The Empath Aftermath: Five Steps to Getting Back to “Normal” With Ease

When the pandemic of Covid-19 arrived, we were forced to shut down, stay home, and sit still for a while. For me, it was quite comfortable.  As an empath, I cherish my alone time.  Serenity and solitude are how I replenish my energy.  It was not difficult at all for me, in fact, I welcomed the time to stop rushing around, eliminate the commute to and from work, the weekend rush of gatherings, events, and appointments I had committed to.  I no longer had to be around crowds, or go to work, where I was vulnerable to picking up the energy of the collective, leaving me feeling exhausted and drained.  

I quickly became very accustomed to working from home, in my own environment, where I knew I was protected and safe.  I didn’t have to worry about using a public bathroom.  I wasn’t exposed to bright lights and stressful energy at the office, wishing for every Friday to arrive quickly.  I remained focused, disciplined, and productive.  I could fit in my yoga practice, on my lunch break, and midday meditations allowed me to reset the day in peace.  I was able to take a sunshine break, renew my spirit, and take a moment to just breathe.  I was able to eat healthier, having the time to make my own smoothies for lunch, instead of being tempted to hit the snack machine, or the candy jar.  All of this has helped me to feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically, ensuring I finally had a real work life balance.

As the world continues to open up, I have realized, I have been in my safe, sensitive being bubble for about a year and half, and the thought of going back to “normal”, is bringing up a lot of anxiety and inner turmoil.  I feel even more socially awkward than ever.  I’m uncomfortable  shaking hands with strangers, or being exposed to the sneezes and coughs that run rampant at the office.  A crowd of people is now something I avoid.  I prefer to be around what I call my “circle of trust” people, including friends and family who I know are living their lives with care.  

As a yoga teacher, I am hesitant to enter the studio atmosphere.  I  transitioned into teaching private clients, and teaching online via my YouTube channel, which have both become very fulfilling ways I get to share yoga and the powerful transformation that happens on and off the mat. I admire the yoga teachers in my community who never stopped showing up to teach public classes, all the while following safety guidelines.  The transition back to a “normal” way of life seems to come easy for so many people.  For me, it’s going to be a day by day process of putting myself back into the world of connection, which I realize is what life is all about.

HOW TO GET BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH EASE

If you are a sensitive being or an empath like me, and find yourself wondering how to help yourself get back into the flow of life, in a compassionate way for yourself and others, here are a few steps that are helping me, and I hope they help you too.

• GO SLOW - There is no timeline that you must follow.   This is your process, and it is important to take your time with saying yes to invitations, or feeling like you have to change every routine right away.  Ask if you can continue to work from home, if that works best for you.  We are all different.  Why would one way of life work for everyone?
  

• LET GO OF GUILT - It’s ok to not be ok.  There is nothing wrong with you.  Being a sensitive being is a gift, not a flaw.  We know when others are feeling just as nervous as we are, which gives us the opportunity to have compassion and understanding with other people going through the same thing. As we help ourselves, we can help others.
  

• TALK ABOUT IT - Let your loved ones know how you are feeling.  Talk to your boss.  Communication is key to helping everyone around us understand what it means to be an empath, and how it impacts every area of your life.  Tell them when you need alone time to clear your energy, recover and restore balance to your well being. 
  

• SHIELDING - Use your tools to protect your energy while going out and about in the world. Visualize protective white light around you while meditating or saying a prayer before leaving the house. Bring crystals in your purse or pocket such as black tourmaline, clear quartz, or selenite to raise the vibration around you, and clear and keep away negative energy.  Wearing a gemstone bracelet or necklace is another easy way to use crystals for protection every day.  Place pictures of meaningful deities or spiritual symbolism on your desk, to remind you, you are safe and protected always.  
  

• TRUST IN YOUR HIGHER POWER - Trust and surrender all fear, knowing you are a divine being made of the purest energy of love.  Nothing you are going through is a secret to your creator.  A simple prayer or mantra you can say silently to yourself is “I let go, and let God”.  Call upon your higher power, angels, ancestors and ascended masters to give you strength, and fill you with calmness and all that you need to move through each day in peace.  And never forget, you are loved beyond measure.