With limbic system impairment or amygdala activation we can have all kinds of sensory sensitivities. Not only does this include our five senses, but we can also have energetic sensitivities to the emotional states of the people around us or to events happening in the world. Here are some tools to help you navigate if you feel you are being impacted.
Use tools to ground and center yourself
Meditation and mindfulness can help us stay connected to our own inner essence and increase the strength of our own internal energy. They also helps us to regulate our nervous systems and to stay out of negative thought traps and emotions such as fear or worry. Additionally, we can use basic grounding exercises, like focusing our attention on our feet or imagine drawing roots out of our feet deep into the earth, to help anchor us. We can spend time walking in nature or connect with the earth by going barefoot or sitting on the ground to help us stay centered. When we are grounded and centered we strengthen our internal resources and are less easily knocked off balance by the things happening around us or out in the world.
Clear your own energy
My favourite energy clearing technique is to imagine a waterfall of light pouring through me and around me, clearing everything that isn't mine or isn't in my greatest and highest good while at the same time rejuvenating all of the cells in my body.
I do this exercise while standing. I begin by feeling my feet on the ground, and then imagine a great waterfall above my head. I envision the energy coming down and washing over me and around me while I take deep breaths. I hold the intention of releasing anything heavy/negative or that isn't mine, washing it out my feet into the earth to be recycled. After clearing out the energy, I imagine the waterfall filling up every cell, tissue, fibre, every space of my being. It energizes, rejuvenates, rebalances and restores harmony on all levels of my being. It only takes a few breaths to begin to feel lighter, refreshed, and more balanced. This technique can be used anytime anywhere. You can do it for a just a moment or for longer periods of time.
There are many other energy clearing techniques, including smudging, using Reiki, taking an epsom salt bath or swimming in the ocean, hot and cold showering with the intention of clearing your energy, laying down on the earth, brushing yourself down with your hands or a selenite wand, and so on. Pick one or two that fit for you and consider using them regularly.
Keep perspective
When we hear about major world events it is easy to start fortune telling about what might potentially happen, and then fear and stress start to overtake us. The truth is we don't know what is going to happen or how it is all going to turn out, and spending time imagining worst case scenarios isn't helpful. It is easy to forget that as much as there are negative events going on around the world at any given time, there are also positive events that are happening too. We are living in a time where there are far less deaths from wars & violence than at any other time in history. While the media portrays that our world is going to hell in a hand-basket, in a lot of ways that is simply not true. According to Steven Pinker, author of "The Better Angels of our Nature" violence has declined and we are living actually living in the most peaceful time of our species existence so far. We want to keep in mind that the media like to sensationalize and they do not offer a balanced perspective of what is actually happening. Drama sells. Seeing someone perform a kind act for another doesn't.
That is not meant to take away from the seriousness of events or the suffering of the people involved. Where there is suffering there is also a deep connection and caring that surfaces. We saw that after 9/11 where the outpouring of compassion from people all over the world actually changed the electromagnetic frequency of the earth (as measured by the HeartMath Institute). Right now, there are videos coming out of the Ukraine that also serve as a testament to that, along with the scores of Russian people who have come together to protest for peace. We can make our own contribution by sending out our well-wishes and praying for peace, or by contributing in other ways such as making donations. This helps us to feel engaged and have some sense of control. While we can't control what will happen or the outcome, we do have some control over our own participation in it (including our thoughts and feelings).
Change worry or fear into well wishes and love
If you catch yourself worrying about people or world events, as soon as you notice you are worrying change the focus to sending well wishes, positive energy, love or wellbeing instead. Worrying doesn't help them nor does it do you any good. In contrast, there is a lot of positive research on the power of intention. When we send well-wishes to a place or people with a focused positive intention, it has a tangible impact (see the work of Lynne McTaggart for more information if this interests you). It also greatly benefits you to participate in this way as it has positive effects on your brain & nervous system. Energy follows attention so place your attention on what you wish to see instead of fighting against what you don't.
While these tools may seem simple or basic, they can make a profound difference to your own wellbeing, while at the same time making a positive energetic contribution to the larger whole.
Until next time!
If you have a question, please email me at dearcandyquestions@gmail.com
Candy Widdifield is Registered Clinical Counsellor, Wellness Coach, and Registered Reiki Master Teacher in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. She works with people all over the world, helping them to optimize their wellbeing and thrive in their lives. Her modalities include coaching, therapy, Reiki and the Safe & Sound Protocol. More information about Candy can be found at www.candywiddifield.com
Comentarios