Soul Kadee

Sensitives are often unknowingly affected by the energy, emotions, and desires of others. This can be both confusing and overstimulating because we are unable to distinguish whether we’re operating from our own center or someone else’s. I believe that it’s critically important for sensitive souls to learn how to protect themselves and to clear away the energy and emotions of other people.

One key aspect is setting good boundaries. Many of us get into trouble when we try to take care of other people first. Often this comes at the cost of our own wellbeing. I believe this is due, in part, to our empathic nature. We easily see and feel what others need and want, so it’s easy to get confused about “what’s mine, what’s yours.”

An important first step in establishing healthy boundaries is learning to let go of taking responsibility for other people’s lives, desires, and emotional responses. It helps me to focus on the spiritual truth that people are on the right and perfect path for themselves, even when they are “clearly not.”

What I mean when I say this is that if, to my eye or ego-self, people seem to be making huge mistakes or are in desperate need of rescuing, I take a spiritual step back. I remind myself that this may be exactly the personal challenge that the person needs to fully attain their own soul purpose or to learn their life lessons. And, most importantly, that my interference just may prevent that achievement.

My teacher, Sonia Choquette, says: “Ultimately, an overly empathic heart may be a vote of no-confidence in those you love and care about.”

This is a good reminder to honor the ability that those around us have to take care of themselves. What we can do, instead, is focus on taking care of our own lives and modeling that for other people. By being responsible for yourself, you create a safe space for others to discover their own power.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t assist others. But it does mean that it’s worth getting their permission or their request for assistance first. Then, see if you can focus on helping them to discover their own solutions — that’s true empowerment. I’m reminded of the old saying that if you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; but if you teach him to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.

Don’t rescue, don’t overly identify. Do stay in your power, model empowerment by caring for yourself, and support others to do the same.

Copyright July 2005, Jennifer K. Avery

Jenna Avery, the Life Coach for Sensitive Souls, offers an original coaching program designed to guide highly sensitive souls to a deep sense of inner rightness, so they are inspired to step forward and shine. You’re invited to visit her website at www.highlysensitivesouls.com to take her free online assessment, “Is Your Sensitivity Working For You?”

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