August 26, 2019

LISA RENEE: “Linear vs. Non-Linear Thinking”

“Most people perceive the external structures of reality based on information conveyed by their main senses, which is their operating sentience level. Some people have five main senses that are controlled by their Unconscious Mind functions, and others with developed Higher Sensory Perception, have accumulated more sensory ability by expanding their access into their higher mind function. If sensory information is missing, partially blocked, or misunderstood through wrong perception, people impose their semblance of linear order without the benefit of all the proper information. Purely linear thinking ultimately confines the intelligence to the lower aspects of mind and lower instinctual senses. Linear thinking contracts energy. Linear thinking contracts consciousness and limits expanded sensory feelings such as intuition. Thought addicted linear thinkers close down their heart and this closes down their body feeling mechanism.”

~Lisa Renee

Linear thinking is the process of thought following known step-by-step progression where a response to a step must be elicited before another step is taken. (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3….) Linear thinkers put things in order as they experience them in a sequential manner, like a straight line. A straight line between two points has been the way we have been educated as the most effective way to get from one place to another. Linear thinkers see the world mostly as black and white (the polarity structure or Bi-Wave Influences). A person limited to linear thinking has mental blocks in reaching more options for resolution or reaching compromise because they cannot perceive outside a certain parameter. An example of limitation in linear thinking is the capacity to creatively problem solve an issue if the primary procedure breaks down, to find alternative ways, to inquire or ask the right question in the problem solving equation, or to find the balance point for resolution. Additionally, linear thinkers do not communicate with the consciousness inherent in living things, like the land, animals and nature. Because linear thinking is repetitious and in many situations the outcome or result never changes, this stunts higher sensory perception and suppresses consciousness. The mind gets stuck in a gear of belief and linear experience that it cannot shift out of. The more inflexible the mind, the weaker it is.

Most people perceive the external structures of reality based on information conveyed by their main senses, which is their operating sentience level. Some people have five main senses that are controlled by their Unconscious Mind functions, and others with developed Higher Sensory Perception, have accumulated more sensory ability by expanding their access into their higher mind function. If sensory information is missing, partially blocked, or misunderstood through wrong perception, people impose their semblance of linear order without the benefit of all the proper information. This is assuming something to be true and accurate while holding only the tiniest infinitesimal variable that prevents one from seeing the whole facts or larger picture. Purely linear thinking ultimately confines the intelligence to the lower aspects of mind and lower instinctual senses. Linear thinking contracts energy. Linear thinking contracts consciousness and limits expanded sensory feelings such as intuition. Thought addicted linear thinkers close down their heart and this closes down their body feeling mechanism.

Non-Linear thinkers

Non-Linear thinkers have developed a capacity for spiral thinking and problem solving which extends into multiple directions or as an outward expansion spiral. Rather than thinking in step by step moving in one direction, spiral thinkers inherently know that there are multiple starting points from which one can apply the solution to a problem. Spiral thinkers are able to traverse the many directions the problem may have and find the central root or causal issue of the problem, rather than trying to solve the surface symptom. Most world problems have a causation of which many layers of other problems are stacked on top in layers as the result. This is the same as a medical diagnosis giving a label to something that does not address the deeper cause and its root infection. Most linear thinking keeps the mind sliding on the surface going back and forth and finally in a circle which remains static. Nonlinear or spiral thinking allows the mind to go deeper to the root of the problem, spiral it out in multiple directions from its source, which is the most effective way to impact deeper resolution and change. Spiral thinkers are accessing beyond the functions of the Three Layers of Ego mind. They access a new higher sensory ability through the contact made to the Higher Mind, which is a function of higher consciousness or spirit-energy intelligence. Training your mind to go beyond linear thought and into nonlinear thinking expands energy, expands consciousness and potentially opens ones heart and feeling centers.

See Also:

GSF Behavior

12 Practices of Self Awareness

Law of One

~via Ascension Glossary

July 30, 2018

BARRIE DAVENPORT: “Sensing Vs. Intuition: How Do You Perceive Your World?”

I once managed a resort that provided courses in Myers-Briggs studies to better understand employees and guests. I loved that and learned a lot about people. (I’m an INFP) 🙂

If you have taken a Myers-Briggs personality test, you know that there are dominant personality traits all people have, while other traits are more subdued.

The Myers-Briggs type indicator has four personality dichotomies that comprise one’s personality. Your personality type is often reflected as a series of four letters.

The four dichotomies include:

Your favorite world: Do you tend to focus on the outer world or more on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I).

