I recently posted a note about how it feels impossible to function right now as an empath, and that 👆🏼👆🏼 was one of the comments I received.

It’s how I knew I needed to write this article.

This is not a post about politics. I write about designing a life and business you’re excited to wake up to every day.

But it’s also not NOT about politics.

Because I wouldn’t be writing this if we weren’t living in a chaotic stew of whirling emotional extremes, billionaire power grabs and heartbreaking daily injustices.

Suffering—human, animal and environmental—eviscerates me. I am a veritable sponge, soaking up the emotions in a room, in a stadium, in the collective. I have spent much of the last few months wondering why I feel possessed by the urge to vandalize property and burn down buildings when I speak out against these actions on a normal day. It took some serious introspection to realize the feelings inside of me aren’t mine.

And I think we can agree these are not normal days.

If you also identify as an empath or a Highly Sensitive Person, you are likely overwhelmed by unmanageable emotions yourself right now. It may feel impossible to engage in day-to-day activities when you’re blinded by rage and/or your heart is breaking.

For my part, it feels tone-deaf AF to focus on clever ways to market your brand when we’re all just trying to keep from bursting into flames.

So, if you’d rather live than spend the next four years in bed, this one’s for you. After all, you can’t show up for your business, much less those who need you most, when you feel fragile as Autumn leaves.

And you certainly can’t be on the front lines of the resistance.

Don’t Knock it ‘Til You Try it

Ever heard of shielding?

No?

Oh, my loves, you are in for a treat. Shielding is a meditative practice that involves protecting yourself inside an energetic bubble—the better to maintain emotional balance and prevent short-circuiting from anxiety.

To do it, simply carve out some quiet time and visualize creating a protective barrier (like a glowing golden orb) between you and all outside energies. This barrier acts like a filter, allowing you to remain connected to the world while being resistant to negativity.

I needed a fellow creator here on Substack to remind me of shielding’s benefits, but after one session, I had my first “normal” day in a month. Meaning: I was able to find joy in simple pleasures again and tap into my creativity, which is the first thing to go when my nervous system is inflamed.

I now do it every single morning.

If you’re inclined to discredit this tip due to its woo nature, stay with me. Studies show your nervous system is soothed via meditation. Given that, what’s the worst that can happen if you try it?

And if you think you suck at meditation, I assure you I suck more. That’s why I recommend doing a short, guided meditation from YouTube or the Insight Timer App, which is free. Here are two of my favorites.

​Cleanse and Protect Your Energy with Prashanti Paz
​Energy Protection for Empaths with Reiki Rachael

​Read more . . .​

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This is #LifeGoals One of the best ways to regulate your nervous system is to seek out joy hits, like this one 👈🏼👈🏼👈🏼 and engage in as many as you can in a day. I'm collecting these from readers like you right now. Hearing about your joy hits it's positively the BEST part of my week. To share yours and possibly be featured in a future story, hit reply to this email. ​ Oooh! I've got one!