The Redeemed Intuitive

Thank you for choosing to learn more about Empaths and what it means to be one. If you are reading this publication, it is likely that you or someone you know is an empath. This term may not be familiar in our African context, yet the experiences and personality may be very familiar to many.

This publication has been put together with the aim of helping to turn dysfunctional empaths into well functioning, thriving people. It is a first in what I hope to be more informative resources for intuitive people in Malawi.

There are many online support groups on varying platforms that you can join to enjoy a sense of community and belonging on your spiritual path. I personally recommend you join a Christ centered group because I believe the gift of empathy must always go along with the love and power of Jesus Christ. However, if that is not you, make sure to choose your empath family with wisdom and plenty of background research.

I welcome your feedback, personal stories, questions, and opinion on this topic. You may write to me through: essentialgrace@zoho.com or send a Whatsapp message to 0995 147 290

To all empaths, HSP, intuitive people reading this material, welcome to the family! I hope you enjoy your spiritual journey.

Julie Soko (MSc)

All rights reserved ©2022

Table of Contents

What is an Empath?

The description of an empath is multifaceted and can be best understood depending on your cultural context.

The Oxford Dictionary definition describes an empath as apersonwhohasthe paranormalorsuper sensoryabilitytoperceivethementaloremotionalstateofanother individual . They are highly attuned to their environment and are able to pick up on the deep emotional level of those around them.

There are different types of empath with different abilities and strengths. We shall explore these later. For now, I would like you to have a basic idea of what the term ‘empath’ means.

You can say an empath is someone that has a sixth sense, above the normal five senses that we all have. I like to describe empaths and highly sensitive people (HSP’s) as having metaphorical satellites on their heads that are able to pick up frequencies from their environment that are either higher or lower than the norm. For example, some empaths can hear voices (clairaudient) or sense the presence of things (clairsentient). All these are abilities that are part of being an open, sensitive person.

Some empaths will know of their abilities, some will not. Some will consider their abilities a gift, others will describe it as a curse. There are many more empaths out there than most will realize, and a great number of them live very complex lives and will often have a negative experience of life.

In my practice as a therapist, I find myself working with a lot of empaths and HSP’s. Often they come to therapy with a range of problems that are very similar and seem to be overwhelming. Yet most of them just need to understand who and what they are and the symptoms resolve themselves. The most common negative symptoms an empath will have include persistent headaches, back pain, general lethargy, dizziness, stomach problems, emotional distress, mental block or brain fog, dissociation especially when

around crowds, a sense of feeling unrealor disconnected to their body, lucid and disturbing dreams, anxiety, depression, panic and/or anxiety attacks, unexplainable mood changes, and isolation. We will get into why these symptoms seem to be common to empaths and how they can be resolved effectively.

Mini Quiz

There are some simple ways to find out if you are an empath. Although most of the time, it can be very obvious to you on a subconscious level. Try the following reflections:

Are you often described as too empathic? (e.g. Do you always cry when you see others crying, do you feel someone else’s pain as if it was your own?)

Do you find it hard to regulate your own emotions, or are you very unfamiliar with your own emotions but find it easier to help others with theirs?

Are you often overwhelmed in crowded places, or do you easily shut down when surrounded by a lot of people?

Are you easily overwhelmed when around very energetic people, sounds, environments?

Do you suffer tension headaches often?

These questions can help you to begin to discover if indeed you are an empath.

Types of Empaths

The general types of Empath include the following:

Physical empath they can feel the physical experiences of others in their own bodies. This can be an uncomfortable and can feel like a burden to them. This gift can be very helpful for those who are in a healing field where they can work with the sick. Such people may have many different physical symptoms that are not their own, and they have a deeper understanding of their pain, knowing exactly what they can do to alleviate it.

Cognitive empath they are able to perceiveand understandthe thoughts of others. They also love knowledge seeking and can receive messages and inspiration through thoughts, where they get insight and revelation through the information they access. They can help to heal people through solving their problems and can be very efficient at finding solutions. Such people can be life coaches, teachers, authors, creatives in all fields, musicians.

