Empath series: The importance of energetic boundaries
Boundaries are essential in life for all of us but as Empaths, it is highly important that we learn how to create strong energetic boundaries so that we don’t absorb the energy of the world around us.
There are different types of situations where creating a strong energetic boundary is very much needed and it can require different approaches depending on the situation.
- Energy boundary practices with family and friends
When we spend time with family and friends, we often let our guard down, and in most cases, this is safe to do so. However, it only takes one conversation where your loved one is sharing a sad story, and you find yourself physically feeling their pain, or perhaps they are really angry about something which they have shared with you and when you get home later you find that you feel really angry yourself – realising that you have picked up their angry emotion. So how do you protect yourself?
- Take on an observer/witnessing mindset. Here you are able to be there for your friend without taking on board their energy. Approach the conversation with the mindset that you are here to witness their conversation and if you find that you still begin to feel what they are feeling then say to yourself “this is not my story, I am just witnessing (state you friends name here) conversation.”
- Create a shielding filter around your energy field. Imagine a golden light around your energy field, with the intention of allowing love to filter through but shield all other energy that does not belong to you.
- Ask for spiritual protection. Each day we are surrounded by our spiritual guides and/or our ancestors. Ask for their assistance in keeping your energy field safe.
- Energy boundary practices in public places or with familiar people where on average you don’t feel comfortable or safe.
- Have an awareness of purpose in this space. For example, if you are in a shopping centre, be clear on why you are there and head straight for the shops that sell that item. When we aimlessly wander, we are more likely to people watch, and this is where we can pick up on their emotions.
- If you are with familiar people but don’t feel comfortable then try to find someone there who you trust to talk to.
- As noted above, surround your energy in a protective golden light or ask for spiritual protection from your guides.
- Put yourself first. No matter the situation, if you don’t feel safe then leave the environment or ask someone you trust to come with you next time.
- Energy boundary practices with familiar situations such as a workplace.
- Workplaces are a mix of people with all sorts of energy and issues. The best way to approach the energy at work is to focus on your work and if someone approaches you to talk negatively about something then hold that mindset that this is not my story, and I am not taking any of this energy on board. Or even better, let them know that you don’t want to hear it.
- If you have a workstation, bring is some personal objects that make you feel relaxed, such as a photo of someone you love or a picture of a natural environment that makes you feel instantly comfortable.
- As mentioned before, surround your energy in a protective golden light or ask for spiritual protection from your guides.
What to do if you realise that you have come home with someone else’s energy.
- Firstly, develop a scanning practice each night where you tune into your energy field and ask yourself am I holding onto to someone else’s energy. If you are then state:
“If this is not my energy then I send it up to the light.”
The energy should disappear within 10-20mins however if it doesn’t the energy might have resonated with a block that you already have within you. So for example if you felt someone’s else’s anger today and you are still feeling angry after you have sent their energy away – then ask yourself “Am I angry” “When did I last feel really angry and am I still holding onto it?” Then if you can’t let that go then do see your healthcare professional.
- Cleanse your energy field with a cleansing aura spray, bushflower clearing spray or cleansing incense. Plus having a shower with the intention of the water cleansing away any unwanted or negative energy can be greatly beneficial at the end of the day.
- Finally claim your energy field back from the world by saying out loud:
“It is not my job to absorb the energies of the world.”