self healing

Guarding Your Inner Light: Shielding Against Energy Vampires

Many empathic people shield themselves in the safety of the shadows. It can be easier to withhold our inner light so as to avoid energetic predators, because they can flock like a moth to a flame. One of the many truths of being an empath is the vulnerability one can experience in the presence of energy vampires. 

It can feel like a paradox; the interaction appears harmless and yet… After the conversation comes to an end, you realize something has happened, but it can be difficult to understand what.

It took me time to identify and fully comprehend the pattern and process, and most of, to allow myself to acknowledge it was real.

Energy vampires are very clever. They stealthily swoop into your energy field with their witty charm and tend to disarm you with flattery. Skilled at manipulating conversations, they hook you in with an innocuous question, where despite whatever your reply is, they divert the conversation with their ready-made reply. That is when the energy-sucking begins. It can feel like a haunting that will return again and again for they will drain you dry as long as you let them.

Eventually you dread being around these individuals and began to wonder…

“Is it me?

They seem nice enough.. 

Is it them? 

Is it unkind for me to think this way?” 

However, it is this very way of thinking that can keep us trapped in the cycle of enabling them. 

Empaths are over-conditioned to be considerate of others and sadly, this can be detrimental to to our sense of well being. By continually putting others first, an empath can deplete themselves. Setting boundaries is a challenge for many empaths because in doing so upsets the the energer drainers and other individuals who have been taking advantage of an empath’s generosity. However, it is necessary and essential for an empathic individual to do so, or they will never fully evolve their full potential. 

How do you energetically say “no!” without being rude? The truth: sometimes you have to be rude to make the message stick. Otherwise, energy vampires may see indirectness as a sign of weakness or permission. All empaths have to establish clear boundaries that come from their personal core beliefs. You must advocate for yourself. It takes courage to face the fear of disappointing others, but as generous as your heart is, believe me the strength is there.

One of the hardest things to overcome for empaths is recognizing and acknowledging when a boundary has been crossed. Empathic people can idle in confusion and questioning themself, because when something doesn't feel or sound right, it is not always easy identify what. It may not be physically obvious such as an aggressive or indecent gesture, but it’s enough that you feel something is wrong. I will say that again: it is enough that you feel something is wrong. It could be the tone, a passive aggressive comment, facial expression, their body language and or even their energy. 

THE MULTI-VERSE OF AN EMPATH

Depending on one’s intuitive ability, an empath can experience one person in multiple ways: energetically, emotionally, physically, mentally and psychically. In addition, they may also receive information psychically. These various layers make it necessary to process an exchange, especially a negative one.

For me, I receive one individual in four different ways. I pick up their physical energy, frequency, tone of voice, and emotions. In other words, one person is like four different people and I receive messages and information intuitively. It is a lot to take in and digest. Many empaths receive and experience people on multiple levels, which can make the experience of being in a group of people exhausting. It is like navigating a forest while continuously trying not to loose your footing as the path weaves and the terrain morphs.

ENERGETIC PROTECTION

Apart from having a direct confrontation or walking away, there are things an empath can do to protect themselves energetically. For anyone who is an empath, I highly recommend you cultivate a dedicated practice, such as meditating and strengthening your physically body to support your energy body. The stamina and strength of one’s individual energy can be enhanced and increased over time through daily and diligent self care practice. However, there are a few techniques that can be practiced almost anywhere, anytime.

The Zip-Up: Imagine you are wearing an invisible zip up sweatshirt. Take hold of the imaginary tab and slowly pull it from your pelvic bone up to your upper lip.

Why It Works: The Conception Vessel is one of the main meridians that regulates the accumulation and flow of blood and chi of twelve meridians and contains the yin energy. It begins at the base of the pelvis and travels up the front of the body to the lower lip. Yin energy is receptive, fluid, open. 

Visualize A Super Shield: Imagine an energetic shield of light surrounding you. Have it be a color that resonates as safe and protective to you. When you vizualize it, see it completely encapsulating you from head to toe. The more you meditate and work with this visualization, the stronger your energy shield will become.

