Help for Empaths: Cleansing Your Energy
Here are a few things other than meditation/visualization which will help you to center yourself and cleanse your energy of negative influences:
Water- Our bodies are made of water, thrive on water. The water we drink helps to naturally flush toxins from our bodies- and that goes for negative energies as well. Being in water also can help to cleanse your energy. Taking a hot shower, washing your hands (up to the elbows), taking a dip in the ocean, wading in a clean river, and soaking in a sea-salt bath are great ways to refresh and relax.
(***In my personal experiences, I have found water to be very effective for emotional/spiritual cleansing. I have also found, however, that if I spend too much time in water, I begin to feel physically drained. I imagine this has something to do with washing out my own energies too much, so always be mindful of what your body is telling you. As with most things, moderation is important.***)
Eating- You have to be careful with this one. Eating in and of itself is not a cure and overdoing it can lead to serious health problems. Keeping a healthy & balanced diet will keep your physical form in top condition, which helps to better serve your spirit.
Proper Sleep- If your empathy is uncontrolled, you may find it hard to fall asleep at night- or even get yourself into bed- regardless of how tired you may feel. These feelings of restlessness should dissipate over time as you keep up your practice of cleansing yourself of residual energies, and training your mind through meditation. Setting a schedule for when you will lie down for the night and when you will wake up will give your body a pattern to follow. (You may also want to avoid using technological devices right before bedtime, as the energies of these may unsettle you.) By getting the recommended amount of sleep for your age group, you will be better strengthened for the coming day.
Walking in nature- This is a great way to let your stress melt away. Being close to nature will remind you of the natural beauty of the universe, and spending time outdoors on your own allows you to distance yourself from the energies of others (which helps you to notice how *you* feel, so that you can better differentiate between *your* energy and the energy of others). A healthy amount of sun exposure also helps to boost positive chemicals in your body.
Exercise (especially yoga or tai chi)- Exercising also keeps your body healthy, and your sweat flushes toxins from your body (be sure to stay hydrated). When you exercise, your body naturally releases chemicals which help you to feel good. Getting away from technological devices, which emit disruptive energies and can negatively affect you over long periods of exposure, gives your mind and your energy a rest. Yoga and tai chi are great because they put emphasis on centering and clearing the mind through breathing techniques.
Animals- Spending time with a pet or volunteering at a shelter can boost your spirits. Dogs, for example, are naturally loving and many of them are highly empathic. Be sure that you keep your own energy clean and positive not just for you but also for the sake of your animal friend. (You might also choose to look into the practice of healing animals.)
Smudging- Smudging is the process of burning herbs (such as white sage or lavender), then blowing out the flame and wafting the smoke around one’s body or throughout a space (such as a bedroom or living space). If you live with others, you may want to smudge when they are not around (if they do not like the smell). Be cautious of blowing embers and setting off smoke detectors (you shouldn’t be creating a blaze).
Airing out your living space- Air becomes stagnant in a closed space, and energy can get trapped and build up over time. It is important to air out your living space by opening the windows and smudging from time to time so that fresh air and flowing energy may move throughout your living space.
Keeping live plants- Placing healthy, living plants in the corners of rooms helps to absorb some negative energies. Be sure to cleanse your plants as well- take them outside or open the window to give them fresh air and direct sun every once in a while.
Music- Uplifting, calming music is a great help in clearing away any negative energies you may be retaining. Put on a song that really makes you feel good, and feel free to dance! Singing is also an excellent method of healing for impaired empaths, who often feel as if their own voice is drowned or suppressed by their concerns for the emotions of others (don’t worry about what you sound like, just do what feels right). Singing exercises your throat chakra, which will help you to speak up against those who might try to use you.
(***Toning- Using toning implements such as a tuning fork, prayer bells, or Tibetan singing bowls to create sound also cleanses negative energy with positive vibrations.***)
Crystals and sea salt- I am still looking into the use of crystals for energy cleansing and protection. I am currently reading a book called “Healing with Crystals and Chakra Energies” by Sue and Simon Lilly, so I hope to put up some more information on this soon. In the meantime, you may find some useful sources online.
Symbolically breaking toxic ties- If you have experienced toxic relationships (I will discuss these in a later post) in the past, or are currently struggling with them, then it is time for you to “cut the cord.” Once you have broken ties with the ‘toxic’ person in real life (let’s hope it ended amiably, but even if this is not the case, it is time to forgive and let live), you can use visualization to sever any lingering ties between your energy and theirs.
One way to do this is the “Bridge Visualization,” during which you imagine yourself and the other person meeting halfway on a bridge. This is a peaceful meeting, a time for forgiveness, not blame or anger. On this bridge, tell the other person your feelings about the relationship, and apologize for all you may have done to hurt them. Tell them that you forgive them for all they have done to you, that you are letting go of the relationship, and that you hope they will be happy and healed. Then, turn from them and walk off of the bridge. Do not worry if you imagine them still waiting for you on the bridge as you leave; this means that they simply need time to adjust to the change that has taken place. You may now move forward in peace.
Another thing I like to do is clear my living space of any objects which might remind me of the harmful person. By letting go of these objects, it is easier for me to accept that I am releasing my ties with that person.
(***Cleaning- Cleaning living/work spaces is a great way for empaths to feel cleansed and in-control. When objects are put into ordered places and the space is aired out to allow fresh air to replace dusty/stale air, fresh energy is allowed to flow freely. While cleaning, you may come across many objects that will give you a chance to reflect on past relationships and choices, and to evaluate how you might choose differently in the future.)
Praying/Asking for guidance- You may choose to ask the universe- or whichever source of light, goodness, and positive energy you associate with- for protection, healing, strength, and guidance. You may do this at a specific time, following any traditions or rituals that resonate with you, or anytime, but particularly when you feel you need help the most. I always find it helpful to remember not only to ask for what I need, but to express my gratitude with the confidence that my requests will be answered as long as they are for the highest good of all involved, and to remember that all will be as it is meant to be, regardless of whether I can see the benefits clearly at the moment.
