Students who enroll in my workshops are often empaths. Most of my students have careers in the healthcare field such as nurses, counselors, and therapists. This comes as no surprise as an empath, we are drawn to these fields because we are passionate about helping others. Unfortunately, empaths are often better working in creative fields such as; artists, musicians, and writers.
An empath is not to be confused with someone who has empathy for others. Empathy allows one to experience heartfelt joy or sorrow in response to another’s good fortune or distress. Empaths, on the other hand, often have an ability to detect the emotions, mental states, and physical pain of another person and are unable to prevent taking on the energy of others. They may feel distress, pain, or emotion in their own body to a degree that impairs their quality of life.
Growing up, I unwillingly absorbed energy from my environment. I had no idea what it was or what was happening to me. My understanding changed dramatically after I began to practice Reiki in 2008. I often say, “Reiki found me” and I am so glad it did. Today, I rarely take on the energy of others, and when it happens, I immediately implement protocols to release the energy that is not mine. Combined with the wisdom I have gained through life experience and Reiki, being an empath has become a powerful asset rather than a detriment. It allows me to approach each client with a deep sense of compassion that is the essence of Reiki without absorbing their pain as mine. Inherent in that compassion are clear boundaries and strong intention.
Transforming this weakness into strength is empowering and freeing for the practitioner. Reiki has helped me create a space of balance and wellness in my life. One of the greatest benefits of learning Reiki is the self-care aspect. A daily self-Reiki practice helps to keep practitioners well-grounded and balanced. Setting aside time each day to care for the self allows us to decrease stress and worry and generate feelings of wholeness and well-being. We can then increase the compassion we give to ourselves and are better able to share that with others. Additionally, this practice may help us to let go of attachments, judgments, expectations, and fears that no longer serve us well.
Reiki is an excellent tool for nurses and health care workers to use to avoid burnout. When I first learned Reiki, I had no idea how life-changing it would be!
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