Why It Works: Visualization can help you focus your thoughts to generate an image in your mind that will result in directing your energy. Energy follows intention and can be directed, shaped and shifted.

Practice Affirmations: Positive statements that support your sense of safety and that are worded in the present are key. Be open-mind to what sounds and feels right to you: as long as it has meaning to you, it holds power for you. Following are three examples:

“Light flows through me and protects me.”

“I am surrounded by the light.”

“Positive vibrations surround me.

Why It Works: You affirm and create your life experiences with every word and thought. Affirmations can reduce negative thought and the ability to dwell on negative experiences in the present, thus enabling your mindset and energy to shift.

PRACTICE RADICAL HONESTY

Be honest in recognizing who has the potential to drain you so that you can prepare yourself. Knowing how they can make you feel will help protect yourself. Do not avoid the heavy emotions because they can hold the deepest information. One of the hard truths to accept is that energy vampires can reveal the deep healing still needed for ourself. When you recognize that, love yourself - hard. There is always mending to still be cultured.

HONOR YOURSELF

Only you can determine what your boundaries are and honor them. While setting boundaries for empaths is challenging, it is one of the most invaluable acts you’ll ever do for you. 

The more time you take to care for yourself physically and energetically, the stronger you will become. 

Be kind to yourself: you’re a spiritual being experiencing a human existence and learning as you go. 

I hope you step out of the shadows and shine so brightly that your radiance zaps the “drainers”. Be bold. So bold that leaches can’t consume any part of your spectrum.

You be You.


Tania Isaac is an experienced Channeler, Pet Communicator, Energy Healer and certified yoga instructor who specializes in blending healing modalities to create unique specialized healing sessions. She is located in Santa Barbara, CA where she lives with her husband and rescued dog Oreo. Her mission is to empower empaths and help individuals connect with their innate metaphysical and healing abilities. Visit her website to learn more about her offerings: www.taniaisaac.com

Overcoming the Mind - a Powerful Transition

One of the most daunting aspects of deepening one’s self awareness is becoming aware of how you think. Paying attention to our thoughts can have a tremendous impact on our mental wellness and self esteem. That is why the goal of meditation and many spiritual practices is to create enough internal space so you can begin to witness your thoughts. When we can observe our thoughts, we create the possibility of preventing negative beliefs from being powerful influencers. But, confronting our self-talk of self-sabotage can be quite challenging.

It is difficult in itself to recognize how often we belittle ourselves and keep ourself “stuck”. Know that you’re not at fault for thinking this way; our mindsets are conditioned and have been programmed to trust the negative more than the positive, especially when the “facts” have been vetted. The mind will naturally disregard the newest information because “new” is not trusted. One way this can show up for many people is when receiving praise: compliments contrast pre-existing shadow beliefs. 

The thing about our mind is that it believes it is being helpful by keeping us safe. The mind is clever and very solution-oriented. If we are not watchful, it will automatically fill in gaps of missing information with assumptions and made-up stories. Every time this happens we are rewarded with a dose of dopamine. We literally get high when we create a narrative - true or false. The mind strategically combines these techniques to prevent change because new and different can be very threatening. As a result negative thoughts will flow to make sure alterations do not happen. That’s why many people will settle for what is familiar, even if it is unhealthy. 

In order to manifest and sustain conscious change in our lives, we have to work with our mind like we are training a puppy. Gentle encouragement that rewards the requested behavior. Step one:  become aware of a negative thought or belief system. Like a puppy, we don’t yell or ridicule the thought or action, we simply notice and then encourage change, compassionately. Step two: once aware, we then intentionally replace the adverse thought or beliefs with new and positive ones. This becomes the practice until the shift within happens. Notice, acknowledge and implement change by distracting your mind. Just like bribing a puppy with a treat.

