That is how I too look at it and am also being lead into a much deeper prayer life. For me, it is sorrow and despair that really draws me in to people with those emotions. And even those in physical pain.That is my experienceAs I said earlier, I am also being led into a deeper prayer life and am learning how to lift others up in prayer; that is certainly the best gift I can offer anyone.
So that is a part of it. I’m going through the same thing, I have wondered if that was a direct consequence or independent but now I know.
I have only been attacked like that once. Most of the time it is more of a matter of dealing with their influenced thoughts that invade my mind. I have also dealt with them trying to physically touch me but in the end I was not touched by them. Just stared at and scared out of my mind by them. They bother me so much anymore. I ignore them since they only appear to me and bring no harm to anyone, and have been protected by Christ, the angels, and the Blessed Mother, who I have put myself under her wing not just for protection but also for guidance. The Blessed Mother is a powerful mother and an empath herself. She too feels our emotions, pains, and worries and felt Christ’s pain and anguish when he was crucified. I have come to Our Mother very much and am continuly growing in my love for her.
My husband & I are the same & it gives us a bond. A kind of feeling of completeness & peace. But, there was a degree of vulnerability & trust that was disconcerting at first. As far as our children as most parents do, you don’t like to see your children having a problem. It’s hard not to get over emotional & to remain detached. Your buttons get pushed more easily. When we all get together if one is in a bad mood, we all know it & then the ripple effect can kick in. My husband & I have to stay centered & grounded so we don’t let it effect us. Of course if one of them has great news the joy is wonderful. As far as friends, if they are good people it is great! But I have run across people who were not good & scared the heck out of me. In our experience it does run in families & we are very much aware of each. My father & I’m told maybe a grandparent were also similar.
I have so many questions/concerns regarding influenced thoughts. I have been attacked for lack of a better word by unseen things I did not understand. But, 2 years ago I was stalked & violently, physically assaulted by a human being. How much was evil how much being a socio path I do not know. Initially, I literally went into shock. The feeling of so quickly being overwhelmed by this evil was terrible. It was like I was still there but was underwater & could not speak or reach out. Although I have finally recovered from this, it still haunts me. Although I did receive medical care, counseling was limited because I could not discuss my empathy for fear they would think I was a nut. I do feel quilt & wonder if I had just stayed close to the Lord, this might have been prevented. I was in an Episcopal church when I felt suddenly ill, dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion. I knew something was wrong & thought some poor person in the church must be suffering & was looking around trying to figure out where it was coming from so I could try & speak to them. I felt sympathy & wanted to help. Little did I know it was coming from the man in the pew next to me who later turned out to be my assailant.After that experience in church I was confused & my thinking muddled. I have always wondered how much I was influenced. And so much quilt that had I not wandered from the Catholic Church, this would never have happened. I have never talked about this till now & don’t know what to do to understand & forgive myself. So, any info on influenced thoughts would be helpful so that I might begin to understand what happened to me. There have been other times when I wonder how much I was influenced in another situation.
First of all, you have no reason to be guilty. Shock is normal and whether you had wandered or not from Christ’s church, you would probably still have been attacked by that man. The man more than likely was influenced and gave in. We all fail at times, we are all imperfect humans.
Thank you. There is truth in what you said. I have been getting urges to go to confession but chicken out because being new to the area I don’t know my pastor well. I did pray about which church to join & am very happy with where I felt I was led & I do love the pastors sense of humor & wisdom. I guess I need to let go of ego & fear of what reaction I’ll get when I mention empathy. The benefit of confession & hopefully getting a spiritual advisor is certainly worth the risk. I think that is the next step on my path.
Most definitely. I got a spiritual director when I entered college two years ago. I told him about my empathy and found and that he too is also an empath. God will guide you to the right person. Just be sure to tune in to God’s voice and you will do fine. Going to confession will help you, for sure.
Just one more quick comment. I am so happy that you have all that you do at such a young age. What a tremendous blessing that is. I was a train wreck in my 20’s & am just getting it together at 61.
Its okay. We all learn at different paces. God doesn’t bestow the same trials to anyone else, nor are their difficulties the same. Some God blesses with lots of suffering, some at a young age, some at an older age. St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face was chosen from a young age to enter Carmel and suffer for His cause. Some saints, like St. Peter for example, their suffering and main time of learning came at a much older age than most. Same with some of the other apostles. Heck, a lot of the apostles were older men, with John being the youngest, and more the age of a older boy/young man.
I think we are all neophyte at this ability. Though, i have learned some control over it. Visual thinking and meditation really helps me.