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Llewellyn's Little Books #10
Llewellyn's Little Book of Empathy
Empathy is one of the most important tools you have for connecting with others. It supports the mutual exchange of love and nurturance, and it helps foster community, cooperation, belonging, and a sense of spiritual vitality.
But sometimes empathy can present challenges, especially for people who experience too much empathy. Difficulty can also arise for those who feel too little empathy or twist their sense of empathy to manipulate others. Llewellyn's Little Book of Empathy shares effective solutions for working through your under- or over-empathic tendencies, and it shows how you can process the underlying issues that lead to manipulation. You will also learn about the different kinds of empathy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Popular author and long-time intuitive counselor Cyndi Dale shares dozens of exercises and quick tips to prevent empathic downsides and support the positives of this ability, including:
Increased ability to set and achieve financial and lifestyle goals Improved physical and emotional health Boosted creativity and passion for life Ease in separating others' feelings from your own Increased ability to give and receive compassion Stronger and more loving relationships Bolstered self-esteem and self-confidence Effective ways to establish appropriate empathic boundaries An acute ability to problem-solve Intensified capacity for perceiving and making the best choices A level-headed approach to dealing with toxic people and their beliefs Enhanced connections to spiritual guides Heightening of powers needed to reject negative people and spirits
But sometimes empathy can present challenges, especially for people who experience too much empathy. Difficulty can also arise for those who feel too little empathy or twist their sense of empathy to manipulate others. Llewellyn's Little Book of Empathy shares effective solutions for working through your under- or over-empathic tendencies, and it shows how you can process the underlying issues that lead to manipulation. You will also learn about the different kinds of empathy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Popular author and long-time intuitive counselor Cyndi Dale shares dozens of exercises and quick tips to prevent empathic downsides and support the positives of this ability, including:
Increased ability to set and achieve financial and lifestyle goals Improved physical and emotional health Boosted creativity and passion for life Ease in separating others' feelings from your own Increased ability to give and receive compassion Stronger and more loving relationships Bolstered self-esteem and self-confidence Effective ways to establish appropriate empathic boundaries An acute ability to problem-solve Intensified capacity for perceiving and making the best choices A level-headed approach to dealing with toxic people and their beliefs Enhanced connections to spiritual guides Heightening of powers needed to reject negative people and spirits
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2019
11 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Cyndi Dale
119 books193 followersCyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and intuitive consultant. Her popular books include The Subtle Body Coloring Book: Learn Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2017), Subtle Energy Techniques (Llewellyn Publications, 2017), Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Chakras (Llewellyn Publications, 2016), The Intuition Guidebook: How To Safely and Wisely Use Your Sixth Sense (Deeper Well Publishing, 2011), Energetic Boundaries: How to Stay Protected and Connected in Work, Love, and Life (Sounds True, 2011), The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2009), and The Complete Book of Chakra Healing (Llewellyn Publications, 2009), as well as nearly 20 additional books. To learn more about Dale and her products, services, and classes, please visit www.cyndidale.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 29, 2019
I had a really hard time getting into this, sadly. As an empath, I was pretty excited to learn more about it, but the text feels very repetitive and I don't enjoy the author's overall writing voice, sadly. There's nothing wrong with it, it just isn't for me. I also think maybe I don't see physical empathy the same way as the author does; at one point, she mentioned a client whose rheumatoid arthritis literally disappeared after he learned to stop empathizing with his mother. I'm not yet convinced that physical empaths can empathize with another person's pains to the degree of being diagnosed with full-on disorders and ailments, especially ones as "big" as RA. I also kept getting annoyed by the author's tidbits about her family for a myriad of reasons I won't bother delving into much here, the least of it being the gender roles and her line about being surprised that she could empathize with her sons since they're men and she's a woman (rolling my eyes, sorry — most empaths will agree with me that empathy has no concept of gender roles).
