The Ethics of Empathy

THE EMPATH REPORTS 101
By Christel Broederlow

Is it really that important to have self-determined ethics and morals in regards to one’s abilities? Yes, I feel deeply so. Those who do understand to a degree, but fail to have any ethics and/or morals in place, are hurtful to themselves and/or others. When anyone uses an ability to intentionally harm or manipulate another, his/her actions reveal the kind of person he/she truly is.

The ethics and morals involved in living with empathic senses depend upon the individual and an awareness of how the empath uses these abilities. That awareness must be continual. As empaths learn more and apply it to their lives, their empathic skills will be refined so that they are constantly aware of both their empathic nature and others.

I have met many people with empathy, telepathy and varying other psychic abilities. Thankfully, the most people are responsible for their abilities and are working diligently to understand them with a genuine interest.

I have also met a few who have no regards whatsoever as to how they use their abilities. They exhibit a lack of concern about hurting another because they think it is a game. In this game, these few want to “play” with friends to see what happens. They are likely to be surprised when something very real occurs. They then find that they have no clue how to undo what they have intentionally and thoughtlessly done!

For those few who intentionally want to have fun with their abilities. One may ask: “What is the definition of fun?” Fun needs to be tempered with knowledge of what you’re doing and safety for oneself and others.

How do you explain that empathy and other abilities are not games to be “toyed” with? Can this perception be altered? Yes, it can be changed through respecting any and all abilities one has, how they work, and how we use them with others.

Empaths need to understand, to the best of their abilities, what effects empathic abilities have on themselves and others. We gather respect in seeking to understand, nurturing ourselves and sharing accordingly with others.

There are noticeable times during interactions in which it is required that empaths detach themselves. The ability to detach will prove invaluable and is especially important in professional careers where you are helping others. Being empathic can be consequential if you are not aware. You can become overly concerned with another’s “issues” and find it almost impossible to walk away.

Sometimes, no matter how compassionate and genuinely caring you are, it is essential to detach. It is that person’s issue to deal with. Learning to use discretion will surely help. You cannot help all the people all the time. Unless they are willing to help themselves, you will end up being a “doormat” or simply someone to help “bail” them out of trouble when the need arises. Some people don’t want help or aren’t ready for it. That is their right.

Empaths should not concern themselves with another person’s issue, emotions or feelings unless they are approached or it is a matter of safety. Experience and awareness teaches one this. Otherwise, it can blow something trivial out of proportion and damage a relationship.

Experience helps develop tact and an ability to know when the “time is right” to say or do something. That experience also teaches you when to step back. Learning to walk away is something not to be considered as uncaring; at times, it is a selfless act of immense compassion for all concerned.

Adopting these principles will improve your personality, self-growth and heighten your perception. It will open your heart and mind to yourself and others and provide a better quality of life. Being responsible, having a degree of control, learning, and applying your knowledge in all moments are part of having ethics and morals.

Copyright © 1998 Christel Broederlow

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