I have been doing energy work/body work with an amazing Teacher for three years now. It is phenomenal how much progress I have made and how much more able I am to stay grounded in my body, and identify when my body is reacting to something in my environment. It keeps me better able to stay relaxed, stay healthy.
As you well know if you know me, though, I am often "on the ceiling" so it's not perfect yet! One effect of the process has been that my natural tendency toward being an empath is increased, and I am often caught off guard and plunge into someone else's drama (or other stuff).
So now, when I head into a situation that I know is likely to be stressful or difficult, I say to myself, "Shields up!" Yes, just like in Star Trek. I get a little giggle from it.
When I return to my office or other safe zone, I have to remember to take my shields down. One of the reasons I am good at my work, I think, is in what ability I have to listen to and understand others.
It's an image that works for me now. Along with the breathing.
