Empath: A Complete Guide for Developing Your Gift and Finding Your Sense of Self

by Judy Dyer

  Effects of the adrenal Glands

  Negative feelings can lead to the empath experiencing fear, resentment, anxiety, paranoia and panic, and they become genuinely convinced that something bad is going to happen to them. These thoughts send signals to the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that release excess amounts of energy. Not enough sleep, too much work, bad diet, bad relationships, and family problems all have a negative effect on the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are shaped like the kidneys but are approximately the size of a walnut. They are located just above the kidneys in the lower back area. The adrenal glands are of great benefit when we are under stress because they assist in keeping us focused and alert and they increase our levels of stamina, which enables us to handle pressure.

  However, when the adrenal glands are over stimulated, they continue to produce energy, which is what prevents us from being able to sleep. The mind and body stay on high alert, which causes excess stress on the adrenal glands and will eventually cause them to malfunction. A lack of energy leads to a craving for foods that are high in sugar and refined salt, which quickly turn into energy giving the body an instant but short-lived energy boost.

  The body naturally craves sugar and salt. However, we tend to feed it with refined sugar and salt, which is found in the majority of junk and processed foods. In excess amounts, these foods can cause a range of different health problems. Unrefined sugar and is nutritious in healthy doses and can replenish and nourish the adrenal glands.

  When the adrenal glands are not functioning properly, you will feel tired, groggy, anxious, irritable, overwhelmed and dizzy. You may also experience heart palpitations, high or low blood pressure, salt and sugar cravings as well as find it difficult to handle times of stress. If our bodies are in harmony, a good diet, sleeping well and positive thoughts, the adrenal glands are not overwhelmed easily. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands; during sleep our cortisol levels rise and peak a few hours before daybreak. This is how the body naturally prepares itself for the day and it is referred to as the circadian rhythm. It increases our energy levels so we are capable of functioning throughout the day. When the adrenal glands are overworked, we wake up feeling exhausted even if we have had the normal eight hours of sleep. We feel tired throughout the day, which then causes our cortisol levels to peak in the evening, making it hard for us to sleep properly.

  Keeping the adrenal glands in a healthy state

  It takes a long time to destroy the adrenal glands, and it will take the same amount of time to repair it. However, there are some changes that we can make in our lives that will help immediately. It is essential that we spend time listening to our body so that we are aware of how it feels at any given moment. This allows us to keep track of our energy levels throughout the day. You may find that your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day and that there are certain times of the day when your energy levels drop the most. It is imperative that you understand why so much stress is being placed on the adrenal glands. When the root cause of the problem is identified, we can ensure that we don’t remain in that heightened state that causes further strain on the adrenal glands.

  Meditation is a powerful tool for emptying the mind and spirit of negative emotions. It also helps us focus on the body so that we are aware of any physical sensations that are taking place. When we feel isolated, lonely and separated, cortisol levels can increase; you can combat this by spending time with friends and family. However, if you are the type of person who likes spending time alone and you enjoy your own company, periods of isolation is not a problem.

  Diet and exercise can have a negative effect on the adrenal gland. It is not a good idea to push too hard during a workout; your body will tell you when it has had enough, and it is essential that you stop at this point or you will cause the adrenal glands to produce excess stress-related hormones.

  Eating junk food, skipping meals and hardcore workouts all cause the adrenal glands to overwork. To keep the adrenal glands in a healthy state, we should eat an organic, nutritional and well-balanced diet with the daily protein requirements, with vitamins A, B, and C. You should refrain from excess alcohol and preferably eliminate refined salt, sugar and caffeine intake. A healthy state of mind where you feel peaceful and content with life and getting enough sleep at night all contribute to healthy adrenal glands.

  Why Cut Out Refined Salt?

  Research conducted by the director of the University of Washington in Seattle found that low sodium levels cause a reduction in blood volume. The body compensates by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which releases adrenaline triggering the fight or flight response, which makes sleep difficult.

  Why Cut Out Refined Sugar?

  When the adrenals have been overworked, it can cause interrupted sleep patterns often from vivid dreams, all of which can cause heightened anxiety. Stress and anxiety contribute to sleepless nights due to excess adrenaline; this typically takes place between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. The surge of hormones makes it difficult for us to remain calm and wakes the body up in an agitated state.

  Here is a natural remedy that will assist in eliminating this problem:

  Honey and Salt

  Combine five teaspoons of raw organic honey with 1 teaspoon of Himalayan rock salt. Twenty minutes before going to bed, place a small amount under the tongue and let it dissolve. The combination of salt and honey naturally de-stresses the body through hormone regulation. This results in a harmonious, peaceful and restful state, which prepares the body for a deep sleep. Honey and salt also sustains the body, preventing you from waking up feeling hungry during the night.

