Protect. Focus. Budget.

As women, we carry within us a lineage steeped in ancient wisdom, which is readily accessible through our deep-seated to the power of the divine within—what we call Ase`. Our ancestors, from indigenous tribes to our modern-day forebearers, understood and harnessed this inner power. Both our individual energy and collective power are gifts that have been passed down through generations, and it's high time we awaken to the incredible potential that resides within us. Yet, a significant number of us remain unaware of the complete scope of our gifts and sensitivities. This lack of awareness is often attributed to the social conditioning we've undergone, the allocation of our precious energy, and the unintentional energy drain imposed by others. It's high time we initiate a change in this narrative. 

How do we embark on the journey of unlocking and embracing the vibrant power resonating within us? How can we amplify the volume of our own internal truths that ignite a radiant spark within?  Beautiful questions. Here is what I have to say in response: In our collective journey towards personal, professional, and spiritual growth, it behooves us to bring the concept of Energy Hygiene into our awareness.   

Before exploring the importance of maintaining beautiful energy hygiene, it's crucial to recognize a few things. Many of us may not fully grasp the energy they carry, how their internal energies influence and radiate outward, or the profound impact of others' energies on their lives. Conversely, there are those, like empaths or intuits, who possess a heightened sensitivity to energies, experiencing them in ways that either harmonize or conflict with their inner truths.  

An empath is someone with the ability to absorb the emotions and energies of others, often feeling the experiences of those around them intensely. An intuitive, or "intuit," relies on inner knowing and gut feelings to understand situations, possessing a heightened awareness. To determine if you're an empath, consider if you absorb others' emotions and feel overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments. If you resonate with relying on instincts and having a deep inner knowing, you may lean towards being intuitive. It's possible to exhibit traits of both, and self-reflection is key to understanding and managing these abilities. Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help develop and navigate these sensitivities.  

Recall the earlier mention of the inherent gifts and powers bestowed upon us as melinated women, awaiting activation as we tap into our Ase, energy, and feminine divine. Understanding the significance of being an empath or intuitive is crucial for us as Black women, given our shared capacity to sense and absorb the emotions and energies of others. The extent to which we can access and utilize these sensitivities, gifts, and powers relies on our ability to cultivate a practice that safeguards our energy, allowing us to navigate the world with heightened awareness.  

Discovering whether we are empaths or intuits can serve as a pivotal cornerstone, altering our perspective on how our lives have unfolded thus far and influencing the trajectory of our future. Such a profound insight transforms into a guiding compass that proves invaluable for navigating the intricacies of emotions and energies. As we collectively embrace our innate nature as empaths and intuits, we acquire the skills to set healthy boundaries, cultivate self-compassion, and prioritize our energetic hygiene practices. This intentional approach becomes a powerful transformative tool, allowing us to purify and fortify our energetic space. What was once perceived as burdensome now becomes a powerful force for connection, understanding, healing, and transformation. Cleansing and harmonizing our energy amplify ancestral wisdom, guiding us to harness inner power aligned with our heritage, propelling us towards newfound well-being and growth. 

Energy Hygiene 

So, what precisely is energy hygiene, and why is our awareness and practice of it so crucial? Much like how physical hygiene maintains our bodily health, energetic hygiene nurtures our spirits, ensuring vibrancy and resilience. This practice acts as a safeguard, protecting us from the daily energetic "dirt" we encounter. In the following discussion, we'll delve into methods to safeguard, concentrate, and manage our energy with the aim of sustaining a balanced and positive state of being. Ultimately, these practices will empower us to stay on course in the creation of the lives we aspire to lead.  

Before delving into the diverse methods to safeguard our energy, particularly for individuals with empathic and intuitive tendencies, let's first explore the significance of protecting our energy. Protecting our energy involves conscious efforts to preserve and maintain the quality of our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It means being mindful of the influences around us, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging in practices that prevent the depletion or contamination of our inner vitality. This may include recognizing and managing the impact of external factors, such as people, environments, or situations, on our energy levels. In essence, it's about cultivating a heightened awareness of what nurtures and what drains us, and actively choosing to prioritize practices that contribute to our overall energetic well-being.  

