I sort "knew" something was going to happen through precog but I ignored it (big mistake). It wasn't like normal pain, it was well ...odd. So I thought I ask if anyone has had a similar experience. P.s I don't expect you to believe me.

Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

nonconformist

"I'm not to sure if you would feel pain... pain is not really an emotion (please correct me if I'm wrong"/quote] I can't find the source I read it from but it implied that you could feel pain.
EDit found it http://www.psipog.net/art-empathy-and-healing.html
After reading this article and several others I came to the conclusion
"I'm not to sure if you would feel pain... pain is not really an emotion (please correct me if I'm wrong"/quote] I can't find the source I read it from but it implied that you could feel pain. EDit found it http://www.psipog.net/art-empathy-and-healing.html After reading this article and several others I came to the conclusion

Last edited by nonconformist, 4 years, 5 months ago
Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

daslickest

interesting
interesting

Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

Akio

ryan, that's what we call in my industry "mentalists" (something I'm picking up along with empathy and telepathy because of the end result... ^_^
ryan, that's what we call in my industry "mentalists" (something I'm picking up along with empathy and telepathy because of the end result... ^_^

Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

Amaroq

Me and this girl I hang out with online are really really close friends. Close to the point where I have some pretty strong feelings for her. Lately, I've been having lots of trouble keeping my emotions in line. We both intend on just remaining friends, but I'm finding that very difficult with the state I keep finding my emotions in.
What does this have to do with empathy, you ask?
Just today, we were having a casual conversation, with a little bit of craziness included. I felt completely relaxed, comfortable, and normal. No emotional issues at all. Then all of a sudden, I feel the warm, happy feeling in my chest out of nowhere. Normally, I would have attributed it to my feelings for her, but this time, it was just too sudden and out of nowhere...
All this time, I was sure that my empathy was just an intuition and ability to put myself in other peoples' shoes. Now I'm beginning to wonder if it might not be a subconscious psychic type of empathy as well. Like me being myself caused her to feel that way and I picked up on it. Perhaps this whole time that's been the issue, and this is the first time I've been able to suspect that I might not have been in control.
Me and this girl I hang out with online are really really close friends. Close to the point where I have some pretty strong feelings for her. Lately, I've been having lots of trouble keeping my emotions in line. We both intend on just remaining friends, but I'm finding that very difficult with the state I keep finding my emotions in. What does this have to do with empathy, you ask? Just today, we were having a casual conversation, with a little bit of craziness included. I felt completely relaxed, comfortable, and normal. No emotional issues at all. Then all of a sudden, I feel the warm, happy feeling in my chest out of nowhere. Normally, I would have attributed it to my feelings for her, but this time, it was just too sudden and out of nowhere... All this time, I was sure that my empathy was just an intuition and ability to put myself in other peoples' shoes. Now I'm beginning to wonder if it might not be a subconscious psychic type of empathy as well. Like me being myself caused her to feel that way and I picked up on it. Perhaps this whole time that's been the issue, and this is the first time I've been able to suspect that I might not have been in control.

Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

Akio

I've heard of that happening before. I have concluded that it's caused by you making yourself an area of low emotion. just like with any current, area's of high emotion will flood to you in an effort to balance.
Granted, there are other possibilities, but this is something to look at ^_^
btw, I think she likes you... just the fact that you to want to remain friends tells me that...
I've heard of that happening before. I have concluded that it's caused by you making yourself an area of low emotion. just like with any current, area's of high emotion will flood to you in an effort to balance. Granted, there are other possibilities, but this is something to look at ^_^ btw, I think she likes you... just the fact that you to want to remain friends tells me that...

Last edited by Akio, 4 years, 5 months ago
Posted 4 years, 5 months ago

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