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 7, 2019
This little series is just perfect for someone who is interested in a subject but aren't sure if they want to jump into a huge tome of wisdom. There is quite a bit here to get you started, some exercises that work really well. The author even goes into the effects of narcissists on empaths and that whole subject that everyone loves to talk about. That's just the start of it, there is mention of the science of it all. Just a lot of stuff for a little book. All of this info while the writing remains easy to understand and fluid. Can't ask for more!
***Thanks to NetGalley for this title***
***Thanks to NetGalley for this title***
July 26, 2019
Esoteric empathy interests me in a deep way. My own empathic abilities are strongest with non-human creatures, particularly mammals and some birds.
I’d say I have slightly higher-than-normal empathic aptitude when it comes to other people, but full-blown esoteric-strength empathy with regards to the animal kingdom.
I wanted to read this book because esoteric empathy, like many skills, can be honed and developed for greater finesse and nuance to perception. I’m always looking to develop myself in that direction.
Much of this book features a very New Age, very theistic, belief system. She talks about angels, auric fields, and the ubiquitous concept of Spirit. Some of this aligns with my own beliefs about the architecture of the universe, but, of course, not all of it.
I’ve got a bit of background in chaos magic, though. The chaote in me knows that techniques can be solid without necessarily reflecting the practitioner’s worldview.
And frankly? It doesn’t matter to me whether I buy 100% into what this author is saying about things like Spirit, angels, and guides. The exercises work quite well for me, even without adopting the worldview.
If you’re less comfortable adapting such things or sinking into them for the sake of the moment, you might find this book less useful, but it’s still worth reading if you’ve an interest in esoteric empathy at all.
I found the author’s attempts to scientifically validate empathy and esoteric energy to be a bit silly. While it’s quite possible science will someday understand such things, nothing currently understood by science explains them. Attempts at handwaving the issue away with “quantum” explanations and such don’t really work, in my opinion. They’re interesting to think about, but fall short of the mark.
I also disliked much of the discussion of “narcissists” and other folks with mental illness in this book. Most empaths online already seem to have this deep-seated fear that they’re surrounded by “narcissists.”
I didn’t like that this book kind of feeds into that, setting up people with narcissistic personality disorder (and certain other disorders) as diametrically opposed to empaths. The author also says that autistics “lack empathy,” which recent research seems to indicate isn’t exactly true, nor is it the whole story.
I wish the author would recognize that NPD, autism, and even ASPD are serious matters and not really related to empathy in the esoteric sense at all. This is a complicated issue, and I might write an article at some point about my views on it.
Despite that, I do think this is a decent book, and overall, I give it four out of five stars.
The author’s discussion (in detail) of the different types of empathy makes the book worth it, though, all on its own. Many books on empathy ignore the sheer variety of experiences stemming from it - not so with Cyndi Dale, who details physical empathy, emotional empathy, and more, with tips for managing each sort.
I believe most of us experience a mixture of the different types she discusses, and she acknowledges that as well. For many people, one type will be dominant, and the level of detail she approaches each with will be extremely helpful.
I’d say I have slightly higher-than-normal empathic aptitude when it comes to other people, but full-blown esoteric-strength empathy with regards to the animal kingdom.
I wanted to read this book because esoteric empathy, like many skills, can be honed and developed for greater finesse and nuance to perception. I’m always looking to develop myself in that direction.
Much of this book features a very New Age, very theistic, belief system. She talks about angels, auric fields, and the ubiquitous concept of Spirit. Some of this aligns with my own beliefs about the architecture of the universe, but, of course, not all of it.
I’ve got a bit of background in chaos magic, though. The chaote in me knows that techniques can be solid without necessarily reflecting the practitioner’s worldview.
And frankly? It doesn’t matter to me whether I buy 100% into what this author is saying about things like Spirit, angels, and guides. The exercises work quite well for me, even without adopting the worldview.
If you’re less comfortable adapting such things or sinking into them for the sake of the moment, you might find this book less useful, but it’s still worth reading if you’ve an interest in esoteric empathy at all.
