All the Feels of a Chaotic World
For those of us who have the gift of empathy, the power to feel deeply can be a real struggle. Having degrees of empathic abilities often aids us and enhances the work we do in the world, but it can also take a toll on our own emotions and energy levels. Some of the best teachers, doctors, healers, coaches and managers all possess empathic qualities. Being empathic helps us to feel deeply and allows us to relate to other people and situations at an enhanced intuitive level. Many people are shocked by our capacity to feel and care, especially in this time of chaos in the world.
Even those who aren’t as sensitive to energy and emotions have been commenting on the energy of the world lately. Our media outlets are swarming with political banter and crises in other countries. Many of us have to turn to watching videos of puppies and someone’s latest food creation to get any sort of reprieve from what’s dominating our online presence. The discord, conflict and sense of hate and fear have become quite palpable over the last year, and I have struggled to disconnect from this storm of crazy. My own anxiety levels and panic attacks have spiked, and many of my friends and colleagues have been feeling the shifts in energy changes, and the effects to their individual selves as well.
All of this chaos can make us want to shut down, withdraw and stay hidden. For me, when watching the news, debating with friends, or witnessing transitions and transformations not only in my personal life, but in the world, it can all be extremely overwhelming. So, how do we keep on feeling in a chaotic world? There is no easy answer, but empathy isn’t a course, it’s a skill. Many of us need learn more about it so that we are in control of our emotions.
We must remember, we are not the emotions we feel. Our emotions do create our thoughts and our reality, but it’s important to have a healthily understanding of what is yours and what is not. Although we may feel the weight of the world and the energies from others, they are not generated by us and we do not have to digest or process what is not ours. Knowing our emotional boundaries first is key to navigating chaos.
When we are feeling the magnitude of the world, there may be an overwhelming sense of hopelessness or helplessness. We may ask ourselves, “What am I to do?” or “How do I effect change to help?” It’s important to remember that we are not all meant to create large change, go out and lobby, become a public figure, picket at the forefront. For some of us, our best work and the most change can occur behind the lines in small, often unseen ways.
Focusing on our own gifts and talents gives us the outlet we need to feel like we can do something about our emotions. My strength is working with small groups and individuals in my practice. I focus on helping support the individuals that come to me by helping them each take steps to reach their greater potential and by nurturing their flame of passion to go out into the world and inspire others. This is where I can help. I can help support clients and friends in pain. I know that focusing on the local and the ripple effects that move out into the world is how I can manage my own emotions and do my part to change. You need to consider your own strengths and what works for you as an individual.
To manage the chaos that sometimes comes with the gift of empathy, it is crucial to focus on the ways in which you can inspire others. Perhaps you simply know your co-worker is having a rough week and you buy them lunch one day. Or you smile at someone in line to get your morning coffee. Maybe you can volunteer at a local community event.
One never really knows the power simply caring can have on another individual. It’s a good reminder to those who “feel” and sometimes feel helpless, that simply being yourself in this world is enough. We can all help inspire change and harmony by not only feeling deeply but by caring deeply.