Energy Vampires

How any times have we heard that sensitive people attract narcissists and other energy vampires? It's common knowledge that those in our society who are selfish and needy tend to be attracted to those who are compassionate helpers. But, have you ever been around people who seem kind, helpful, and interesting, yet when you leave their company you still feel like something's not quite right? You may be hanging out with an energy vampire.

Most people who try to use other peoples' energy don't do it wittingly or, certainly, maliciously. Yes, there are those who do, but the focus of this article is on the people who innocently don't know what they're doing or why. These folks tend to be needy, and maybe even a little clingy. Some constantly ask for your opinion (whether they take it to heart or not is another matter), even though many have more than enough of their own opinions to go around. Although these energy suckers come in all shapes, sizes, and personality types, they all have one thing in common—they unconsciously make a habit of feeding on other peoples' energy, especially if that energy is easily accessible and pleasant to the vampire.

The business of identifying an energy vampire can be confusing because many of them seem nice enough. If you don't feel well in their presence, just after you leave their company, or even when just thinking of them, you may try to pin blame on yourself. "I don't know what's wrong with me. That person is perfectly fine. I'm just like people have always said—too sensitive. So, it's my fault. I'll just have to buck up." If this, or something like it, sounds familiar, please take heart. Your sensitivity is not a fault and your feelings are not wrong or bad. Quite the contrary. Your sensitivity is your guide to what and who is healthy for you, and your feelings are messengers carrying important information. Together, they represent your compass. It's best not to try and shut them down, but welcome them because feelings always have something vital to tell you.

At this time in our history, it's critically important to listen to your inner compass. As challenges grow closer and more potent, it's going to become imperative to align with your own energy and that of others of your vibrational frequency or higher. People who are fearfully feeding on the life force of others need to be identified and compassionately left to their own devices. They will only bring you down and possibly distract you from your mission. This is true until you become strong enough to send your own energy outward and simply deflect the negative energy, or reflect the vampire's energy back to them. Many of you may already be doing this. It's sometimes easier to be strong around gentler vampires, especially ones you don't know or share a history with. Use these opportunities to practice good boundaries.

As always, the best solution is self-awareness. You must stand in your own truth and know who you are to the fullest extent possible. When something triggers an emotional response, take time to listen to that message. Often, if we go within and ask simply to be shown the reason for our reaction, the answers come to the surface. Bear witness to whatever floats into your awareness; do it gently and compassionately, with no judgment or criticism. See if anything comes up from your personal history that may relate to the feelings and/or whatever precipitated them. Find the place in your body where these feel stuck. (If there's more than one, go through each individually, as you're ready to do so.) Find out what it looks like, feels like, sounds like, etc. Honor and respect this block. It is simply a result of pain or fear. It's okay; we all have them. Get whatever you need from it and then, when the timing feels right, see if it'll change or you can make an attempt to remove it. Send it to the Light for transformation and fill the remaining void with Creator energy.

You may have to do this process more than once. We tend to heal in layers, one step at a time. This kind of healing helps build strength and that's exactly what is needed to deal with energy vampires. Actually, this kind of strength is needed across the board for health and well-being, particularly in these challenging times. As life on this planet gets trickier, attention to self-healing increases. When you are more solid and grounded, you'll be better able to reach out to those who truly need your help. Then, hopefully, the interaction will be a healthy one for all concerned.