I found the author’s attempts to scientifically validate empathy and esoteric energy to be a bit silly. While it’s quite possible science will someday understand such things, nothing currently understood by science explains them. Attempts at handwaving the issue away with “quantum” explanations and such don’t really work, in my opinion. They’re interesting to think about, but fall short of the mark.
I also disliked much of the discussion of “narcissists” and other folks with mental illness in this book. Most empaths online already seem to have this deep-seated fear that they’re surrounded by “narcissists.”
I didn’t like that this book kind of feeds into that, setting up people with narcissistic personality disorder (and certain other disorders) as diametrically opposed to empaths. The author also says that autistics “lack empathy,” which recent research seems to indicate isn’t exactly true, nor is it the whole story.
I wish the author would recognize that NPD, autism, and even ASPD are serious matters and not really related to empathy in the esoteric sense at all. This is a complicated issue, and I might write an article at some point about my views on it.
Despite that, I do think this is a decent book, and overall, I give it four out of five stars.
The author’s discussion (in detail) of the different types of empathy makes the book worth it, though, all on its own. Many books on empathy ignore the sheer variety of experiences stemming from it - not so with Cyndi Dale, who details physical empathy, emotional empathy, and more, with tips for managing each sort.
I believe most of us experience a mixture of the different types she discusses, and she acknowledges that as well. For many people, one type will be dominant, and the level of detail she approaches each with will be extremely helpful.
August 7, 2020
With everything going on in 2020, I think this book is a necessity for those who are feeling overwhelmed, and for those who don't understand why everyone else is so upset. Many people are experiencing empathy overload, while others have shut theirs off all together. Perhaps this book can help some people even out the odds.
September 8, 2019
Empathy is the ability to share the feelings of another, which at times can be overwhelming, joyous or frightful. "Llewellyn's Little Book of Empathy", by Cyndi Dale is a guide of sorts, that explains how to use this wondrous gift not only to help others but to open yourself up to possibilities you didn't even know existed.
The author goes into great detail on the different types of empathy one might be experiencing and the best ways to deal with each situation. Which is invaluable when you are in an environment that is overstimulating.
I enjoyed how she shared her different life experiences with clients she has had, and the how they were able to overcome their afflictions by adjusting the way they felt about an object or person.
I found some very helpful advice in this wonderful book, that I will be using in my life on a daily basis.
Blessings
#Llewellynslittlebookofempathy #Netgalley
The author goes into great detail on the different types of empathy one might be experiencing and the best ways to deal with each situation. Which is invaluable when you are in an environment that is overstimulating.
I enjoyed how she shared her different life experiences with clients she has had, and the how they were able to overcome their afflictions by adjusting the way they felt about an object or person.
I found some very helpful advice in this wonderful book, that I will be using in my life on a daily basis.
Blessings
#Llewellynslittlebookofempathy #Netgalley
August 26, 2019
I love the Little Book series from Llewellyn Worldwide. It gives a little peek at something you may not know much about, a taster to see if the subject is something you might want to explore further. My husband would say book tapas. Anyway. I enjoyed this book. It gave me a few new books to check out, gave me some info and answers that I will look to expand on again. Many of the writing are written about the authors friends or family or people she meets. Which I like. Makes it more palatable. Less scholarly more chatty.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
November 10, 2019
I had the pleasure of reading Llewellyn's Little Book of Empathy in exchange for an honest review. This book is anything but "little" as Cyndi Dale has provided a thorough and in depth resource for those interested in learning about empathy. She provides information on the different types of empathy and tools for each in setting proper boundaries. As an empath, boundaries are vital to ones health and well being and the author has presented useful information on maintaining these boundaries. I enjoyed the personal stories scattered throughout that seemed to break up areas where I may have been losing interest and finding difficulty in moving ahead in the book. Many thanks to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications (your books never disappoint!) for this ARC.
October 16, 2019
I loved this book! It's an engrossing and informative read that will give tons of information.