  Those who consume honey and salt before going to bed have reported that they no longer experience sleep deprivation; they sleep throughout the night and wake up energized and refreshed and no longer experience dips in energy throughout the day. Bedtime anxiety has now been replaced with peace and tranquility knowing that they will be asleep within minutes and remain in a sound smooth sleep until the morning.

  The Benefits of Raw Organic Honey:

  Honey aids in releasing liver glycogen in the brain. A lack of liver glycogen causes the adrenal glands to produce the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. One of the ingredients in honey is tryptophan, which is responsible for producing serotonin, a hormone that induces relaxation. When there is no light, serotonin is converted to melatonin, which causes restorative sleep.

  Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle as it works in harmony with the morning and night. When our melatonin levels are stable, we fall asleep easily and naturally when it gets dark and when light starts to enter the room, our body automatically wakes up.

  We have been taught to believe that salt is bad for the health; this statement is not entirely true. A healthy balance of the right salt stabilizes the metabolism. It is essential that we have a healthy metabolism, as it is required to ensure that the food we eat is absorbed and turned into energy. Salt contains anti-excitatory and anti-stress properties, which reduces our stress levels and helps us to remain calm.

  We often have a craving for salt not realizing that it eliminates anxiety and creates an overall sense of well-being. Unfortunately, when this need arises the majority of us will consume processed foods containing refined table salts, which have no health benefits. When we start consuming unrefined salts such as Celtic, Himalayan or Real salt, we immediately notice that our stress levels go down, our energy levels are increased and we have a clear mental and emotional state.

  Another myth is that eating after 7 p.m. causes weight gain; there is no scientific evidence to prove this. However, there is evidence to suggest that an evening snack helps us to stay asleep because when we get hungry, the adrenal stress hormone is activated by the brain, which then puts us on the fight or flight alert.

  Benefits of a Himalayan Salt Lamp

  A Himalayan salt lamp is a huge piece of pure Himalayan Salt with a small bulb on the inside. It provides a subtle warm glow that improves the quality of the
air. Mobile phones and laptops release an overload of positive ions into the air. A Himalayan salt lamp will make you feel happier and create a sense of calmness and freshness to the air as the ions are balanced out. An ion is a molecule or atom in which the sum of the electrons is not equal to the sum of the protons; this gives the atom a net negative or positive electrical charge.

  Cations are also referred to as positive charged ions, and anions are also referred to as negative charged ions. The combination of negative and positive charged ions enables them to bond and move around in the atmosphere.

  Negative ions are typically created by sunlight, lightning storms, ocean waves and waterfalls. According to Pierce J. Howard, the author of “The Owner’s Manual for the Brain,” there are several benefits associated with negative ions. They cause more oxygen to flow to the brain, which results in less drowsiness, more mental energy and alertness. They protect against germs in the atmosphere that cause sneezing, throat irritation and coughing. One in three people are sensitive to the effectiveness of negative ions and can make people feel refreshed instantly.

  The best way to get negative ion exposure is to spend time outdoors, especially around water. Himalayan salt lamps produce small amounts of negative ions. Positive ions are generated by electronic devices such as microwaves, TVs, computers, and vacuum cleaners. They can cause and intensify health problems such as sleep deprivation, allergies and stress. Negative and positive ions bond together, which causes the negative ions to neutralize the positive ions. This process helps to cleanse the air. Salt lamps also provide a soft glow, which many people find relaxing.

  Salt is hygroscopic, which means that it pulls water to the surface so that it quickly evaporates due to the heat emitted from the light bulb. This is one of the reasons salt lamps leak water in humid climates. When there is water vapor in the air, it carries bacteria, mold and allergens. Salt lamps draw the water vapor as well as the elements it is carrying to the surface of the lamp thereby removing it from the air. This is one of the most beneficial functions of a salt lamp.

  A Low-Lamp Light Makes a Great Night Light

  According to research, the body is affected by different colors of light. It is recommended that blue light be avoided after the sun goes down because it can have a negative effect on the circadian rhythm, which disrupts sleep hormones.

  The majority of light sources such as tablets, laptops, computers, TVs, and cell phones emit blue light and the majority of us spend hours on end staring at these screens, especially during the evening.

  Salt lamps provide a warm orange light similar to the light that radiates from candlelight or a campfire. This is why they are a beneficial light source and can stay on throughout the night without interrupting sleep.

  For those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), soft orange hues increase focus, boost energy levels and calm moods. The negative ions also contain mood-enhancing elements.

