How to ground your energy when you are highly sensitive.

My whole life I’ve always been a little extra sensitive. This was something that I felt a lot of internalized shame for. Labeled “too shy” and  “too quiet” for most of my childhood. It seemed like the world would praise those who were the extroverted.

It was something that I found very confusing. Constantly questioning why I was upset by things that the average child didn’t get bothered by. Getting in trouble or being yelled at would send me into a spiral of self doubt. Though later though my healing I would discover that I held onto some of my dad’s fears, which showed up in my life-seemingly not related to what I was experiencing.

Going out in crowds was way too overwhelming, but when you are only 7 how do you voice that? I certainly didn’t have words for it.

It wasn’t until recently that I began to connect with the word empath. To me having empathy is one of the most important skills a person can have. I have the ability to FEEL what someone is experiencing even if I haven’t been in the situation.

While this is an incredible tool to have I have struggled with creating boundaries. Being a feeler meant that I have the ability to pick up and hold onto energy that wasn’t mine. Doing this made for some not so nice experiences.

For me my lack of awareness lead to anxiety, stomach issues, self doubt and fear. This was something that I didn’t realize was connected to being intuitive or empathic. Honestly I thought I was just damaged. Constantly on a quest to “fix” myself in hopes of ridding the anxiety.

I always want to help others and in the past would set aside my needs in order to do so. Wanting to prove my worth by being a helper and not saying no to others.

Below are some of the best tips I’ve learned to help me stay ground and navigate the world an intuitive empath.

1. Self care: Making space for stillness and self reflection is essential. It allows my cup to be refilled so that I show up to the world as a positive influence.

2. BOUNDARIES: This is a work in progress for me. It’s a struggle sometimes but I do my best to be clear to others about what I am willing to do.

3. Learning to say no. Another one that is a practice. I try to remind myself that just because I say no doesn’t mean I’m unhelpful.

4. Ground yourself. Nature is one of my favourite ways to do this. You can also meditate or practice breath-work. Whatever works for you is the best option.

5. Cleanse off your energy at the end of the day. Some of my favourite ways to do its are salt baths, visualize the energy melting off of you, or simply say return to sender.

6. Be aware of who you share your energy with. The older I get the more cautious I am with who I spend time with. If someone is extra draining I will do my best to protect my energy.

7. Notice your triggers. Are there situations or people who seem to influence your energy more than others? Triggers can be a really great way to learn parts of you that still need healing.

8. Carry crystals with you. I love lepidolite for anxiety and black tourmaline for grounding and keeping negative energy away.

9. Protect your energy field. It is so important to protect your energy body. I do this through meditation and working with other healers. Working with other trusted mentors they are able to help clear off any stuck energy.

10. Honour your body. If you need to rest do that, no judgments. It’s such a powerful way be kind to yourself.

The older I get the more I have realized that being an intuitive empath is such a gift. It’s one of my most powerful tools. The trick is making sure that I am taking care of my energy. Learning how to create boundaries and honour myself has been such a huge game changer. It helped me step into a more confident and compassionate version of myself.