It's well written and it was and interesting read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's well written and it was and interesting read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
August 8, 2019
Llewellyn's Little Book of Empathy is a interesting and informative book. It is easy to read and has some interesting insights.
December 22, 2021
This book was much more than I expected. It engages the reader in enhancing our natural empathic abilities while offering protective processes.
August 5, 2022
Super cool techniques
April 10, 2025
the book was informative, but for me the writing was a little dry and repetitive
August 31, 2019
I guess I was expecting more. But it does have some great points and is helpful yet I did not connect with how the information and the author's experience with this topic. For those who want to do more with this topic, it is a nice start point and introduced to a few topics to explore.
December 17, 2019
Empathy is an important skill and gift to have – it can make you a better parent, sibling, friend, co-worker and supervisor. It helps you connect with others and to understand them better. It gives others the confidence to confide in you and know that they can trust you. You are fully able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they are feeling without judgement.
I first have to appreciate how adorable and warm this book is – it can easily fit into the palm of your hand and it has a warm, comforting green cover. The cover is simple, which fits the tone of the book. The shades of green and gold are found throughout the book and I loved the font and design of each page. It helped to make the concepts easy to follow and you felt connected to the book.
While I thought I was familiar with the definition of empathy, this book opened my eyes to the many forms including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Cyndi broke down each of these topics and uses easy to understand terms and relates them to real life experiences. For example, in physical empathy she uses several examples of individuals feeling the actual illness, or having an illness manifest in themselves over the physical empathy they were feeling for another (an example was a young girl with her dying dog).
Cyndi doesn’t just explain the topics but also provides helpful exercises and tips. Each exercise first breaks down why we are doing the exercise and then uses steps to help guide you through each part of the exercise. She keeps the exercises easy to follow and to the point. You are never left feeling overwhelmed or confused. Throughout the book, Cyndi also shares helpful tips with the reader to help better connect you with the content.
This is a beautiful book that covers such an important topic. It is great for those who are wanting to learn more about empathy and for those who may know they are an empathetic individual and need guidance on how to better manage and guide their skills.
I first have to appreciate how adorable and warm this book is – it can easily fit into the palm of your hand and it has a warm, comforting green cover. The cover is simple, which fits the tone of the book. The shades of green and gold are found throughout the book and I loved the font and design of each page. It helped to make the concepts easy to follow and you felt connected to the book.
While I thought I was familiar with the definition of empathy, this book opened my eyes to the many forms including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Cyndi broke down each of these topics and uses easy to understand terms and relates them to real life experiences. For example, in physical empathy she uses several examples of individuals feeling the actual illness, or having an illness manifest in themselves over the physical empathy they were feeling for another (an example was a young girl with her dying dog).
Cyndi doesn’t just explain the topics but also provides helpful exercises and tips. Each exercise first breaks down why we are doing the exercise and then uses steps to help guide you through each part of the exercise. She keeps the exercises easy to follow and to the point. You are never left feeling overwhelmed or confused. Throughout the book, Cyndi also shares helpful tips with the reader to help better connect you with the content.
This is a beautiful book that covers such an important topic. It is great for those who are wanting to learn more about empathy and for those who may know they are an empathetic individual and need guidance on how to better manage and guide their skills.
October 3, 2019
I didn’t know what to expect with this book because I have never read anything about empathy before. I feel this is a great start for a newbie or someone who is looking for a different take on empathy. This book focuses on the four different types of empathy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. She discusses how to use these four types and why we should try to use them.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with the authors experience which made it harder for me to understand some of the explanations she was giving. Overall, I think if you are interested in this topic, this is the book for you.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with the authors experience which made it harder for me to understand some of the explanations she was giving. Overall, I think if you are interested in this topic, this is the book for you.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*
October 22, 2019
I started this book and couldn't really get into it much. I think the subject of empathy (emotional empathy) is very interesting but some of the other spiritual empathy stuff was a little outside of my belief system. I kept an open mind and tried to read the book anyway but it just was different than I expected it to be. I can see the appeal of this book to some people, it just wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews