Protect Your energy

Tips from a Highly Sensitive Person


There is SO much energy whirling around us right now, and a lot of it is negative.  That doesn’t mean the positive isn’t out there, but given the state of things right now, it may be harder to find.  You may find yourself feeling drained or exhausted from all of the bad news or upset energy.  This may be new for you or if you are highly sensitive, it may be more intense than usual but perhaps feels like business as usual.


As a highly sensitive person living in a world that is not, I have picked up some skills over the years to protect my energy and be selective around what I let in.  I am noticing so many more people struggling with this than usual, so here are things to try that help me.

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1.  News Break:  Seriously.  Watching the news is not good for anyone right now.  It is not only one piece of bad news after another, but everything is so sensationalized for ratings it is just too much.  If you must have news in your life, I suggest you read it from one reputable source (my favorite is NPR since they are known to be one of the least biased sources).  Limit your reading to 10 minutes.  Then notice how you feel in your body.  If you feel tense, do something (see calming skills blog post)  to calm your body again.  And maybe consider less news.


2.  Barrier of Protection:  This one may seem hokey for some, but I find it really helpful.  Either sitting or standing (still), breathe light into your heart as you inhale and as you exhale breathe that light out around you so you are in a protective bubble of light.  Do this three times.  Do it daily, especially before you leave the house.


3.  Heart Link:  Again, this may seem hokey, but I love this technique I learned from a practitioner of aesoteric psychology and shamanic healing.  Bring your thumb and forefingers to touch on each hand.  Breathe light into your heart as you inhale.  As you exhale, send a golden cord of light from your heart to your guardian angel, connecting you to each other.  Do this at least three times; I find longer is better.


4.  Alternate Nostril Breathing:  This is a balancing breathe not necessarily to protect energy, but I find it helpful.  Since I tend towards anxiety, I start with the left side even though traditionally it is practiced starting on the right.  Since these are anxiety-provoking times, I will share a right side start.  While seated, rest your left hand on your lap.  Gently place your right ring finger and thumb on either side of your nostrils.  You can either fold the index and middle fingers down to the palm or rest them on your forehead.


Breathe in through both nostrils.
As you exhale gently close your right nostril with your right thumb.
As you inhale breathe in through your left nostril.
As you exhale, release your right thumb and gently close your left nostril with your right ring finger, breathing out your right nostril.
As you inhale, breathe in through your right nostril.
As you exhale, release your left ring finger and gently close your right nostril with your right thumb, breathing out your left nostril.
REPEAT 12 times.


5.  Move Your Body, Preferably Outside:  One way to expel negative energy is through movement.  Another is being in and connecting with nature.  So why not combine the two and go for a walk outside.  If that isn’t an option, find another way to get moving so stagnant energy can find its way out of your body.  Just remember during times of stress light to moderate exercise in moderate amounts is best; intense exercise can just exacerbate the stress response and eventually lead you to feeling more wound up, not less.


I would love to hear what you try and how it goes.  Feel free to let me know!

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