How to release energy that's not yours

Growing up I was often called “too emotional” and “too sensitive” which led me to thinking that I was “too much” for people.

So I played small, convinced that being attuned to the emotions and energy of those around me was bad.

Now? I proudly embrace these as gifts.

Being an empath, highly sensitive person, and attuned to others is part of what I love about my work as a life coach.

This gift allows me to hold a mirror for my clients, compassionately reflecting back to them what they might not consciously be feeling or noticing about themselves. And why after sessions, I feel energized and my clients feel seen, supported and deeply understood.

More generally, empaths and HSPs are crucial to society. They remind us of our human-ness.

If I continued to believe that being “too sensitive/emotional” was bad, I think I would've turned in to a robot… imagine that… not fun, right?

Because I connect and feel deeply, I'm also very mindful of not carrying others' emotions and energy on as my own.

Since we subconsciously and energetically pick up so much from our environments and other people, it's important to take the time to release what is not ours.

I call this practice energy dumping.

It does wonders for your well-being, and honestly, I sleep so much better after I energy dump 😴

Someone asked me how I practice this, so today's email gathers all of my favourite ways to empty out / dump out emotions and energy that are not mine.

(1) Start simply. Set the intention that you release any emotions/energy that are not yours. Do this when you come home, before bed, or when you walk into your room. You can simply say “I release any emotions, energy, anxieties, fears that are not mine.”

Personally, I also say thank you to myself for this practice, for the ability to both carry and release energy.

Just having the intention is enough.

Or, you can couple the intention with a bunch of different rituals:

(2) Energetic shower. Take a shower or bath and imagine that any energy that is not yours, washes away.

(3) A threshold in your home. When you walk through your front door, imagine that as a threshold for energy dumping. As you cross the threshold, you release any energy that is not yours. You can also choose another part of your home to act as a threshold (your sacred space, your bedroom door, your bed, etc.).

(4) Crystals, palo santo, sage. These are great tools to release energy. I personally use a Selenite wand which is great for releasing negative energy and cultivating calm, peace and mental clarity. If using palo santo and sage, please source these ethically!

(5) Reiki / energy healing. As a trained Level 3 Reiki Master, I use Reiki with my energy dumps. I practice self healing regularly, use Reiki symbols on my walls, floors, bed. If you're a practitioner, you can do the same. If not, explore a Reiki healing session with a practitioner you resonate with.

+ bonus practice: if you want to be PROACTIVE about taking in others' energy around you, one of my go-to practices - and what I teach all of my clients - is to create an energy shield / bubble around you before you go out.

+ another bonus tool: get to know your Human Design. Getting to know your energy body allows you to better understand how / where you take in energy from your environment and others. The white/undefined centres in your chart is where we are more influenced by others (also where we gain a lot of wisdom). I have 5 out of 9 centres undefined, and knowing this greatly helps my awareness. Want to explore your Human Design with me? I have five spots left in March for foundational sessions.

As always, my invitation is this: take what resonates, and leave the rest.

It doesn't always have to be around your work, either.

Whenever I go to a family event or group event with my friends, I come home and energy dump.

You can use it in your personal life, too.

Do any of these resonate?

I'd love to know! Drop a comment below if it resonates and let me know your thoughts 🥰

With love,

Victoria