 Emotional empath they have the ability to feel , experience , and understandthe emotions of others on a deep level. They can also understand people’s behavior, emotional expression and/or inhibition, and can help to heal people with emotional problems. People with such gifts can be therapists, medical professionals, priests, or life coaches.



Animal Empath they have the ability to feel,hear , and communicatewith animals. They feel a deep sense of empathy for living creatures which are drawn to them naturally. Animals can feel calm and comfortable around them. People with this gift can be Vets, Zoo professionals, or Game Rangers.



Earth/Geo empath they have the ability to feelearth’s energy in certain places. For example; when a natural disaster is about to take place regardless of where it may be happening, they can experience physical discomfort such as a headache.

Earth scientists, geologists, environmental advocates, even marine biologists are examples of careers for people with this gift.

The Redeemed empath this is the empath that has committed their life to God through accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of their life. This type of empath is guided by the Holy Spirit in everything they do, their gifts and abilities are centered around God’s word and all intuitive knowledge, power, and wisdom they receive is from the Holy Spirit. These empaths operate in gifts as listed in 1 Corinthians verse 12 with the understanding that these gifts are given and managed by the Holy Spirit, and must therefore be honoured and respected as such. The redeemed empath is also known to have the spiritual gift of intercession. They feel and experience other people at such a deep level that they are able to pray and intercede on their behalf with such depth of empathy.

Of course there are many other categories that can be added to these; however, in this edition we shall focus on these. Paying more attention to the redeemed empath.

Common Empath Characteristics

The following are some of the traits that can generally be identified as being empathic in nature. Of course, people are diverse and many symptoms may vary in degree and experience.

Being sensitive to the environment

Ability to tune in and feel/experience others on a deeper level

Most are introverts

Intuitive

They are drawn to the victim, the outcast or left out person

They are highly creative and often multitalented

They are very tidy and work best in a clean orderly environment

They have a low tolerance for narcissistic and controlling people

They can sense energy in food, places, items.

They may spend time daydreaming different scenarios in great detail. Without stimulation, empaths can become easily bored and distracted

They love to seek knowledge; be it through education, reading, the internet, talking to people. They can become frustrated when they don’t have answers to something, going out of their way to find information. Sometimes this can mean they carry too much information due to their desire to know more about the world.

They avoid activities they do not enjoy, without excuses

They are often isolated, needing time to be alone away and apart from others as a necessity in their life

They love animals and nature, often being able to grow things with skill and connect with animals on a deep level.

They are more open and in touch with the supernatural realm, many empaths have extra sensory perception (aka psychic abilities)

Empaths can often be tired and drained from being exposed to so many different energies. They may suffer from different physiological issues. They can also suffer from sympathy pains from those in close proximity to them

People find them easy to talk to and connect with, often telling them their problems and private information.

They can easily pick up on emotion and thoughts of other people, often knowing what others are thinking about them.

They can tell when others are being deceptive or presenting a false image.

A lot of empaths find it difficult to watch emotive content such as violent movies, very sad or abusive story lines where people are suffering. Watching the news is often difficult

They are easily overwhelmed amongst crowds of people. They manage their environments in a specific way in order to maintain their energy.

They have access to advanced knowledge, they often know things without being told. The more tuned in to their gift they are, the stronger this gift becomes.

They are easily influenced by the mood or their environment because of their ability to pick up energy of others. The longer they spend around certain people or places the more they act, speak, and think like them.

Most empaths love being around water, often finding it a calm and cleansing experience.

Most empaths have been told they are overly sensitive or too emotional. Their ability to sense and mirror emotions of others around them is abnormal to others, but very normal to the empath.

They have a low tolerance to pain, however they can get sick often with many different physical ailments they may be feeling on behalf of other people.

They can be very observant and very good at reading body language and facial expressions

They are often drawn to healing professions such as medical, veterinarians, counsellors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, communications experts, and caretakers.

They are often non conformists, often choosing to live outside of the mainstream, popular, fashionable, normalway of life. Empaths are often described as different, odd/strange, aloof, daring, stand out, authentic.

