Self-Protection

Part 3 of the Energy Series

In the past couple of newsletters we have been exploring the idea that as "beings of energy", we are dependent upon a sufficient power supply in order to function effectively in our fast-paced world. Unknowingly, we permit masses of life-force energy to be drained away, without taking the proper steps to replenish those resources. End result: Physical and emotional "burn-out", low-grade depression, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the challenges of life.

The exercise I recommended in the September/October issue was designed to give you a visual, tactile, and even theoretical concept of how your personal energetic bank account can be either bankrupted or increased on a daily basis. Some of you followed the experiment literally, others in a more observing way. One Reader (who used paper clips instead of coffee stirrers in order to be less conspicuous at work) candidly admitted that "on the first day, every negative emotion was going through my system" and she simply dumped all the paper clips into the second cup! Another teader particularly liked the idea of "paying back" -- finding activities that would bring her into balance and deposit more energy into her account. At the very least a few of you reported that simply having more consciousness of how your energy was being consumed was helpful.

As I monitored my own energy over a 3-day period, I found that there were specific thought forms that seemed to have the most adverse effect on my overall force; particularly judgment (of self and others); worry, and not being present in the moment. One day, during a fit, I "watched" my energy drain away before 10 am and spent the next several hours with that kind of shaky feeling I have when my adrenal glands get depleted.

Let's take a look at some of what has been proven (both quantitatively and qualitatively) about energy:

Recap:

• Everything in the Universe is made of energy.
• You are energy.
• Matter is simply a condensation of energy.
• Energy is neutral in and of itself. It can be charged either positively or negatively.
• Negatively-charged energy wears away at our life force.
• Positively-charged energy buoys up the life force.
• Thoughts are energy.
• Negative thoughts drain away our well-being, creativity, and productivity.
• Positive thoughts enhance our well-being, creativity, and productivity.

Energetic Black Holes

In the last article you will find a whole laundry list of the kinds of thoughts, mind-sets, and attitudes that can cost you energetically. (feel free to email me at linrose@ix.netcom.com if you need any of the former newsletters re-sent) Let's just take a look at a few, so that you get an idea of how they can embezzle your life force:

Judgments (self and others): Just living in my own head for close to 50 years (even thought it's gotten to be a more pleasant space to reside in these years of growing self-discovery!) I know how darn uncomfortable head-space can be. Especially when I am putting myself down for what I think I am not achieving or accomplishing. I also gained awareness of how often I pre-judge others and work out these negative scenarios in my head that never (thankfully!) materialize. Ponder on this for yourself. How much of your mental chatter revolves around judgment?

Worry: One of the most inspirational emails I ever received is entitled "The 11th-20th Commandments." #11 Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities. #13 Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one has yet succeeded in accomplishing this. I need to remember these more (I'll share more of these in future newsletters). What kind of feelings do they bring up in you?

Lost in the Past or Future: It seems such a cliché to say that there is nothing that exists but the present. Yet, people whom I have considered to be the most energetic and accomplished are very focused in real-time. You know, that whole carpe diem thing. I have lost vast oceans of energy throughout my life by being lost in space!

According to English mathematician and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, "The energetic activity considered in physics is the emotional intensity entertained in life." Thoughts are not happening in a vacuum. The evidence is now overwhelming that the mind effects the body. Changes in the body affect the way we think and feel. The whole system is a psychosomatic informational network, linking the mind (energy) to the material world of molecules, cells, and organs.

If it is hard for you to conceptualize something as immaterial as energy, consider the effect of thought on a physical (3 dimensional) level. As Candace Pert explains in her book, Molecules of Emotion, the neurotransmitter, which is the smallest and simplest molecule, carries information across the gap, or synapse between one neuron and the next. This is done through chemicals called peptides. The neuropeptides, via the glands, orchestrate the overall functioning of the organs and various body systems. "Every change in the physiological state is accompanied by an appropriate change in the mental emotional state, conscious or unconscious, and conversely, every change in the mental emotional state, conscious or unconscious, is accompanied by an appropriate change in the physiological state."

The Transylvania Effect

Have you ever felt totally drained after spending time with someone, or in a certain place or situation? Undoubtedly we are affected by what could be termed as psychic vampires. These are people or situations that sap away our life force. Just as we need to be more vigilant of how we expend our resources, we also need to practice a form of spiritual self-defense in order not to be "zapped."

Just as the glands regulate our material body, there are etheric pathways that regulate the flow of life force energy through our energy field (HEF) or aura. These are called "chakras", a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" as they have been clairvoyantly described as moving in a circular fashion. Barbara Brennan, author of one of the most definitive works on chakras and the Human Energy Field, illustrates them as funnels, having both openings in the front and back of our bodies. This was very enlightening to me, as I was not aware of their dual nature. And at the same time it explains how we could be vulnerable to outside energy drains. This is not about victimization -- most people are doing this unconsciously. And I'm sure that at certain times in all of our lives, we have also been guilty of doing some zapping of our own, through neediness or emotional immaturity. Ultimately we have the responsibility of protecting ourselves and learning how to retain our personal power. Below is a great exercise for "spiritual hygiene."

So, conserve your energy. You are the trustee of your own energy account. Use it wisely (and watch for those dividends)!

Exercise: Breaking Cords

This is adapted from a technique I learned from intuitive counselor, Michael McAvoy, in Hawaii. This is a form of spiritual hygiene that you should practice at least once a week in order to disengage from any psychic bonds or cords that might be secretly depleting your energy supply. You can even do this in the shower.

Imagine that you are standing in a bright beam of light -- the brightest Universal light that you can imagine. Mentally and verbally repeat these words:

I release any cords, attachments, vows, agreements, and other contracts that I have made, verbal or not. I release anything that does not serve me for my highest light and highest good back to their source, transmuted through this Universal light of G-d, in the highest, most unconditional love. I release any attachments to me or from me with the highest light, for the highest good and for my own spiritual development. So be it.

This will automatically eliminate and release any attachments, negative conditions, and cords!

Affirmation for Self-Protection

I am aware of my precious energy resources. I conserve and protect my energy. With my expanded energy reserves I am more creative and effective in my life.

Monthly Inspiration

"Sit down before fact like a little child, and be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever and to whatever abyss Nature leads, or you shall learn nothing." ~T.H. Huxley

Special Reflection

In what area of your life have you become jaded, or too "adult-like" or stunted in your thinking or reactions. Try taking a fresh approach to an old problem by viewing it with a child-like attitude. Truly attempt to "see" with the open mind of a child and you may very surprised by the results.