Exploring empathy in Wicked Hunt

Before we dive into empathy, it's crucial to differentiate between feelings and emotions: individuals experience feelings consciously, while emotions can manifest either consciously or subconsciously. That leads us to the definition of empathy. According to Merriam-Webster, empathy is “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.” [1] 

However, I have a slightly different perspective. To me, empathy primarily concerns feelings and emotions, whereas telepathy is more focused on thoughts. This distinction is emphasized in a dialogue from the movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2:

Mantis: If I touch someone, I can feel their feelings.
Star-Lord: You read minds?
Mantis: No, telepaths know thoughts. Empaths feel feelings… emotions.

Natural or psychic empathy

Aside from sociopaths and psychopaths, natural empathy is a ubiquitous trait among humans. We possess an intrinsic ability to tune into not only our feelings and emotions but also those of others. This empathetic response is deeply ingrained in human nature, often occurring unconsciously and instinctively.

Psychic empathy involves a deliberate and conscious utilization of this innate empathy to form profound connections with individuals.

At its core, empathy is the aptitude to sense, recognize, perceive, and directly experience the emotions and feelings of others. For psychic empaths, it extends to influencing or, in a negative context, manipulating these emotions. A powerful psychic empath can even channel their own emotions onto others, illustrating the depth of this ability.

Empaths serve as exceptional confidants, readily available to offer support and understanding to friends, colleagues, and teammates. This ability becomes a potent tool that helps to comprehend others and provide assistance during their moments of need. However, it's crucial to recognize that this power comes with responsibility, as an empath, armed with intimate knowledge of others' secrets, must tread carefully, ensuring ethical use of their empathic gifts.

What does that mean for Nathaniel Colt, my protagonist in “The Empath Series”? Nate’s abilities transcend the typical experience of understanding other people's emotions. He can discern non-visual, non-verbal cues that emanate from an individual's emotional state. Through his heightened sensitivity, he can perceive energy fields and auras, which enable him to read the emotions of those in his vicinity. To achieve this, Nathaniel has undergone rigorous training, honing his skills to detect subtle changes in the energy vibrations exuded by other individuals.

Aura reading

In various spiritual beliefs, it is held that every individual possesses an aura—an intangible, subtle glow surrounding the body that mirrors one's life energy. The term has roots in Latin and ancient Greek and translates to wind, breeze, or breath.

Also known as the auric field, radiance, or etheric body, the aura aptly describes the continuous flow of energy or electromagnetic field that envelops people, animals, and even objects. This halo of light, composed of several layers of different colors, expresses an individual's life force, feelings, emotions, and character traits. The aura acts as a reflective canvas, as it mirrors our essence in physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Each person possesses a unique and relatively stable aura. However, auras can undergo alterations based on an individual's emotional and physical well-being. Illness or trauma can transform a person’s aura.

Nathaniel’s abilities go beyond merely perceiving auras. He can also pick up “vibes”, the visible representation of a being's current feelings and emotions. The colors within the aura convey an individual's thoughts, intentions, and desires at that moment.

Centering, shielding, grounding, cleansing

Nathaniel’s empathy is not a passive gift—it's an active ability that subjects him to a constant influx of foreign emotions and feelings. To prevent being overwhelmed by this tidal wave of energies and to avoid perpetual exhaustion, Nate has mastered several techniques to safeguard himself and maintain his well-being.

• Centering: The bedrock of his energy management, centering involves breathing techniques to draw external energy into himself and to uphold a balance within.
• Grounding: To rid himself of any excess stored energy, Nathaniel practices grounding. Instead of internalizing the energy, he consciously expels it to remain in control.
• Shielding: An essential defense mechanism, shielding manifests as an energy barrier or mental shield that encircles Nathaniel. Comparable to protective shields on sci-fi spaceships, this barrier shields him from the deluge of external energies.
• Cleansing: Even with his shield active, Nathaniel continuously absorbs vibrational energies from his surroundings. Hence, he regularly cleanses himself of these foreign energies.

Recognizing the critical role of physical and mental health, Nathaniel exercises regularly to fortify his mental defenses. Despite these measures, the most potent recharge for his inner batteries occurs when he immerses himself in nature. Thus, he and his loyal Rottweiler companion, Jackson, spend much time outdoors and away from other people.

_{[1] Merriam-Webster. Empathy. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Empathy}

Buy Wicked Hunt

Wicked Hunt is the first book in "The Empath Series", a paranormal suspense series about a reclusive empath rejoining the world and the people he left behind.