Restore your energetic boundaries

At times we need to focus on on restoring our energetic boundaries. In Yoga our anatomy is not limited to our physical body, it includes our subtle body and our energetic boundaries are the extension of our subtle body beyond the boundary of our physical body. 

Through the practice of yoga, especially pranayama and meditation, we gradually gain an awareness of our personal energetic boundary. This boundary is unique to us, however it is far from static and can be influenced by the energetic boundaries of those around us. We have all had the experience of walking into a room where everyone is smiling and outwardly amicable, but the tension is so high you could cut the air like a knife. Cliched, I know, but what you are sensing are other people’s energetic boundaries and, in turn, they are sensing yours. You are essentially bringing your energy into the room and adding it to the mix. From this little analogy we can see why it is important to take care of our energetic boundaries by working on the subtle body from the internal to the external. When our energetic boundaries are in good shape, we are literally putting our good vibes.

It has been my personal experience that when my energetic boundaries are in good shape, it is much easier to maintain other types of healthy boundaries; that being the more prosaic kinds that I have described over my last few posts, pertaining to our physical, emotional, intellectual, time, material and mental boundaries. Our subtle body and energetic boundaries influence our capacity with all other boundaries, and, of course, our practical boundaries are what protects our subtle body and energetic boundaries. 

When we go through challenging times in life where our energetic boundaries are knocked about a bit, we become tired, unwell, emotionally depleted and less capable of maintaining our practical boundaries, which further depletes our energetic boundaries. Basically, it’s a negative feedback loop. 

What do we do when we find ourselves becoming depleted in this way? When my energetic boundaries need a top up, I find one of the best ways is to immerse myself in nature. According to many Eastern Philosophies, all matter living and non-living, is surrounded by an energy.

So, on a low-vibe afternoon a few weeks back, I stood by the sea, bare feet on the rocks. I allowed my mind to calm and saw my feet grow roots, extending deep into the earth. I allowed my energy to expand out from my body becoming at one with the beautiful surrounds and was nourished in return, breathing in the smell of the ocean, the foliage and sea life. As I eventually drew my energetic boundaries back towards myself they bought with them the ancient energy of the sea and earth. As I retraced my footsteps along the beach I felt calm, clear and energised. I had literally raised my vibration. 

Journaling exercise: Reflect on a place in nature that restores you energetic boundaries. Using free-flow writing capture the scenery, the smells, the textures… the everything. You might also like to create an intention around spending time in this place when you need to. Maybe take it a step further and create a personal meditation to support you in connecting  with this place and replenishing your energy from your surrounds. 

Clare xxx