Neurodivergent AND an empath? What else is left to get thrown at our poor brains? Oh wait...I'm also color blind.
Being an empath means having a heightened ability to sense and absorb the emotions and energy of those around you. It's like having an emotional antenna that can pick up on the vibes of the people in your vicinity. And let me tell you, as someone who identifies as both an empath and neurodivergent, there is definitely a connection between the two.
Let's define what we mean by neurodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in how our brains function, including differences in learning, attention, and social interaction. This includes conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, among others. And just like how there is no one "normal" way for a brain to function, there is no one way to be an empath. Some people may have a more heightened sense of empathy due to their neurodivergence, while others may not.
But for those of us who do identify as both neurodivergent and empathic, it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, we have the ability to pick up on the emotions of those around us, which can help us be more compassionate and empathetic. On the other hand, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting to constantly absorb the emotions of others.
But here's the thing: being an empath can also be a superpower for those of us who are neurodivergent. It can help us better understand and connect with others, especially if we struggle with social cues and nonverbal communication. It can also help us identify and regulate our own emotions, as we learn to distinguish between what we're feeling and what we're picking up from others.
But where does this ability come from?
As an energy healer, I understand that there is a mirror - one reflection is what's happening in the quantum field and energetically, and the other side is reflecting what is happening on the physical plane, in our body and our reality. As a teacher, it's easier to start teaching with what's happening on the physical plane. So, what the hell is happening with an empath's body? There are a few theories.
One theory is that empaths have hyperactive mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that allows us to understand and empathize with others by mirroring their behavior and emotions. In empaths, these neurons may be more sensitive or more easily triggered, leading to a heightened ability to pick up on and mirror the emotions of others.
Another possibility is that empaths have a highly sensitive nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for processing sensory information, including emotions. In empaths, this system may be tuned to a higher frequency, allowing them to pick up on subtle emotional cues that others might miss.
It sounds to me like there's more to the story, so for now, the science behind empathic abilities is still a bit of a mystery, but it's clear that there's something special going on in the brains and bodies of empaths. Whether you're an empath yourself or just have a few empathic friends, understanding this phenomenon can help us all to be more compassionate and connected human beings.
So, if you're someone who identifies as both neurodivergent and empathic, embrace it! You have a unique perspective on the world that can be incredibly valuable. And if you're someone who doesn't identify as either, that's cool too. Remember, there is no one "normal" way to be, and we should celebrate the diversity of human experience!