Protect. Focus. Budget.

As women, we carry within us a lineage rich in wisdom, an inner knowing that is always accessible when we tune into the divine energy within—what we call Ase`. Our ancestors, from ancient tribes to our modern-day predecessors, understood the power of this inner force. Both our individual energy and collective strength are gifts passed down through generations, and it’s time to awaken to the incredible potential within us. Yet, many of us remain unaware of the full depth of our gifts and sensitivities. This lack of awareness often stems from the social conditioning we’ve endured, the way our energy is drained, and the forces around us that unintentionally rob us of our vitality. It’s time to change this story.

So how do we begin the journey of unlocking and embracing the vibrant energy that resides within us? How can we amplify our inner truths and ignite that radiant spark? These are beautiful questions, and here’s what I have to offer: In our shared journey of personal, professional, and spiritual growth, it’s crucial to become aware of the concept of Energy Hygiene.

Before we dive into why energy hygiene is essential, we need to acknowledge something fundamental. Many of us might not fully understand the power we carry, how our inner energies affect the world around us, or how the energies of others influence our lives. There are also those of us who are empaths or intuitives, who experience these energies on a deeper level, either harmonizing with them or feeling them conflict with our truths.

An empath is someone who absorbs the emotions and energies of others, often feeling others' experiences as though they were their own. An intuitive, or “intuit,” relies on their inner knowing and gut feelings to understand situations, with a heightened awareness of the unseen. To determine if you’re an empath, ask yourself: Do you absorb others’ emotions, feeling overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments? If you resonate with having a deep inner knowing and intuition, you may be intuitive. It’s also possible to embody both traits, and self-reflection is key in understanding and managing these sensitivities. Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help us navigate and grow these gifts.

Remember, the inherent gifts and powers passed down to us as women of color are waiting to be activated. As we tap into our Ase`, energy, and divine feminine, we unlock the potential to harness these sensitivities, gifts, and powers. But the key lies in protecting our energy. When we cultivate practices that preserve and protect our energy, we can navigate the world with greater clarity and awareness.

Recognizing whether we are empaths or intuitives can change how we view our lives and influence the course of our futures. This realization serves as a guiding compass, offering insight into how we engage with the world. As we embrace our innate nature, we gain the ability to set healthy boundaries, practice self-compassion, and prioritize our energetic hygiene. This intentional approach becomes a transformative tool, allowing us to purify and strengthen our energy. What once felt like a burden now becomes a powerful force for connection, understanding, healing, and transformation. As we cleanse and harmonize our energy, we amplify the ancestral wisdom that resides within us, guiding us toward well-being and growth.

Energy Hygiene

But what exactly is energy hygiene, and why is it so important? Just as physical hygiene is necessary to maintain the health of our bodies, energetic hygiene nurtures our spirits, ensuring our vitality and resilience. It acts as a protective shield, guarding us against the energetic “dirt” we encounter every day. Let’s explore how we can safeguard, focus, and manage our energy to sustain a balanced and positive state of being. These practices empower us to create the lives we aspire to live.

Before we explore how to protect our energy, especially for those of us who are empaths or intuitives, let’s first understand why protecting our energy matters. Protecting our energy means taking conscious steps to preserve our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It involves setting boundaries, becoming aware of our energy influences, and engaging in practices that prevent the depletion of our vitality. It’s about knowing what nurtures us and what drains us, and making the intentional choice to prioritize practices that contribute to our well-being.

Protecting Our Energy

The first step to changing anything in life is awareness. And the first step in protecting our energy is to become mindful of how we’re using it. Once we recognize our energy as a valuable resource, we begin to allocate it more wisely. By staying in tune with our energy levels, we learn when it’s time for an “energy tune-up” or when our focus as a collective has shifted.

Here are a few practices that can help you begin protecting your energy:

• Set Boundaries: Define clear boundaries to safeguard your well-being.
• Minimize Availability: Learn the power of saying “no” when necessary to protect your energy.
• Release Control: Letting go of what you can’t control can often be the most powerful form of self-care.
• Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Be intentional about the people and environments you engage with.
• Mindfulness & Energy Awareness: Track your thoughts, emotions, and energy levels daily, addressing stress as it arises.
• Energy Detox: Regularly clear your space and energy with practices like visualization or smudging.

Focusing Our Energy

As we shift our focus from the present to the future, we can direct our energy to manifest the life we desire. Joe Dispenza beautifully articulates this concept of shaping our present to align with our future goals. When we focus on our dreams and goals in the present moment, we align our energy to make them a reality.

To stay focused on our future aspirations, we can:

• Create a Future-Focused Space: Designate a specific space or time for envisioning your future.
• Build a Future-Focused Playlist: Curate a playlist of motivational songs that inspire you toward success.
• Gratitude Journaling: Practice daily gratitude to shift your focus toward what’s positive and forthcoming.
• Visualization: Visualize the future you’re working toward with clarity and emotion.

Grounding Our Energy

Grounding helps us stay rooted in the present moment, alleviating stress and bringing balance. For women of color, grounding is especially significant—it connects us to the deep resilience and wisdom of our ancestors, who understood the strength in staying grounded despite life’s hardships.

Here are some grounding practices:

• Aromatherapy: Use calming scents like lavender or chamomile to center your mind and ease stress.
• Walk Barefoot: Connect with the earth by walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil.
• Grounding Objects: Carry an object that helps you stay focused and grounded, like a crystal or stone.
• Recharging the Spirit: Think of grounding as recharging your spiritual energy, drawing positivity from the earth.

Energy Cleansing

Sometimes, we need to cleanse our energy to shed negative emotions and experiences. Cleansing clears away the blockages that hold us back and helps us reconnect with our true, vibrant selves.

Here are a few cleansing practices:

• Salt Baths: Soak in a warm bath with Epsom or sea salt to cleanse negativity.
• Smudging: Use sage or palo santo to clear negative energy from your space and body.
• Sound Healing: Listen to soothing music or chants to clear your energy field.
• Deep Breathing: Practice deep, intentional breathing to release tension and promote calm.

Budgeting Our Energy

Managing our energy is about striking a balance and preventing burnout. As we navigate through life’s demands, we must learn how to budget our emotional, physical, and mental resources wisely.

Here are ways to manage your energy effectively:

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Question negative thoughts and shift your perspective.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Set aside time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
• Seek the Lesson: View challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
• Trust Your Intuition: Listen to your inner voice when something doesn’t feel right and step away from what doesn’t serve you.
• Align with Your Values: Make sure that the people and environments you engage with align with your core beliefs.

Remember, nurturing and maintaining your energy is an ongoing practice. As you incorporate these practices into your life, you’ll begin to cultivate balance, vitality, and a deeper connection to your true power.

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

And so it is...

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?