There’s so much talk about what it means to be an empath and how it effects our functioning.

An empath is a person who is highly sensitive to the emotions and energies of other people and places around them and — sometimes — not around them. They can highly intuit what other people are feeling, to the point of feeling it for themselves.

Yikes! This is where things can get tricky if they’re not careful.

I continue to get questions related to what it means to have healthy boundaries and what it means when you can feel and sense so much from other people and places but aren’t always sure what do do with the downloaded info.

“Whitnee, do I just ignore what I feel and do nothing?”

Well, the answer is a bit more complex than providing a “yes or no.”

The truth is, we are all operating at different frequencies, energy levels, and at different times, so naturally we are going to sense and intuit the world around us at varying capacities.

Because we are all so uniquely different it’s important to have balance in how we go about tuning into the energies of other people and where we go from there.

For example, just like any other job we get to be to “off the clock” and that’s an important key to remember — so we don’t burn out and drain ourselves. Especially for professionals like counselors, massage therapists, nurses, coaches, teachers etc… who are doing ongoing light work and energy work with people.

Being off the clock means you need to take a break and rest from channeling and being that energy dust buster mode.

I should also mention here – spiritual dust busting should only be performed with appropriate permissions and healthy boundaries to begin with.

Remember, you can’t always be “on” because that will drain you and ultimately leave you more vulnerable to lower vibrational energies.

Powering down from “reading” the energies is not just about preservation, it’s also about recognizing that doing energy work deserves a proper holding space for those who are ready and willing to step into that work.

Over empathizing will not heal or help those you’re working with, if they are not there yet.

The key is to stay as balanced and protected as you can at all times so that when the time is right for you to put your badass empath skills to good use, you are able and ready.

If the title of this post peaked your interest, I encourage you to do an honest check-in with yourself and ask yourself these questions:

How do I carry my own energy when I approach an unfamiliar place? Am I insightful and protective or am I distracted by others and reactive?

If I notice someone appears to have low energy or looks sad, do I begin internalizing their pain or do I respect everyone’s process and not automatically get involved (energetically or otherwise)?

If I notice that my physical or energetic boundaries are being crossed, am I aware of what is happening? Do I know how to regain my boundaries constructively?

I know these scenarios are broad. They are meant to be so that you can reflect on them in various circumstances and get a sense of your energetic boundaries. If you find that you’re feeling drained more often than not, than you may need a good ole badass empath tuneup.

Here are some tips:

When you get up in the morning you can do a quick body scan, clearing, and protection ritual to connect you with higher self and keep you balanced. You can simply verbalize, “I surround myself with the pure white light of [ insert the name is your higher power] any energies that do not serve my greatest and highest good must leave me now and go somewhere safe as to not harm anyone else.”

Envision a bubble of white light encasing you as a divine protection of love and light surrounding you throughout your day. This makes it so that no lower vibrational energies can get on you, or in you, without your permission. You can still maneuver and do your work as needed, but now you have a nice layer of protection and boundary to provide you with balance throughout your day as you interact with others.

Emapth principles to live by:

Being empathic is a gift. It doesn’t mean I am overly sensitive or over reactive. Like any other ability, I must understand it in order to use it constructively.

Just because someone expresses their pain to me, it does not mean they are asking for, or are ready, to heal.

I can not do anyone’s healing work for them nor do I want to.

Confirming the presence of someone else’s pain, does not give me permission to try to heal them without their consent.

It’s important to keep in mind that clearing and protecting your energy can be a great tool and starting point for energy maintenance. Overall, best practices for energy wellness includes a broad range of practices and lifestyle choices in order to stay attuned to your higher self.

Feel like you need a little extra support? Reach out – leave me a comment below or reach out via email. I’m here for you.