Today we begin the third and final installment in our Home Study of Positive Energy by Judith Orloff, M.D. If you have not already caught up on parts one and two of our series, I encourage you to visit them in our archives. Today’s topic is energy draining relationships–a concern for spiritual practitioners of all ages!
Today’s text: Positive Energy by Judith Orloff, M.D.
Published by: Three Rivers Press, 2004
Study page: p. 290-317
As with all Energy topics, it is difficult to put into words just what one might be experiencing in one’s inner awareness or Energy. Judith Orloff describes people who take too much of our Energy–be it mental, physical or otherwise–as ‘vampires,’ which is a common term for such behavior.
Personally, I do not use this word because of its connotation of premeditation and evil. What I prefer to remember is that all souls are in need of Light, and some tend to go about getting It in less conscious ways than others. In most cases, those using such tactics are oblivious to the damage they are doing and are in so much pain they might be unable to change even if they became aware of their behavior. It is also worth noting that many such tactics have been passed on from parent to child for generations…
Yet, regardless of another’s ignorance or intention to take Energy from you, you are still responsible for your own protection. True spiritual practice is one of ultimate responsibility; there are no victims here. This is where Judith Orloff and I agree wholeheartedly and on pages 290-291 she sets about highlighting some signs and common times Energy drain can occur. Here are a few:
- We are more susceptible to Energy drain when we are sick, overworked and sleep-deprived
- You may feel your chest tighten, get a headache or feel nauseated when around certain people
- You may crave a nap or junk food after talking with such individuals
- Certain people may seem to stick to you no matter what you do to avoid them
In one of my favorite sections, Dr. Orloff describes common habits of those who try to take more of others’ Energy than they should. You may be surprised to find a number of people in your life described almost to a “T” on pages 294-313. Do some of these sound familiar?
- Energy tactics like the Sob Sister and the Drama Queen
- Energy tactics of Blaming or Incessant Talking
- The downright dirty tactics of the Go-for-the-Jugular Fiend
Consider marking tactics that are manifesting in your life and resolve to do whatever homework the author prescribes after such relevant passages. Always remember: protecting your Energy is your responsibility and your spiritual growth will sink or swim based on your willingness to take charge of it.
If you need some inspiration, pages 314 and 315 have great suggestions for preserving and protecting your Energy. Also keep your ears open for ideas from familiar advisors: yoga teachers, meditation coaches and massage therapists. These people make Energy their lives and often have new and interesting methods for protecting your precious life force.
No one likes to think that their long-term friend or sweet little granny might be taking more Energy from them than they can afford. But if we can learn to read the hot-spots and remember that many of these actions are done unconsciously, we can hold others in a place of compassion while still attending to our own spiritual needs. In the end, it’s all about reunification–both for us and for them.
Taking a pen and a piece of paper or journal, contemplate the following this week:
1. Do I run into Energy-sapping tactics more often at work, with family or with friends?
2. Which of the author’s “Protect your Energy by…” suggestions do I need to follow? Consider photocopying those instructions and keeping them near the site of your interactions with such people.
3. Who can I ask to help me be mindful of times I might be more susceptible to Energy drain due to fatigue, overwork etc?
4. Has this book enhanced my spiritual practice? Do I have a copy I would like to read in full or do I need to look into purchasing one?
Over the past month we have investigated some powerful and effective tools for protecting our positive Energy. If you found these excerpts inspiring, consider checking out more of Dr. Orloff’s books online at www.drjudithorloff.com
For additional Grace and Clarity book discussions, please peruse the other selections from our Home Study category. We also invite you to experience more uplifting insights from the Higher Realms at www.hopeofthenewage.com
Grace and Clarity 