Too much hustle and bustle this holiday season?

Protect yourself from "Energy Vampires" with "Energetic Self-Care"

by guest blogger Molly Coeling

Do you feel like your energy is being drained lately? Do you ever wonder what you can do to protect yourself from the "energy vampires" in your life, i.e. those people, events, and tasks that seem to suck the life force right out of you?

As energetic beings, we are susceptible to all of the energy around us; in other words, we are "energy permeable." Despite this susceptibility, it is often difficult to notice in the moment when your energy is being needlessly drained. So step #1 is to simply NOTICE.

Noticing is easier when you are present in the moment and are able to tap into what you are feeling in your body. Some signs that your energy is being drained include:

- muscles tightening up
- holding your breath
- gritting your teeth
- a knot in your stomach
- feeling angry or impatient

If you are able to catch the "energy vampire" in the moment, congratulations! This is half the battle. If you can't make a quick exit to physically separate yourself from the "energy vampire," have no fear; there are other options.

First, simply breathe and try to relax your body and your mental state. Then, as a preventive measure, try one of these two simple techniques.

1) Draw your energy in: Imagine your energy field, which extends several feet around you; some people like to think of this as your "personal space." Using your intention and/or imagination, draw your field in so that it hovers just over your skin. Keep your energy in close to yourself rather than putting it out there for anyone or anything to draw from. 

2) Become a mirror: Again, imagine your energy field. But instead of drawing it in close to your skin, imagine it staying right where it is and becoming reflective, like a mirror. Use this mirror to deflect and reflect unwanted energy. 

Does all of this sound hokey? A bit far fetched? Perhaps. BUT if you have read this far, it is likely you are feeling the very real effects of needless energy drain, so why not try to feel the effects of conscious energetic protection? I challenge you to at least give it a try.

About the Author: Molly Coeling, LMT, RMT, MPH is a Reiki* practitioner and teacher, as well as a clinical massage therapist. Her private practice is in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. Check out her website here. 

*Reiki is an energetically based holistic healing practice that supports overall balance, reduces stress and supports the immune system. Reiki can help to relieve a variety of emotional, psychological and physical ailments including anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia and pain.