Protecting  

The initial step in changing or enhancing anything in life is cultivating awareness. Thus, the first step to take toward protecting our energy is to become more mindful of how we allocate our energy. As we recognize energy as a precious commodity, it becomes a wellspring of power that we learn to allocate more wisely. By staying attuned to our energy levels, we elevate the understanding of when we need an "energy tune-up" and when our focus as a group has waned. 

Here are a few methods to initiate the practice of protecting our energy. Once established, we can transition into effective budgeting and concentration of our energy so that we can create the life we aspire to lead. 

• Set Boundaries: Set clear boundaries to protect your energy and well-being. 
• Minimize Availability: Learn to say "no" when necessary. Guard your energy. 
• Release Control of What You Can't Control: Sometimes, letting go is the most powerful act of control. 
• Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Be mindful of the people and environments you allow into your life. 
• Healthy Boundaries: Clearly communicate emotional limits, say no when needed, and foster a supportive environment for self-care. 
• Mindfulness and Energy Awareness: Daily mindfulness to track thoughts, emotions, and energy levels, addressing sources of stress promptly. 
• Clear Intentions: Set positive intentions daily for a deliberate and uplifting energetic environment. 
• Energy Detox: Regular practices like visualization or sage smudging to cleanse and release negative energy. 
• Limit Negative Media: Mindfully choose positive content, reducing exposure to negative news and media. 
• Inner Connection: Regularly connect with inner self through practices like meditation and journaling for resilience and alignment. 

Focusing  

In the previous passage, I discussed the concept of channeling our energy from a present-future perspective. This approach involves utilizing our energy in the present moment to shape and manifest our envisioned future precisely as intended. By concentrating on the present moment while envisioning a future aligned with our goals, we empower ourselves to make intentional choices and take actions that contribute to long-term success 

Joe Dispenza eloquently illustrates the deliberate shaping of our present-future reality. This involves directing our energy from the current moment towards our future, free from the influence of past energy, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Tuning into our dreams, aspirations, and goals involves properly investing our energy, gifts, and powers to manifest them. This journey revolves around envisioning a better future and diligently working to turn that vision into reality. 

• Create a Future-Only Space: Designate a specific area or time dedicated solely to envisioning and planning for our future. 
• Create a Future-Focused Playlist: Curate a playlist of motivational and uplifting music that inspires thoughts of our future success. 
• Future Gratitude Journaling: Cultivate a daily gratitude practice to shift our focus toward positive aspects of the present and future. 
• Visualization: Use visualization exercises to vividly imagine and feel our desired future. 
• Take Future-Focused Courses: Enroll in courses or workshops that align with our future aspirations.  

Grounding  

Grounding is a practice that helps individuals connect with the present moment, alleviate stress, and establish a sense of stability. By making grounding a regular practice, we infuse our lives with renewed energy, wisdom, and a profound sense of connection. As Black women, grounding not only empowers us on a personal level but also allows us to tap into the resilience and strength that runs deep within our heritage.  

When it comes to aligning this practice with our quest to deepen our love for self, grounding takes on a special significance. It's an opportunity for us to reconnect with the ancestral wisdom and resilience of our heritage. Our ancestors, despite facing unimaginable challenges, knew the power of staying grounded in their roots. They drew strength from the earth, from the very soil that bore witness to their struggles and triumphs. 

Here are several ways we can engage in grounding practices to realign our energy: 

• Aromatherapy: Inhale calming scents like lavender or chamomile to help center our mind and reduce stress. 
• Walk Barefoot: Walk barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. Feel the sensations on the soles of our feet to establish a connection with the Earth. 
• Grounding Objects: Carry a small object in our pocket or purse that we can touch and focus on when we need to ground ourselves. This could be a crystal, smooth stone, a piece of fabric, or a small trinket. 
• Balancing Energy: Just as a tree needs strong roots to stand tall, grounding helps us find stability and balance in our life.  
• Recharging the Spirit: Think of grounding as recharging our spiritual batteries. The earth's energy is a wellspring of positivity and healing, and by connecting with it, we replenish our own energy reserves. 
• Earthing: Earthing involves walking or sitting directly on the ground. Whether it's on soil, sand, or grass, this practice can help us absorb the earth's energy more effectively 

Energy Cleansing 

Focusing our energy may first require some cleansing and clearing blockages. Cleansing is our way of shedding these layers and returning to our true, vibrant selves. Life's challenges can leave us with negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and resentment. Cleansing is the key to releasing these toxic energies, allowing us to embrace positivity and joy. We may carry emotional scars from past experiences. Cleansing provides a healing balm, helping us let go of past pain and open ourselves to emotional growth and renewal. When our energy is mired in negativity, our thoughts can become clouded. Cleansing clears the mental fog, allowing for greater mental clarity, focus, and a sense of purpose. 

