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Grounding, Centering and Shielding

Protection for Energy Workers

From Jim Ewing, for About.com

Jim Ewing

Jim Ewing

When one embarks on spiritual work, the importance of staying grounded and centered -- and being shielded from unwanted energy -- becomes absolutely necessary.

By "this work," I mean those who are involved in Reiki, Shamanism and Consegrity, and other energy, vibrational, alternative and complementary medicine.

When we raise our vibrational level, it's easier to "connect" with the Divine, to see our life purpose, to be guided by our inner wisdom and outside sources of inspiration, but we also become much more susceptible to being "blown away" by others with raw, unconscious energy, both by individuals who may be focusing on negativity or in group situations.

That makes grounding, centering and shielding of utmost importance if we want to stay on the spiritual path, not be confused or become misguided or to lose our connection with the authenic self and higher guidance.

Not to be indelicate, but what I tell my clients and students is to frequently throughout the day "put your butt on a rock."

I'm a Saggitarious (with Aquarius rising!) so I have a natural tendency as a fire sign to "go off" mentally and emotionally anyway. So, I have to ground and center often. Following my own advice, I try to put my butt on a rock at minimum four times a day.

Even in intense work settings, we are allowed "breaks," so when taking a "break," find a place where there are trees and rocks or at least stone or concrete in contact with the Earth. Lean against a tree, rock or wall, making sure your base chakra (butt) is in firm contact. While doing this, take three deep breaths, breathing in the Sun energy through your nostrils and releasing your breath (energy) consciously toward the Earth, so that your Life Force can be recycled not only physically but energetically (through intent). This completes the cycle of life, or Sacred Hoop of Life, that connects all beings to the Earthly Mother, and it will clear you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

A word on breathing: Most of us in the West don't breathe properly. That may sound odd, but in Western medicine, the way babies are birthed provides a shock to the newborn, where oxygen is abruptly sucked into the lungs, which burns from having a life atmosphere of oxygen and nutrients provided by the mother without pain.

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