Why I Became a Stickler for Energetic Hygiene - Part 2

For years I struggled to understand why I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally drained after even seemingly simple interactions. Then my first Reiki session opened a new world for me. I learned that our energy isn’t confined to the physical body; it extends beyond us in what I’ve come to call “the field” — an energetic bubble that surrounds and interpenetrates our whole being. This field is our first contact point with others’ energy, and it’s where energetic exchange happens.

As my awareness grew, I realized I was highly sensitive to the energies around me. One moment I felt fine, and the next I’d be gripped by intense anxiety, fear, stress, negativity after a brief encounter. It hadn’t occurred to me that these emotional states might not be mine to carry. The turning point came at a rock-and-gem show, where, amid vast displays, I grew progressively lightheaded and off-balance. My trusted friend saw what was happening, stepped me outside, and helped me ground myself. It began to dawn on me that I needed to take charge of my energy and started experimenting.

I began incorporating energetic hygiene practices—simple yet powerful ways to clear and fortify my space and lessen the impact of heavy energies from others. At first, I focused on grounding and sharpened my discernment—paying close attention to how I felt physically, emotionally, and mentally before entering different social settings and noticing any sudden shifts. By increasing my awareness of which energies were mine and which were external, I realized how easily I could be swept up by energetic currents when I wasn’t paying attention.

Not long after, I experienced a spontaneous kundalini awakening—an intensified sensitivity, the release of energetic blockages, and upgrades across my energy centers. After a hike in the forest, I felt a warm sensation in my lower back and abdomen that rose up my spine. It built in intensity, reaching my heart where it lingered, creating significant pressure and an accelerated heart rate. It felt like I was having a heart attack. Once it was done at the level of the heart, the warm energy then continued to rise and eventually flowed out through the crown of my head. The experience was profound, revealing the vastness and power of our energetic field and underscoring the importance of respecting and caring for it. The ascent through my heart center brought up old hurts and memories I hadn’t visited in years, prompting questions about why the energy lingered there and what those memories were trying to tell me.

From these experiences I learned that protecting and nurturing my energy isn’t just about avoiding exhaustion—it’s about honoring the expansive nature of our energetic self, recharging the field, and keeping it clean. Each challenge deepened my understanding and commitment to energetic hygiene, showing how simple practices can restore balance and peace. Energetic hygiene isn’t a cure-all, but in the context of today’s mental‑health landscape, caring for our energy feels like a practical, accessible daily practice that can noticeably improve our day-to-day life.