Here are a few ways we can begin our cleansing practice: 

• Salt Baths: Submerging ourselves in a warm bath infused with Epsom salt or sea salt is a powerful way to cleanse our energy. Visualize the water washing away negativity. 
• Smudging: Using sage or palo santo, smudge our space and ourselves. As the smoke clears away negative energy, affirm our intention to let go of what no longer serves us. 
• Reiki or Energy Healing: Seek the assistance of energy healers who can help identify and clear blockages in our energy field. 
• Sound Healing: Listen to calming music, chants, or use singing bowls to harmonize and cleanse our energy. 
• Deep Breathing: Engage in deep, intentional breaths to release tension and promote a sense of calm. 

Budgeting 

Now that we've covered safeguarding, concentrating, and purifying our energy, let's delve into effective strategies for initiating or maintaining an energy budget. Managing our emotional and energetic resources involves keen attention to how we distribute our energy across different aspects of life, relationships, and daily activities. In our journey toward self-love, the objective is to strike a healthy balance and avoid emotional exhaustion or burnout. This is especially crucial for those of us attuned to energies; we need to intentionally direct our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs toward actions that align with our well-being. 

Let's embark on the journey of budgeting our energy in alignment with our authentic selves. Keep reading to discover more. 

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Actively challenge negative or catastrophic thoughts by questioning their validity and exploring more balanced perspectives. 
• Prioritize Self-Care: Allocate time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as meditation, exercise, or leisure activities. 
• Seek the Lesson: Facing challenges becomes an opportunity for growth. Extracting lessons, applying them promptly, and releasing negativity ensures that our energy-focus remains on constructive endeavors and personal development. 
• Recognize Impermanence: Recognize the impermanence of all life aspects, akin to the changing seasons. Adaptability holds immense significance in wisely budgeting our energy. Through swift adjustments in our allocation, we navigate evolving situations with resilience and mindfulness.  

• Manage Time Consciously: Allocate our time to activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and positive energy. Prioritize tasks that align with our values and contribute positively to our well-being. 
• Trust your intuition: When we have a persistent feeling that something is off or that a particular person, environment, or situation isn't serving our highest interests, listen to those inner signals. Send well wishes and bow out of the circumstances gracefully.  
• Seek Alignment with Values: We have the ability to assess whether people, environments, or situations align with our core values and beliefs. A significant mismatch can result in inner conflict and dissatisfaction. In cases of misalignment, it is perfectly fine to reevaluate our energy investment.  

Whew! That was quite a bit. Closing out this passage with a reminder: Always keep in mind that safeguarding, focusing, budgeting, and maintaining clean energy is an ongoing practice. We can explore what resonates with us and incorporate these activities into our routines to maintain a collective sense of balance and vitality. 

Kindred, move on to the next passage, there is one last very important thing I'd like us to remember: within each of us lies a wellspring of power and intuition. As we embrace our gifts and nurture our energetic hygiene, we'll unlock new realms of personal, spiritual, and professional growth. 

Until next time, embrace peace and love on the Journey Up! 

Ase`!  

Here's Your Daily Journal Prompt:  

Reflect on your current relationships, environments, and daily situations. Taking inventory of where you invest your emotional and mental energy on a daily basis. What relationships, environments, or activities contribute positively to your overall well-being?  

Evaluate how well your current connections and surroundings allow for authentic expression. Are there spaces where you feel free to be your true self, and how does that impact your energy? 

One Last Note:  

Stay tuned. The Path and The Power of Self-Love will be available for purchase January 1, 2024. 

For further inspiration and resources, feel free to explore our Journey Up! Book Club, peruse the shelves of our Journey Up! Library,  immerse yourself in Meditation and Affirmation Videos, or join our Growth Academy, and join our Membership Program (app). You can also join the waitlist for our upcoming Classes and Masterminds.