The Enemies of an Empath



Noise. All sort of noise be it physical, emotional, mental, environmental, etc. Noise is there to distort, pollute, distract, and numb the person so that they cannot hear from God anymore. Make it a point to cut out sources of noise in your life as a daily practice.

Doubt. Any form of confusion will do, whether it makes sense or not. As long as it makes you doubt who you are and what your role on earth is, then job done. An empath is grounded in a sense of identity and purpose, when these are attacked or distorted, the result is a disillusionment and paralysis.

 Discouragement. When your heart is clouded with noise and confusion, it turns inward and you begin to focus on yourself instead of on God. Focusing on yourself leads you to see your limitations and failures in technicolor. That leads to epic disappointment as you acknowledge your true self. Turn your focus on God and go back to His Word each time you find yourself here.

 Fear. This fear can be highly irrelevant, irrational, but it can consume you. Whatever you are particularly afraid of can be magnified into a major phobia to keep you from doing your work. Be alert of the role of fear in your life, in most cases this innocent emotion is exploited to make you helpless and distracted from your work.



Ignorance. The whole point of being an intuitive is for you to hear, learn, discern, and deliver new information and messages from God to people. If you do not know God or His will and purposes for people, you will not be able to tell truth from lies. Know who is speaking to you and why. Educate yourself on God’s word so that you have the depth of knowledge and understanding with which to help people in distress.

Becoming an Empowered Empath

Step 1: Acknowledge who you are

Recognize that compassion is an attribute that is built into every empath, you can’t help it. By accepting that this is an inbuilt trait, you are able to exercise caution and to be responsible for how you use or abuse it.

Apart from being compassionate, you are assigned the duty of bringing healing and light to each and every environment you find yourself in. this can bring extra pressure on your shoulders especially if you don’t know that this does not mean sacrificing yourself in the process.

The point to remember is that your compassion and healing purpose should be guided and managed in a healthy and responsible manner.

Step 2: Develop a Strong Bond with your Intuition

Get to accept the fact that you are an intuitive person. Your logic, your cognitive process, your emotions, even your perceptions are all shaped through extra sensory channels. Do not ignore this fact and try to make sense of life through ‘normal’ ways, learn and master using your intuition in everything.

How do you do this? If you are a Christian, the best way to learn to master your intuition is through prayer. Your prayers should help to clear up any confusion, fear, doubts in your mind as you continually ask for guidance from God. The Holy Spirit is your strongest ally and the best source of intuitive guidance. The key here is to know your Bible, become very familiar with God’s word so that when you get messages intuitively you can tell where it is coming from and who it is for.

Being intuitively strong can also help you to protect yourself from harmful environments and/or people. Start building your intuitive muscles each day, learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, and remain grounded in God’s Word.

Example of using Intuition as a Christian Empath:

Be prayerful always in order to become more aware of your environment and the shifts that happen around you

Become aware of the different energy that you experience around specific people and places

Learn to pick up on negative, draining, toxic environments so that you can prayerfully protect yourself from evil influence

Become aware of people that target you because of your gifts, and that seek to abuse, exploit, and /or destroy your gifts and abilities.

Step 3: Don’t Play the Victim

It is easy for an empath to get stuck in a cycle of feeling sorry for themselves, looking down on themselves, having an attitude of the suffering servant. This can be very damaging to your purpose in life not to mention your general wellbeing.

Having the gift of compassion in large quantity, plus the calling to serve the world around you can make you forget that your responsibility is to take care of yourself and keep yourself in the best possible condition. This can lead you to assume that your need to continuously sacrifice yourself for others.

Be reminded of your identity in Christ, your sense of self worth should come from this. You are created for a purpose, you are also equipped for that purpose and you need to guard yourself like the precious resource that you are. No one else will do that for you.

Step 4: Set Healthy Boundaries

Being able to have strong, appropriate boundaries is a combination of several factors that add up throughout your life.

Be grounded in God’s word

Accept who you are, become aware of how and what your purpose is in life

Recognize your worth, protect it with all you do

Set boundaries that honour and respect yourself more than anything else

Setting boundaries includes cutting people, things, content that is damaging to your wellbeing. Become aware of sources of toxicity around you and learn how to set clear, firm boundaries to protect yourself.