Information Gathering: Do you focus on the basic information you take in with your senses, or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N).

Decision-Making: When making decisions, do you prefer to first use logic and consistency or first consider people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).

Structure Preference: In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).

The letters for these four dichotomies can combine in 16 different ways, depending on your personality type. For example, I’m an INFJ (introvert, intuitive, feeling, judging).

In this post, I’m going to focus on Sensing vs. Intuition — whether you prefer to collect and process new information either through your five senses or in more, imaginative and abstract ways.

Personality Traits: Sensing Vs. Intuition

Everyone uses Sensing and Intuition to process information. One of them is likely more natural for you, and you are more comfortable using it, while the other may be a bit more uncomfortable, but you still it on a daily basis.

It is more common to have a Sensing personality trait than an Intuitive one, as almost 75% of people identify themselves as being Sensors. When it comes to Sensing vs. Intuition, do you know which preference you have?

Carl Jung was the first to develop a theory that everyone has a psychological type. The two different functions he believed humans use in their lives were how people perceive information and how they make decisions.

He believed that there were two opposite ways of functioning within these boundaries. According to Jung, each psychological trait is on a spectrum, meaning that everyone uses these function at varying amounts, and each person develops an order of preference for the functions.

Jung believed one’s dominant function was so powerful that it took over any other personality types that person had.

There are eight sensing personality types and 8 intuitive types.

The sensing personality types include:

ISTJ- Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (the assessor)

These people are quiet and serious. They often become successful because they are thorough, responsible, and dependable.

ISTJs are also practical, matter-of-fact, and realistic with their ideas. They use logic to make decisions and work toward their goals without becoming easily distracted.

ISTJs appreciate organization and value loyalty and traditions.

ISFJ– Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging (the guardian)

ISFJ’s are quiet, cordial, responsible, and dedicated. They consistently meet their deadlines and produce accurate and thorough work.

They are loyal people who are able to remember specific details about people who they find to be important. They thrive in a neat and harmonious environment.

ISTP– Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (the expert)

ISTPs are logical, tolerant, and flexible. They love to be efficient in their work and get through all of the unnecessary information to find exactly what they need.

They do not like to waste time or deal with things that will not help them reach their ultimate goal.

They are quiet observers but act quickly to find solutions to problems that may come up. They love to figure out how things work, especially when it comes to cause and effect.

ISFP– Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (the creator)

ISFPs are quiet, nice, and sensitive. They tend to live in the moment and only pay attention to what is going on around them.

ISFPs prefer to work in their own space and at their own pace. They are committed to their values and their loved ones.

ISFPs are uncomfortable with disagreements and conflicts and do their best to avoid these situations.

ESTP– Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (the convincer)

ESTPs are flexible and tolerant and take a sensible approach to achieve immediate results.

They are not interested in theories or concepts, rather they prefer to use facts to be proactive in solving problems.

ESTFs tend to live in the here and now and may act spontaneously to enjoy the moments they have with other people.

In fact, people with this personality type often try to get other people to be spontaneous along with them.

ESFP– Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving (the entertainer)

ESFPs are outgoing and accepting of other people. They do not discriminate and they see everyone as an equal.

They easily adapt to new people and environments. ESFPs have a great love for life and material comforts.

They love to have fun while working in teams or groups and they often bring a realistic approach to any project. ESFPs learn best by trying new things with other people.

ESFJ– Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging (the advocate)

This person is warm-hearted, diligent, and cooperative. They appreciate living in harmony and work very hard to establish this environment.

They also believe that all people are equal and do not discriminate against people who are different from them in any way.

ESFJs prefer to work in groups and get multiple perspectives in order to finish tasks accurately and efficiently.

They follow through with all of their promises and want to be appreciated for their contributions. ESFJs are also attuned to the needs of other people and try to meet those needs.

ESTJ– Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (the supervisor)

ESTJs are practical, realistic, and tell it like it is. They can make decisions quickly, implement their plans, and achieve results efficiently.

They can clearly define their logical standards and expect others to systematically follow them. They are great leaders and are often in supervisor or captain positions in their careers.

The intuition personality types include:

INFJ– Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging (the best friend)

INFJ personality types look for the meaning and connection in their ideas, relationships, and even their material possessions.

They want to be able to understand what motivates people. They are very committed to their values and create a clear vision for working toward the common good.

INFJs are great people to confide in because they will listen and try to help others find solutions to their problems.

INTJ– Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging (the planner)

INTJs are able to come up with innovative ideas and they love to figure out how they can implement these ideas.

