What is Shielding?
Shielding is a way of using energy to protect yourself from external energies. This is especially important when many people’s emotions are turbulent all at the same time.
Why Shielding is Life-Changing
Shielding is important from time to time for everyone. Sometimes people get overwhelmed when there are too many other people around, when they are dealing with criticism (constructive or not), or when things just seem to be piling up. Shielding can help in all of these cases.
However, if you are an empath, shielding is life-changing! If you do not already have this skill in your tool box, read on. Shielding is ESSENTIAL for empaths. There are many definitions for the word “empath.” My definition is: a person who has the natural tendency to absorb other people’s emotions. Regardless of whether you are an empath or not, it is possible to absorb emotions from other people. This is especially true when those other people are experiencing strong emotions.
Absorbing “negative” emotions such as anger, jealousy, and fear can be particularly problematic. When I have absorbed “negative” emotions in the past, one of two things have happened. First, I have experienced that emotion itself. For example, when someone has been angry with me – or even experienced anger around me – I have become angry. Second, I have felt stressed, overwhelmed, or drained.
This is why shielding is so important. When using shielding, you do not absorb other people’s emotions. The other person is able to experience their emotions. You are aware of them experiencing their emotions, but it is not harmful or painful to you.
How Do You Shield?
There are several methods to create an energetic shield. My favorite method is using a visualization exercise to create an energetic shield made out of clear quartz crystal. If you prefer to visualize a different type or
shape of crystal, that is fine, too!
Start by closing your eyes. Then, take a few deep breaths and allow your body to relax. Set the intention that you be protected from negative energy and influences. Another intention that you may wish to set is that this shield remain in place until you dismiss it.
Imagine a ball of clear quartz crystal covering your entire body. This whole process should feel very safe. That’s it. You can open you eyes and go about your business. Be sure to dismiss the shield when you no longer need it. This is as simple as thinking, “I dismiss the shield.”
When you have practiced this method several times, you may notice that you can simply call up the shield whenever you need it. I would advise using the whole process each time until you feel very comfortable with it. With practice, shielding can be done in under a minute, and it takes very little energy.
A Note About Visualization
Over time, I have come to the understanding that people experience the process of visualization in different ways. For many years, I would sometimes feel the concepts I was visualizing, as opposed to “seeing” a visual representation in my imagination. I have also realized that some people are not able to visualize at all. This is called aphantasia, and you can learn more about it here: Can You Visualise This? (Aphantasia Explained).
If you are not able to visualize, you could do this exercise in a different way. You might be able to feel the shield instead of seeing it. You might be able to think about the properties of a shield. What is really important for this exercise is that you set the intention of having protection against harmful energies.
When Do You Use Shielding?
The best time to use shielding is before you feel triggered by someone’s negative emotions.
If you have a relationship with someone who is toxic, I recommend shielding every time you have any form of contact with the person. Over and over, I have made the mistake of thinking shielding was not necessary before an encounter. This has usually led to my suffering. Because shielding can take such a small amount of time and energy, I urge you to err on the side of caution. I would much rather shield and not need it than not shield and need it.
If you find yourself in a situation where you didn’t shield but need to, I recommend leaving or taking a break from the situation. I have even done this by saying I needed to use the restroom! This allows you to take a moment to compose yourself and create your shield. In this situation, I usually find shielding to be less effective that if I had shielded prior to the encounter. However, a less effective shield is better than no shield at all.
An Extra Bit of Help for Empaths
As an empath, I have sometimes found it difficult to untangle my emotions from emotions that belong to other people. This still comes up sometimes when things are especially triggering or I am feeling less than awesome due to stress, overwhelm, or illness. One quick and easy way to handle this is to ask: Do these emotions belong to me? It’s important to note that it doesn’t matter who the emotions belong to; you simply need to ask if they are yours or not. If they are not yours, you can intend for them to dissipate. To do this, simply think (or say aloud): I allow these emotions that are not mine to leave.
Would You Like More Help?
Shielding is one way that you can live a better life. Some other ways that I have created a better life for myself are learning, healing, and receiving coaching. If you would like to see what else is possible for you, how you might live an easier life filled with more happiness and grace, please check out www.soulfullintegration.com. If you would like to schedule a consult for intuitive life coaching, please email me at michelle@soulfullintegration.com.
