Empathy. It’s something we all feel to one extent or another. This book is directed primarily toward people who feel empathy intuitively, involuntarily and intensely… people referred to as empaths. Not sure if this applies to you? Julie Swift offers a checklist to help you discern if you fit this label. On Being an Empath mentions that being empathetic can be “a gift and a challenge, a blessing and a curse.” As such, a good portion of the book highlights the necessity of protecting yourself from taking on too much negative energy and the value of remaining balanced.
Personally, I know someone that fits Julie’s description of an empath to a tee. I also found it interesting that she expounded upon the common perception of empathy (toward other people) to also include Animal Empaths, Plant Empaths, Environmental Empaths, and others. One particularly practical feature in the book that I took note of was a chapter that focused on jobs that may be satisfying career paths for empaths to pursue. While I can’t vouch for the science or psychology behind all of the statements in this book, I can certainly say that it would be a very valuable resource for those who might consider themselves an empath.
Julie Swift provides enlightening information and strategies that can help anyone who has strong feelings of empathy. Whether it applies to you personally, or will simply help you to understand others better, On Being An Empath is a book that everyone should read!
