06/14/2026
My perspective on empathy and emotional boundaries has evolved. And when I say empathy, I’m not talking about feeling the vibe of a room. This is deeper than that. This is feeling the emotional state of the people around you without their permission.
🪷
I used to believe (unconsciously) that feeling what others were feeling was necessary to navigate situations, respond correctly, and ensure a safe environment. However, I have realized that this approach can inadvertently become a form of control. “ I am not holding the space for you. I am holding the space in this way so that I can feel safe.”
🪷
Consciously deciding that others’ internal emotions are not my “business” has been life-changing. This shift isn’t about a lack of compassion…it is about having the respect for both myself and others to not pry into their personal experiences.
🪷
I’ve come to see that constantly absorbing others’ emotions is like reading their diary. We can hold space for people without taking on their feelings. In fact, staying grounded and not being fully immersed in someone else’s experience allows us to be a more supportive presence.
🪷
Doing this work has helped me to learned that I don’t need to feel what others are feeling to feel safe. The authentic and conscious energy of “I am here, I care, I am a human with a body that also experiences emotions” has way more power.