The distraction - the treat - are the positive thoughts that replaces the pessimistic ones. For each negative thought, the brain needs to hear a positive thought five times just to “neutralize” its mindset. Eventually, the repetition will shift the gloom towards the light. Repetition takes time but it has proven to be very powerful. Louise Hay (one of my superheroes) was renowned for demonstrating the power of affirmations to bring about self-healing and positive change. Hay suggested writing down an affirmation at least five times, for twenty one days. Affirmations shift your focus and help you cultivate positive energy. Affirmations are the original positive influencers!

At the end of my Soul Rejuvenation workshops, every attendee is invited to randomly select a Louise Hay affirmation card. They always seem to select one that resonates with them personally. In seeing this happen again and again, I believe every individual is capable of change and that we innately know what it is that we need and call it to ourselves. The biggest hurdle is always our mind and affirmations can be loving reminders that change is possible.

Throughout the process of reviewing and “revamping” it is important to be kind and patience with yourself; you’re unweaving a tightly woven way of believing, undoing one knot at a time. We each have had a lot of years getting really good at negative self talk so cultivating a new conversation will take time and lot of self love. I promise this road is well worth the journey, because on the other side is a greater capacity to love and the entire process is about living compassionately and beginning to experience your sense of self worth.

Your mind is like a constant prayer.
Whatever it is focused on, will be.
— LB

As my dear friend LB says, “Your mind is like a constant prayer. What ever it is focused on, will be.” I believe the practice of repetition is helpful for all of us. Whether you pray, meditate, chant, write or recite affirmations, the practice of positive repetition is extremely beneficial for our sense of well-being. Though the brain is a powerful thing to overcome, once we learn how to get past the hurdles of our mind, we can begin to see and feel how amazing we each really are. Our thoughts have a powerful impact on how we see and feel about ourselves and can shape our lives. 


Soul Rejuvenation is a unique healing workshop that blends restorative yoga, channeling and hands on healing. Sound healing and essential oils are also integrated. This holistic workshop is intended to help heal and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Tania holds this event throughout the year in Santa Barbara. To learn more, visit www.taniaisaac.com/special-events

Her Voice

I have made peace with the fact that I am not meant to be a biological mother in this life. It was hard and it took time to get here. Every so often my grief is triggered by an innocuous comment, a baby’s coo, a toddler’s wobbly steps. It is ultimately ok because it is part of my path and process in life. This path has led me to understand and thus embrace the liberties I am blessed with in not being a parent. Those that are parents may not understand this because they have not had to cross that bridge. While we can easily make comparisons on what we each have and don’t have; let us simply respect our different journeys.


In “Celestial Happenstance”, a recent blog from the third perspective, I shared a recent experience that drudged up the part of myself that wanted to be a mother. As I sat, deep in breath, navigating the rolling waves of emotions, I understood what was needed: to look at that part of myself - to see and feel her. In my path of grievance into healing, I had forgotten to bring her along.


This blog is dedicated to giving her a voice. This entry opens up my past paternal desires to the world. In doing so, I hope to further heal my heart.


My name is Tania and I was born to be a mother. It was a story that began not by my own actions or beliefs, but from my mother’s guidance. From a young age she prepared me for motherhood with insightful advice that grew over time into a sophisticated rolodex of information. I was on alert anytime a child was present so as to anticipate and possibly predict their quick actions in case they put themselves in danger of getting hurt. There were many data files I had at the ready, such as: cradle a newborn baby’s head to prevent injury to their delicate neck, always anticipate a baby tipping back or forward when they are learning to sit, and if a baby manages to grasp a cluster of long hair, carefully pull their fingers away one by one (rather than sliding the hair out of their clutch) so as not to cut their skin.

This ingrained instruction caused me to feel naturally ordained as a mother. So, from a young age I stock piled names in my mind, because I believed I would have two girls. They would receive my favorite names: Brooklyn and Alexandra. I assumed I would be a brilliant and busy “soccer-mom-type”; bustling the girls back and forth from their extracurricular activities, hosting the coolest sleep-overs, having The Talk about puberty, sex, maturation, love and broken hearts.

