Energetic Protection
For those of us empaths, extra sensitive types, anxious & nervous people, being out & about may be tough. Public settings can be challenging for many reasons: people, lights, noise, general busy-ness, internal anxiety and interacting with others are just a few reasons why. It can be difficult to maintain center and feel well during social engagements.
The famous Marvin Gaye sings, “we’re all sensitive people.” We all feel, and some of us more than others. Personally, sometimes and some places are extremely difficult, other times and other places, I love. Sometimes it’s the “set” (mindset) and sometimes it’s the setting (place & people) that is welcoming or triggering. When it’s fun & joyful, everything is great, but when it’s not things can go off the rails quickly.
If you want to socialize, must go out or want to challenge yourself (to grow & evolve), there are many ways to manage your energy, protect yourself and feel centered. Through the lens of personal growth and development, public outings can be an opportunity to cultivate resilience. These ten suggestions will prepare you to brave the modern world.
1) Water.
a) Hydrate. Water is life. It is key for physical energy, mental acuity and spiritual fortitude. When the physical body is hydrated it is easier to be resilient in tough moments.
b) Cleanliness. Internally, water helps to purify organs and vitalize the brain. It moves physical and energetic stagnation. When we interact with others sometimes emotions can get kicked up. Externally, water helps to freshen up, clean and soothe. Washing your face, in a rest room, will clear & balance. If it’s really tough out there, getting your head under is a great antidote. I wash my face with regularity when I go to the bathroom whether I’m out or at home.
2) Breathe. The breath is a stabilizing force in any situation — it is one of the few things we can control if it gets bumpy. Before going out, practice breathing deeply into the belly through the nose. Nasal breathing as a practice will train the body, so it becomes automatic. When out, enjoying yourself or not, check in with your breathing.
Mantras can be combined with the breath for a deeper effect. Consciously focus on your breath; set the intention to exhale any stress or tension and inhale refreshing & purifying energy.
3) Crystals. Necklaces, bracelets, in a bag, or in your pockets, crystals help to keep us grounded. Quartz helps to neutralize EMFs. Obsidian is known to have strong protective qualities. Selenite has a way of cutting through energy. A regular rock or stone does wonderfully because of its grounding qualities and can act as a reminder for your durable intention.
4) Essential Oils. Aromatic plants and flowers have been traditionally used for energetic cleanliness & protection. Many indigenous cultures and modern horticulturists agree that plants have healing/stabilizing frequencies. Ruda, basil, sage, copal and tobacco are revered for their protective power. Lavender, lemongrass, thyme, and rosemary are known to uplift and sweeten. Essential oils are one way to tune into the protective plant energies in our environment.
5) Smudging. Smoke is used by many traditions the world over as a way to protect, offer prayer and clean energy. Sage and cedar are great purifiers. Before and/or after public interactions you can cleanse and protect with a smoke smudge.
6) Posture. Physical and emotion posture contribute to our energetic safety. Standing or sitting straight, neutral head & neck, easy breathing, shoulders neutral and chest broad are hallmarks of good posture. The animating force or emotion behind our physical posture is equally as important. Poised, neutral, engaged, resilient are all features of a safe energy field.
7) Attitude & Intention. Attitude influences our energetic resilience. Some healers suggest visualizing your energy emanating outwards as a protection mechanism. Others see themselves as a beacon of light that enhances their environment. What matters is your perspective, attitude and intention.
8) Breaks. Take breaks, long or short. Step outside for some fresh air or escape to the restroom for longer breaks. Create a gentle pause internally by noticing your surroundings. Use your gaze to anchor your mind, admire and get curious if you can. It’s ok to excuse yourself if you need a quick respite from the current situation.
9) Witness. Every interaction, engagement, event, large or small is an opportunity for learning. When we become curious about ourselves and our response to our environment, we become the witness to our experience for even just a few moments. If we direct our imagination toward finding solutions, making discoveries and learning then the context of our reality can change dramatically.
10) Emotional Modulation. Practice becoming aware and identifying your inner states — it can be useful to name them. When our bodies become excited (positively or negatively) we are more susceptible to external influences. With keen awareness on our inner state, it’s easier to navigate a crowd. It’s always best to engage when rested, fed and hydrated and not to engage when agitated.
