EMPATH ENVIRONMENTS: HOW TO CREATE A SANCTUARY THAT SUPPORTS YOU

So you know what an environment is, but what is an Empath?

The characteristics of an Empath include, “having the ability to understand the experiences and feelings of others outside of their own perspective,” -Dr. Judith Orloff, as well as having a strong connection to our your intuition.

These are traits that everyone has, it’s that sometimes Empaths feel as though they don’t have a choice in the matter.

When this is the way that you feel the world, an empath’s environment becomes an important place. Often we don’t take the effort to support ourselves in our spaces. I want to share some ways to fix this!

As an Empath myself I know how challenging the world outside our front door can be, especially right now. I treat my home as my sacred space, where I make the rules, and set the scene for the best healing for myself.

People don’t realize how much healing they can discover in their environment.

Utilizing empathic abilities of sensitivity, connection, intuition; you can create a space that brings you joy and healing.

An Empath that has an environment that doesn’t support them risks burnout and overwhelm. Empaths and anxiety do not need to be connected!

But an Empath that does create an environment that lights them up through serenity and peace, is energized. These Empath's can now bring their gifts of depth and empathy to the rest of the world which deeply needs them right now.

Here are some great places to start in creating intentional sanctuary for yourself:

1. De-clutter.

I can’t stress this enough! Clutter in your environment can cause undue stress on your nervous system. If you don’t believe me, think about how you feel when everything clean and in its place… don’t you feel lighter! I know I do. This makes it very important that your environment CAN be put in order. If you clean your home, and still feel stressed out, it’s time to purge those things that are not serving your best self!

2. Carve out a sacred space for yourself.

Boundaries are super important for Empaths. Out there in the world, soaking up everyone’s emotions... it can feel like there is no difference between where you end and the rest of the world begins. When you come home you need to be able to feel like some space is all yours.

Whether it’s a shelf in your closet where you keep all your vintage perfume bottles. Or your converted garage studio where you can shut the door and be with yourself while painting. Focus on your boundaries somewhere, you deserve them.

3. Remove any object that doesn’t serve you.

When you enter a room in your home does something feel off?

Because you are a sensitive person, even the little things can be affecting you. Empath’s take things . We know how precious things are. This sympathy often gets placed on the objects around us.

Ask yourself is there anything in your home that no longer serves the person you desire to become? Perhaps an ex gave you something and every time you see it it brings up hard feelings for you.

For everything in your environment ask yourself if its time to release your grip…

4. Listen to your feelings.

When you come into your own environment how do you feel? Get quiet and listen to your intuition. What comes up for you? If your environment doesn’t light you up take some time for yourself to find out why. A great place to start is with visualizing your perfect day or making a vision board. Collect these ideas that inspire you and look around your environment. See if you see your inner desires reflect in your reality. If not it’s time to make some changes… use your inner work activities as inspiration.

5. Accentuate things that bring you happiness.

Call your power back! A great way to do this in your space is to identify and amplify the things that you love the most! The things that you love and desire are the things that re-establish your energy. In your space, which objects speak to you the most? How can you honor these pieces more?

Maybe certain areas don’t match the energy you want. For example perhaps you have a hand me down desk in your office that has never been your favorite. You should focus on up cycling it, or thrifting one you actually love!

6. Connect with yourself.

This is the most important tip as an Empath. When you are as sensitive to others as we are, it's easy to get lost in the muck. I know for me I often feel like a floating head that is a bundle of reactions. It’s important to reconnect with yourself. I find that taking a moment to remember who I am and what makes me me, with a deep breath can reset my soul.

Another great way to do this is with self care rituals.

One of mine is sitting down on a pillow in front of my sacred space, my altar. On my altar, I have my crystal collection, sand from my favorite place, incense, and statues that represent things that are special to me. A sacred space is anywhere that you have gathered anything that is deeply special to you.

Another gorgeous way to reconnect with yourself is a bath ritual, water is a beautiful way to wash off those bad vibes from the outside world! Empaths and water are great old friends!

What are some rituals that you can incorporate in your own environment?

I know when I focus on these things it allows me be my real self and bring this deeper self to others. I hope these ideas help you to create a sanctuary that supports your soul too!