Several years ago a friend told me I was one of the most grounded people she had ever met. The compliment meant a lot because it wasn’t always the case.
I grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota with parents who were practical, salt-of-the-earth people. They were uncomfortable dealing with emotions. I was “the sensitive one” in the family.
I remember feeling completely scattered many times as a child and young adult. The more sensory input happening around me – noise, activity, people – the more ungrounded I became.
Ungrounded, I had a hard time focusing on the task at hand whether it was studying, driving, or even walking.
I would also take on the energies and emotions of those around me. This wasn’t such a bad thing when the people nearby were happy or joyful, but it quickly became a burden if the energies were grief, anger, or despair.
Ungrounded, I lost connection with myself and forgot who I was.
I felt at the mercy of any energy in my environment. If a Hallmark commercial came on television, I cried. If someone got mad at me, I metaphorically flopped down and showed my belly.
Ungrounded, I swayed like a leaf in the breeze, affected by everything around me.
I lived in this uncomfortable state for many years until my mid-30s when I was consciously on my spiritual path. A mentor introduced me to the concept of being an empath. I began to look for ways to feel more comfortable in my body.
Through some guidance from others and much experimentation on my own, I discovered tools that worked for me. It was empowering to realize that I could manage my empathic abilities. As I became stronger, I realized they were a blessing, not a curse.
Grounded, I came more and more home to my body.
So years later when my friend mirrored for me that I was one of the most grounded people she knew, I rejoiced because that meant I was solid and steady and anchored in my own being, able to witness compassionately and hold space for others without taking on their pain.
I am deeply grateful for where my life has brought me and joyfully share my wisdom with others. The “Energy Essentials for Empaths” classes were the result. Through the years, I have held space for hundreds of empaths to feel more empowered and comfortable with their gifts.
This work is real, and it matters.
September 7, 2021