They are able to easily pick up on patterns with external events and come up with long-range explanations.

INTJs are skeptical and independent and maintain high standards of competence and performance.

INFP- Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving (the idealist)

INFPs are strategic and loyal to what they believe in. They want to live their lives parallel with their values and are accepting of other people unless their values are being threatened.

They have a sense of curiosity and they can come up with possibilities of solutions to problems quickly. They want to understand people and to help others fulfill their potential.

INTP– Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving (the engineer)

INTPs look for logical explanations for problems and analyze the things that they are interested in.

They think in a theoretical way, which makes them more interested in ideas than in socializing.

INTPs are quiet and contained, but they are flexible and adapt easily to new situations. They are able to pay strict attention to the problem at hand if it piques their interest.

ENFP– Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving (the supporter)

ENFPs are enthusiastic and imaginative and they love to improvise. They enjoy exploring the different possibilities in life and they are able to connect events and information very quickly.

While they do enjoy receiving affirmation from others, ENFPs are confident in their work and they often give appreciation and support to other people when they see a job well done.

ENTP– Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving (the inventor)

ENTPs are able to think on their feet and they’re very smart, vigilant, and outspoken. They are quick to use their resources to solve new and difficult problems.

They think about new possibilities and are then able to analyze their ideas in a strategic way. ENTPs are good at reading other people and are quick to jump from one task to another.

ENTJ– Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging (the chief)

These decisive leaders tell it how it is. They are quick to point out illogical or inefficient procedures and policies and develop new comprehensive systems to solve problems within an organization.

ENTJs enjoy long-term planning, goal setting, and the consistent pursuit of knowledge. They are both well-informed and well-read and love passing their knowledge onto other people.

ENFJ– Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging (the instructor)

ENFJs are warm, sociable, empathetic people who hold a high level of responsibility. They are often mentors and easily pick up on the needs and motivations of other people.

They are able to see the potential in everyone. This group often initiates individual and group growth, which makes them great group facilitators.

ENFJs are responsive to both praise and criticism.

Why do you need to know your personality type?

There are several reasons why it is important to know and understand your personality type. First, it will help you realize that other people are not necessarily wrong, they are just different.

If you are the sensing type and someone you work with is more intuitive, you may be interested in only the facts of a case, while your partner is more interested in the patterns and possibilities. If you know this, you will be more equipped to work with this person.

Knowing your personality type will also help you manage your daily routine better. When you understand what you need in order to do your best work, you can structure your days in a specific way to maximize your success.

You will also be able to manage your energy better. If you can recognize what makes you thrive and what exhausts you, you can plan ahead of time so your energy is available to you when you really need it.

This can certainly impact your life because you can make sure that you have the energy that you need when you are at work and you can set aside some quiet time after work to recharge if that is what your mind and body want.

When it comes to Sensing vs. Intuition, these criteria represent the method by which people perceive information. Knowing this about yourself will help you pinpoint your most effective learning style.

Intuitive Personality

If you favor intuition, it means you pay the most attention to the meaning and patterns of messages that you receive.

Intuitive people prefer to learn by working a problem through in their head instead of engaging in a hands-on experience.

Intuitive people are always interested in learning new things and looking for possibilities that have not yet been uncovered. These people think more about the future than the past and they like to work with abstract theories.

People who are intuitive remember past events as a general idea of what something was like rather than the facts and details of the event.

Mainly believes information he/she receives from the imaginative world
Visionary and future-oriented
Perceives things based on their understanding of the world
Focused on meanings
Often more interested in the future than the present
Described as being “creative”

Sensing Personality

According to the Myers Briggs test, you may lean more toward the Sensing personality if you often pay attention to physical reality — what you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.

People in this category are more concerned with things that are authentic, present, current, and true.

Sensing people often notice facts and recall details that they think are important. They like to use practical ideas, and they are able to learn the best when they can see how to use what they are learning.

This means that hands-on experiences make a larger impact than words or lectures.

Relies on concrete, true information
Focused on the present and past
Mainly believes information that he/she receives from the external world
Hands-on learners
Often described as “practical” and “literal”

Neither the Sensing nor the Intuitive preference is better than the other. Both types have strengths and weakness, and both are necessary for society to function optimally.

We need the visionaries and idealists, and we need those whose feet are firmly planted on the ground.

Understanding whether or not you lean more toward a sensing or intuitive preference will help you better understand yourself and make decisions and choices that support your natural type.

