If you are an empath, you understand the feeling of overwhelm from just taking a simple trip to the grocery store. All the feelings of others pelting into your energy field, the sounds, the smells, the textures relentlessly rushing at you. You rush through the check out – keenly aware of the person behind you getting too close, the teller who wants to chat about their sore feet, longing for the safety of the energy of your carefully manicured home. This was me before I engaged in healthy energy clearing and protection practices. I want you to know fellow empaths, outside world interactions do not have to be this way. There are steps you can take to proactively protect your energy and thus maintain your emotional well-being. Today, I go to the grocery store and beam love, in return, I get these amazing smiles from my fellow shoppers and I am left uplifted instead of worn down.
Here are some strategies you can consider:
1. Self-Awareness
Develop a deeper understanding of your own emotions and energy levels. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations and environments. Recognize when your energy is being drained or affected by external factors.
A simple exercise is to stop, notice your breath, take 3 deep, slow breaths and ask yourself: How is this environment serving me? Then notice how your body responds. Do you feel confused, tense, jumbled? If yes, respectfully leave. You can say, “Thank you, I’m sorry I have to go. I don’t feel very well.” If they press on with questions, just respond with “I’d rather not say. (You can say something nice here so they don’t feel rejected – like, I’m sad I have to go, I’ll call you later!”)
2. Boundaries
Set clear boundaries with others to protect your energy. Learn to say no when you feel overwhelmed or when someone’s energy is negatively impacting you. This is not something that can happen overnight – so please be kind and patient with yourself. It can be helpful to track your success in a journal so when you’re tempted to be hard on yourself, you have a visual proof. Even not volunteering can be you setting a boundary.
3. Self-Care
Make self-care a priority in your life. I find it can help to put these activities in a calendar or have a buddy where possible. Engage in activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, such as meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, journaling, or any other hobbies that bring you joy and peace. Take regular breaks from social interactions if needed.
4. Grounding Techniques
Practice grounding techniques to stay centered and connected to the present moment. These can include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, visualization, or physical activities like walking barefoot on grass or hugging a tree.
5. Energy Shielding
Imagine yourself surrounded by a protective shield of light in any 3D shape that resonates with you. Popular shapes are an egg, a pyramid or a swirl. I love surrounding myself with a family of trees. Next, visualize a protective light above your head. Purples, golden tones, and greens are nice options if you need a suggestion. Next, imagine the light filling up your 3D shape, feeling the light protecting you.
You can say, “Please allow only good to come into my space and absorb and deflect anything negative, that isn’t for my higher good.”
This protective space can shield you from others’ unwanted energy – even if someone is just really excited and their energy is overwhelming to you.
6. Cleansing Rituals
Regularly cleanse your energy by taking a bath with Epsom salts, using smudge sticks (such as sage or palo santo) to clear your space, or using essential oils and crystals known for their cleansing properties. When you wash your hands, imagine any energy you don’t want attached to you washing away down the drain. When you are outside and find a gentle breeze on your face, allow it to blow away any energy you don’t want; negative self-talk, words you heard that day you don’t want sticking, or someone else’s problems you can’t solve but are zapping your energy. It’s important to find rituals that resonate with you and incorporate them into your routine.
7. Selective Engagement
Be mindful of the people and environments you engage with. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who uplift and energize you. Minimize exposure to toxic or draining relationships, and seek out like-minded individuals who understand and respect your empathic nature.
8. Limit Media Consumption
Be mindful of the type and amount of media you consume. News, social media, and other forms of media can expose you to a lot of negativity and overwhelm your empathic senses. Set boundaries around your media consumption and focus on uplifting and positive content.
9. Energy Healing Practices
Explore energy healing practices like Reiki, acupuncture, or sound healing. These modalities can help balance and restore your energy field, promoting overall well-being.
Remember that each person’s journey as an empath is unique, and it’s essential to find the strategies that work best for you. Experiment with different techniques and approaches until you discover the ones that resonate with your needs and preferences.
If you need some extra help in clearing your energy, book an appointment with Sikara Healing. 🙂