I have a distinct memory from elementary school that I always come back to when reflecting on empathy. As my brother was getting out of the car, his finger closed in the car door. While my brother was fine in short order, I spent the next hour crying over my brother and his finger. Why did I have such a hysterical fit over my brother's pain? This is only one instance of a phenomena that I've experienced my entire life: feeling and absorbing other people's emotions, whether it be pain or pleasure.

Over the years I've come to realize (through yoga) that we as humans can sense the energy of our environment, the energy of the people around us. When I walk into a room I immediately feel the energy of the room whether I realize it or not. If I'm not aware and present to that energy, it will affect me in a positive or negative way. For example, if I come home from a great day at work and my family is stressed and anxious, I will begin to feel stressed and anxious too. Energy is contagious; and for those of use who feel everything, it's really important to learn how to contain that energy and cultivate an awareness of how it impacts us.

One aspect of the niyama "saucha" (cleanliness or purity) is maintaining a clean or pure environment. When I practice saucha, I surround myself with people who are full of love and peace. Another way I practice purity of mind (borrowing poetry from Cara) is to cultivate "A Big Heart, with a Big Fucking Fence." In other words, I can keenly sense the energy and emotions of the people around me. While I can't always control the purity of my environment and the people that surround me, I can remain conscious to the energy and to how that energy impacts my emotional body.

The following Tiny Buddha article gives a hint of insight into empathic overload and ways that we can help to overcome it. As with many things in life, this comes with a deeper connection to the Self. It's a fun and quick read:

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-overcome-emotional-overload-when-youre-highly-empathetic/