Step 5: Love Yourself

Loving yourself is not just another new age catchphrase, it is a Biblical command. “Jesusanswered,“lovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,and withallyoumind.”Thisisthegreatestandthemostimportantcommandment.The secondmostimportantcommandmentislikeit:“Loveyourneighborasyoulove yourself.”ThewholeLawofMosesandtheteachingsoftheprophetsdependonthese twocommandments.”

The goal of every empath should be to care for yourself. You are a vessel of God, created for a specific purpose. you have every right to be here in this time, doing what you are doing. Learn to listen to yourself; your mind, body, heart, and spirit. Learn to recognize your vulnerabilities and strengths while understanding how your mind and emotions work.

Make it a point to live up to your fullest potential so you can serve God to your fullest potential. Here are some practical ways to love yourself;



Meditate Daily take time to recharge everyday by sitting in a quiet place, think about the day and how your life is going. Meditating on what God is teaching you, what lessons you are currently learning, as well as the impact you may be having on the world around you. Meditation also helps to calm you down when you have been exposed to too much noise or excitement that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Empathsneedtimeaparteverydaytodischargeallthis energyandnoisethattheypickupwhilearoundotherpeople

Learn to Breathe although it may seem that breathing is an obvious action that every living being is entitled to, the way it is done varies greatly. Many empaths are prone to taking shallow and constrained breathes due to anxiety, stress, or being overwhelmed by their environment. This can lead to many complications such as muscle cramps, back pain, disturbed sleep, digestive problems, tension headaches, jaw clenching or TMJ, dizziness and vertigo. Learning a good breathing technique that can be practiced on a daily basis can go a long way to clear a lot of empath physiological complaints and improve their quality of life.

Breathing Techniques

Learn your current breathing and adjust it

Begin to take deeper breaths through your nose and out through your mouth

Use mobile phone apps to help you with breathing techniques that help relive anxiety and stress.

Transmute Negative Energy we all pick up energy from our environment. When you are around happy people, you catch some of their joy; when around angry or hostile people, you can pick up their anger as well. For the Empath, the energy they pick up is in larger quantities and if not careful can overwhelm you and cause you to suffer from the effects of negative energy. Develop the habit of dumping this energy every day to get rid of it and to get back to yourself. There are many different ways to do this, you have to discover how it works for you.

Ways of Transmuting Negative Energy

Spend time with your pets, be outside the house in fresh air

Spend a few minutes each evening outside the house, alone in quiet reflection, exercising, star gazing, or walking

Do some gardening, watering plants, weeding, trimming, sweeping the yard

Take a nap in a quiet room without distractions

Becoming empowered in your empathic walk is a liberating experience, and it does not have a time frame. Put the effort in caring for yourself as God’s vessel, entrust your gifts to Him and allow Him to be your guide in all things. You will become more joyful and fulfilled in all you do.

The Christian Empath Survival Kit

Every gift and/or talent requires responsibility and accountability. As an empath, you are responsible for leading a healthy, well structured life with strong boundaries. Below are some guidelines that can help you.

Mind your own business

1 Thessalonians 4 vs 11 12 ‘Andtoaspiretolivequietly,andtomindyourownaffairs, andtoworkwithyourhands,asweinstructedyou,sothatyoumaywalkproperly beforeoutsidersandbedependentonnoone.’

Make it a point to have strong and appropriate boundaries between you and other people. Do your best to keep out of other people’s affairs, stories, drama’s and life events. Make your business your priority and keep yourself focused on your life goals. Do not feel obligated to help or ‘fix’ anyone. Unless you are specifically asked to intervene, or unless God has given you instructions, stay out of people’ s lives.

Live by God’s Word

John 6:63 ‘ItistheSpiritwhogiveslife;thefleshprofitsnothing.ThewordsthatIspeak toyouarespirit,andtheyarelife.’

