Empathy

There is a state of being, as a channel of illumination, that both accommodates full expression of empathy, without collapsing into the suffering of another. A person who is suffering does not want another person to suffer with her, rather, she wants understanding, compassion, and at times assistance.

Empathy often leads to a measure of sadness, as the empath doesn't like to see another person suffer. An empath needs to be proficient in self-protection. At the same time, an empath need not decrease sensitivity in order to have this protection.

As a channel of illumination, an empath can bring light into darkness without absorbing any of the darkness. An empath may share a journey with another who is walking in darkness, but may always bring a light with her, so both the journey and the light are shared.