I vouched to be entirely different from my mother in that love would be unconditional; not earned through approval rates. I would advocate for their individuality and not compete with them, be critical or force them to conform. I would encourage them to speak their voice, show their strength and understand the difference between resistance and resilience. I would honor their ways of expression and remind them to stay truthful to themselves, always. As often as needed, I would invite them to check in with themselves: to see how they felt emotionally and energetically, to prioritize their self care and to never leave themselves for last.

I was going to be such a super cool mom! I’d give them a thumbs up on body art; just be safe and wise about it. I would buy them each a shot of tequila when they turned of age. I would encourage them to study abroad, travel as far as possible and often. Study various cultures, learn another language, embrace your passion, study what you’re excited about - not what you have to. 

I was excited to see them blossom, spread their wings and fly out into the world as adults. I looked forward to how and when they became their own person in every way and even told myself I would be excited to reinvent their room into something fun for their father and I after they moved out.

No matter their gender identity, shape, size, hair style, I would love them. I would be honest and ask the questions that needed to be asked. No sugar coating. I would make the statements that needed to be said for truth’s sake so they would always be reminded to stay in their Truth, speak their truth and live their truth so as to live their life wisely, and as such, generously.


She - that part of me - had a genuine intention to Love - fully, unconditionally and infinitely. That love is not lost for Love is an energy that never dies. Love can transform and transcend. While I recognized the part of myself that had wanted to be a mother is not, her voice no longer remains in the shadows. My hope is that by bringing her into the light can be healing for myself and other women like me - that for whatever the reason they are not biological mothers - they too can heal into a new way of offering nurturing, compassion and care. 

Where I start and return to, again and again, is Love of Thyself. We all need to start there, here, and truly live IN loving ourselves because it is what the world needs right now. More Self love.

Medicine Walks

I love taking myself to my favorite local beach for a walk. I just walk and walk. My feet absorb the sand and cold ocean water while the rest of me simply moves about. There is no intention to go a certain distance or duration; just….to walk. I get to be with myself.

I have come to call these beach walks my medicine walks. These simple steps in the sand are healing for me. This a time in which I allow myself to be just as I am in the present. I allow myself to meander about without a particular direction or be called to something out of sheer curiosity. My body is given the freedom to find itself and experience its surroundings, while my self awareness is invited to expand and embrace all of me.

I walk until I feel called to turn around. Sometimes I see friends and neighbors and share a few friendly chats and meet new dogs. Most times, I get to be alone, really alone, and those durations are so sacred. On a recent walk, perched upon a large, smooth rock, I sat and gazed out into the vast distance at the Channel Islands. In recollection, it seemed I was not looking at anything in particular. I invited myself to be and stay in each present moment and that left me with out a particular external experience to describe, because the depth of my internal experience was so rich.

Bringing attention to the Self is being with one’s deeper being and when one is truly in the Now, there are now words for it. Richard Ross, MD and author of “The Mandala of Being” says that when “we exercise the power of our awareness without any certainty about the outcome…we let ourselves be led deeper into life by bring present with what is, rather than by trying to control and direct ourselves and our lives.

A deep sense of knowingness and love washed over me like a soft wave as I sat there. I remembered how important it was to lend nurturing and healing to my body, mind and soul, always. Not just when I was in need; but always. The pause in my walk, to just sit and be, was a crucial element. It is in moments of “simple existence” when we can hear ourselves - our inner most selves, speak. Those moments are sacred because our essential self is wise, compassionate and loving.

The importance of all this tends to get lost in all of our doing. Our society does not invite us to pause and be still. It can feel like we need to fight for it, ironically. Sometimes, we do need to carve out the time and space for ourself; Conscious being and connecting in stillness, silence and softness - they are essential for us. Soul medicine can be different for everyone. Whether yours is singing, sitting in quiet, or dancing like no one is watching, what ever your need is, is fundamental for your vitality, sanity and full sense of Being You.

Even I need the reminder to Pause, Breathe, Be. Perhaps we can help one another remember? Rather than ask a friend what they’re going to do next, or if they’ve finally figured out what the “perfect” solution is, perhaps our role - our responsibility as a loved one - is to ask, “When was the last time you took a time out to be with Yourself?”