Corinthians 12 vs 1 11 ‘NowaboutthegiftsoftheSpirit,brothersandsisters,Idonot wantyoutobeuninformed.Youknowthatwhenyouwerepagans,somehoworother youwereinfluencedandledastraytomuteidols.Therefore,Iwantyoutoknowthatno onewhoisspeakingbytheSpiritofGodsays, JesusbecursedandnoonecansayJesus isLordexceptbytheHolySpirit.TherearedifferentkindsofgiftsbutthesameSpirit distributesthem.Therearedifferentkindsofservice,butthesameLord.Thereare differentkindsofworking,butinallofthemandineveryoneitisthesameGodatwork. NowtoeachonethemanifestationoftheSpiritisgivenforthecommongood.Toone thereisgiventhroughtheSpiritamessageofwisdom,toanotheramessageof knowledgebymeansofthesameSpirit,toanotherfaithbythesameSpirit,toanother

giftsofhealingbythatoneSpirit,toanothermiraculouspowers,toanotherprophecy,to anotherdistinguishingbetweenspirits,toanotherspeakingindifferentkindsoftongues, andtostillanothertheinterpretationoftongues Allthesearetheworkofoneandthe sameSpirit,andHedistributesthemtoeachonejustasHedetermines

God’s word is your strongest weapon in life, use it wisely to keep yourself walking in wisdom, remaining grounded, and having clear thoughts. There is a lot of information out there that can be misleading, and that can lead you down the wrong path. It is your responsibility to keep yourself grounded in God’s word so that you are not deceived. But also so that you are guided in the right direction according to your specific gifts.

Develop your gifts

James 1 vs 17 ‘everygoodandperfectgiftisfromabove,comingdownfromtheFather oftheHeavenlylights,whodoesnotchangelikeshiftingshadows

1 Peter 4 vs 10 11 ‘eachofyoushouldusewhatevergiftyoureceivedtoserveothers, asfaithfulstewardsofGod’sgraceinitsvariousforms.Ifanyonespeaks,theyshould dosoasonewhospeakstheverywordsofGod Ifanyoneservestheyshoulddosowith thestrengthGodprovidessothatinallthingsGodmaybepraisedthroughJesusChrist. ToHimbethegloryandthepowerforeverandever.Amen .

Matthew 5 vs 14 16 ‘youarethelightoftheworld.Atownbuiltonahillcannotbe hidden.Neitherdopeoplelightalampandputitunderabowl.Insteadtheyputitonits stand,anditgiveslighttoeveryoneinthehouse.Inthesameway,letyourlightshine beforeothers,thattheymayseeyourgooddeedsandglorifyyourFatherinHeaven’

Work hard as unto God

Colossians 3 vs 23 24 ‘Whateveryoudo,workatitwithallyourheart,asworkingfor theLord,notforhumanmasters,sinceyouknowthatyouwillreceivean inheritancefromtheLordasareward.ItistheLordChristyouareserving.

Never take your work profession talents business whatever it is you do for granted. God provides everything you need in order for you to accomplish all that you need to. Make sure you are putting in the effort, diligence, and integrity.

Help people all the time

Galatians 6 vs 2 ‘Carryeachother’sburdensandsoyouwillfulfillthelawofChrist’

You don’t have to be rich or have a lot to help others. Sometimes you help people through the gifts that you operate it. If you are an encourager, be sure to help others through that. If you have technical skills, or are good with computers, find ways to be helping people through your skills all the time. It is a Godly service and one that brings glory to God.

Forgive easily, forget quickly

Matthew 6 vs 14 15 ‘Forifyouforgiveotherstheirtrespasses,yourheavenlyFatherwill alsoforgiveyou,butifyoudonotforgiveotherstheirtrespasses,neitherwillyourFather forgiveyourtrespasses.

Un forgiveness has the power to block your gifts and talents from working. You cannot serve God with a hardened heart, nor can you want the best for others when you struggle to forgive. Clear your conscious regularly, and be sure to remove any grudges that may be lingering in there.

Pray more

Ephesians 6 vs 18 ‘PrayingatalltimesintheSpirit,withallprayerandsupplication.To thatendkeepalertwithallperseverance,makingsupplicationforallthesaints

Talking to God is a privilege that all Christians have been given through Jesus Christ. God is always there to listen, guide, direct, comfort, correct, advise, and shape our lives. Make sure to spend time with Him in open earnest conversation (prayer).