  Chapter 6: How to Protect Yourself from Energy Vampires

  An energy vampire is a person who drains your energy; they are also referred to as energy suckers and psychic vampires. Some energy vampires are conscious of what they are doing and others are not. The unconscious are typically mentally ill or emotionally unstable; they have a desperate need to draw life from those who have healthy and strong energy. Empaths will usually feel dizzy or drained when energy is being drawn from them by a vampire.

  There are also conscious energy vampires who have been trained by negative and dark forces to collect positive energy. They do this for several reasons: to gain recognition, power, boost their self-esteem, boost their ego and for youth or health.

  It is essential that you protect yourself from energy drainers; here are some strategies to help you:

  Don’t Give too Much

  It is good to give, as it enhances your psychic awareness, spiritual growth and your personal evolution. However, it is important that you replenish yourself every time you give; you need to master the balance of giving and receiving. When someone gives you something small, like paying you a compliment, receive it with an open heart and say thank you; there is no need to give back to them and respond with another compliment.

  Refrain From People Pleasing

  There are some people who will attempt to please everyone. This is simply not possible; we all have different frequency vibrations. You will attract those who you are on a similar vibration with and the others you will deflect. You can be your own energy vampire when you attempt to please everyone.

  Be Cautious of Egotistical People

  People who are only focused on themselves will drain you. When you have a conversation with them, all they can talk about is what they are doing and will ask how you are just as you are about to part ways. You will feel drained at the end of a conversation with them; limit your contact with or completely remove such people from your life.

  Be Cautious of Needy People

  Needy people do any and everything to get your attention. They are constantly asking for your help and advice but never apply it. These people will waste your time and drain your energy. Train yourself to know when you are dealing with such people and reduce the amount of contact that you have with them.

  Be Careful of Drama Queens

  These people are not difficult to detect because they are always involved in some type of problem. Everything that could go wrong does, and they are constantly bombarding you with emails, phone calls and text messages about the latest catastrophe in their life. Before you realize it, you will have no energy left. It is essential that you don’t waste your time engaging with such people because they will destroy your field of energy.

  Clarity

  Don’t waste time beating around the bush with people, get straight to the point. When a person is being too negative, shut them down; when a person keeps operating in the same behaviors and then asking for your advice, shut them down. If someone asks you to do something for them and you can’t do it, just say so. You don’t need to be rude, just be firm and let people know what your boundaries are so that they don’t cross them.

  Herb Smudging

  Smudging involves the process of burning herbs to create a bath of cleansing smoke for the purpose of protection, purification and healing. Palo Santo Wood, also referred to as Holy Wood, is a type of sacred wood used by the indigenous people of the Andes and the shamans in Peru for purifying, medicinal purposes and to remove evil spirits. You can use cedar, sage and pine for smudging.

  Gemstones and Crystals or Gem Elixirs

  Quartz crystals, tiger eye, amethyst, tourmaline, obsidian and onyx are all used to protect against emotional distress, danger, psychic attack, empathy and oversensitivity.

  Orgone

  Orgone has several functions, including creating a protective energy field that surrounds your environment and your aura and deflecting negative energy. They are also used as a shield to deflect harmful pollutions and electromagnetic frequencies.

  You should place four orgone protectors in the four corners of your home to protect against harmful energy and to ground spiritual energies. The Orgone Amulet of Protection provides protection against psychic attacks, bad vibes, emotional pollution and evil eye.

  Candles

  Candles remove negative energy from your home. They are also excellent for manifesting purposes. Dark blue, red and white candles are good colors to use for self-protection.

  Resins and Incense

  Incense made from natural substances such as frankincense, myrrh, sage, sandalwood, and musk are used to cleanse the atmosphere of homes and environments.

  Baths

  Add ½ cup of sea salt to your bath; this will cleanse negative energy that has attached itself to you after being in the presence of certain people. Steep a teaspoon of clove or basil into a cup of boiling water, strain the herbs out and add it to your bath; these herbs are known for their cleansing and protecting properties.

  Protection Prayers and Chants

  Any chants or pra
yers will work as long as they come from the heart using intensity, passion and determination.

  Chapter 7: Empaths and Work

  As an empath, you will face particular challenges in the workplace. Everyone deserves a job that fits their abilities and personality, but you need to take extra care before accepting a position because a toxic work environment can make you emotionally, spiritually, and physically sick – fast. So, as an empath, how can you pick the right kind of job and thrive at work?

  Always Ask For A Workplace Tour Before Accepting A Role

  When you go for an interview, ask whether you can take a tour if someone hasn’t already offered to show you around. Pay attention to the employees’ facial expressions, their body language, and the way they talk to one another. You’ll quickly surmise whether the organization is toxic. Unless you are in desperate need of money, follow your gut instinct and avoid workplaces that contain a significant amount of negative energy.