Be resourceful

Proverbs 18 vs 15 ‘anintelligentheartacquiresknowledge,andtheearofthewise seeksknowledge.’

An Empath is a natural knowledge seeker, gathering information and wanting to know things is a no brainer. Make sure you are seeking in the right places and that you can back up your knowledge with Godly wisdom. The key point to remember is this: if the knowledge you find is not leading you/drawing you closer to Jesus Christ, it is not the right knowledge for you. Anything that points in a direction that is not Christ centered is a red flag especially for empaths.

Mind your tongue

Ephesians 4 vs 29 ‘Letnocorruptingtalkcomeoutofyourmouths,butonlysuchasis goodforbuildingup,asfitstheoccasion,thatitmaygivegracetothosewhohear.’

Proverbs 18 vs 21 ‘Deathandlifeareinthepowerofthetongue,andthosewholoveit willeatitsfruits.’

Remember that the words you speak create the house you live in. be sure to speak life giving words, and words that are linked to God’s word over your life. You do not want to be speaking words contrary to His will and purpose for your life because this will take you off course. Stay grounded in God’s word and speak it over yourself and others. Your tongue should create and build always.

Mind your thoughts

Philippians 4 vs 8 ‘Finally,brothers,whateveristrue,whateverishonorable,whateveris just,whateverispure,whateverislovely,whateveriscommendable,ifthereisany excellence,ifthereisanythingworthyofpraise,thinkaboutthesethings.’

Your mind should be consecrated as holy ground, it should be kept apart and shielded from all evil. Make it a point to guard your mind and heart, paying attention to the content that is there in order to keep yourself pure from negative, evil thought.

Strive for peace always

Psalms 34 vs 14 ‘Turnfromevilanddogood;seekpeaceandpursueit.

The empath is also a naturally peaceful person, quick to shun controversy and conflict. Always pray for wisdom when it comes to seeking peace. Use the example of Jesus Christ while He had to deal with the Pharisees and other religious leaders that were always against Him. He relied on the Word of God in His reaction and response, and was never led to sin because of conflict. Use the same template for your life, when in doubt turn to the Word of God for direction and keep your peace.

Trust in God’s saving power and love

Psalms 34 vs 19 22 ‘Therighteouspersonmayhavemanytroubles,but theLorddelivershimfromthemall;heprotectsallhisbones,notoneofthemwillbe broken.Evilwillslaythewicked;thefoesoftherighteouswillbecondemned. TheLordwillrescuehisservants;noonewhotakesrefugeinhimwillbecondemned’

Due to the nature of an empath, discouragement and sadness are commonly experienced emotions. Sometimes these come about because of a genuine sadness for the plight of others, sometimes it is in sympathy of other people’s lives, while other times it could be out of exhaustion from feeling so many intense emotions for long periods of time. Whatever the cause of your sadness, be reminded that God offers comfort in His Word. You can be assured of Him knowing exactly how you feel and providing grace to help you when you are at your lowest point.

As you grow in your empath life, you will learn how to recognize the times that require you to seek comfort in God’s word. It is important to sometimes to remind yourself that you have been rescued from eternal death by grace through Jesus Christ. That the power of God is at work in you through the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, that you are fiercely loved and accepted by God

Summary

As this is only the first booklet for Empaths in Malawi, the information you have learnt is only an introduction. There is so much more for you to learn and many ways through which you will grow as you discover more about your gift.

Empaths need support from others, they need to be in community with others who can understand the complex experiences that are typical to empaths. In Malawi, many Empaths are unaware that they are, they recognize that something is different about them and that they struggle to regulate their emotions. Yet there is very little information to help Empaths gain this much needed direction and validation for who they are.

If you need to join such a community, or you feel the need to have someone to walk with you as you begin to make sense of your gift; get in touch with me using the contact details below.

suretolookoutforthenextpublication

willexploretheHighlySensitive

bookand all the content

be sold

been assembled

the subject

Soko

the purposeof educating the Malawian public

not

or distribute this