Do you think you are more of a sensing person or do you lean more toward intuition? You can find out more by visiting the Myers-Briggs site and taking a personality assessment:

https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/home.htm?bhcp=1

~via LiveBoldAndBloom.com

April 15, 2017

ESSENCENTRAL: “Intuition 101: Connection”

5234fdd0a110bb57807d18b54e67acec (3).jpg

Intuition is often a spontaneous thing. It floats in randomly and before you know it, it’s gone again.

What if I told you it doesn’t have to be a random occurrence?

The thing is, our intuition, like any other muscle, can be exercised and strengthened. It is absolutely possible to be connected to our intuition in each and every moment, provided we are willing to embrace the gift of this inherent inner wisdom. We don’t have to wait until adversity hits or a big decision is to be made. We have the ability to live fully from this place of intuitive knowledge each day, allowing our inner GPS to guide us throughout the day’s events — from choosing what to eat, what to wear, who to spend time with, what kind of music to listen to, and how best to take care of ourselves that day. We can be fully and completely present, living purposefully and authentically rather than being on autopilot and blindly moving through our days.

Our intuition is always working. It’s always sneaking in little hints — things like, “You should call ___” or “___ would be fun to learn.” Those tend to be the easiest ones to follow through on.

It’s the harder ones that our ego steps in on and sabotages us in creating a happier and more fulfilling life. “This job is not right for you” or “This relationship is not healthy” can bring up a lot of ego fear and subsequently a lack of follow through. Fear of change is a huge block to our intuition and can cripple the connection to our inner guidance and wisdom. We must learn to trust that any fear that comes up pertaining to change is moving us towards that which we desire and to move with it faithfully and courageously.

More things that block our intuition are:

Over-thinking
Cultural conditioning to disregard feelings
Fear, worry, or doubt
Expectations/Attachments/Control issues
Judgments
Distrust of self
Looking outside for answers
Stress
Rigid belief systems
Lack of quiet time

If any of these resonate with you (your intuition told you so!), I would suggest working on your block(s) first. You’ll have the space and freedom to work with your intuition fully without anything hindering your connection and practice. In regard to stress and a lack of quiet time, we are always going to run into those blocks. The important thing is to make a conscious choice to do what you can with what you have to give yourself what you need. If you’re stressed, take time out to do something that relaxes you and feels good. If you have a lack of quiet time, make the decision to incorporate a small window in your day that is solely for peace and quiet. If you truly want a deep and fulfilling connection to your intuition, there is no excuse!

Connecting to Our Intuition

There are a multitude of ways to connect to our intuition. Today, I’ll share 10 different exercises and tools to do so.

It’s important to remember that with all of these, we have to learn to come to a space of quiet. The best and easiest way to do this is to simply focus on our breath. Take long, slow, deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. With each breath, move your attention away from your head and into your heart. Breathe and hold that space as you become aware of the love and wisdom your heart holds for you. This is how it feels when you’re connected. Watch for this feeling throughout these exercises.

Start small. As I mentioned earlier, we don’t have to wait until a huge decision needs to be made in order to connect with our intuition. Start small. Consult your inner voice or feeling when deciding what you should wear, what you should eat for lunch, or what music to listen to on your way to your next destination. Act on it and witness the shifts that take place within your psyche and emotional body when you follow what your intuition is sharing with you.
Pay attention. This is a big one. Pay attention to any intuitive hits — ie. “random” thoughts, feelings or visions — you receive and keep them in mind. It may even help to have a “hunch journal” in which you can put all your hunches or gut feelings down in one place. Look back at it at the end of every week and reflect on whether any of them were on point. Even if they’re not, this is still a great way to exercise our intuition.
Follow what feels good. Our intuition is always going to guide us to what is right and true for us — this includes what feels right and true as well. Throughout your day, follow what feels good for you. What feels good is always in alignment with what is important and our intuition is a way to access and act on the things which hold meaning, purpose, and fulfillment for us.
Ask and LISTEN. Simple, but profound. Get quiet and ask the question. For this to work, we have to be in a space of knowing that we will receive the answer — because we will. Most importantly, we must remember to listen as well. If you’re not sure what an answer from your intuition feels like, generally it feels calm and quiet. When we receive an intuitive answer, there is no doubt and no fear — at least not at first when our conscious mind and ego haven’t had the chance to argue about it. There is a deep sense of knowing it is true and it is right. What is the first thing that pops into your head? That’s typically an intuitive answer. Honor it.
Intention. Make a conscious decision to connect with your intuition. Set an intention. The best time to do this is in the morning as you begin your day. I like to do it as I wake up and get moving. I consciously affirm to myself my intention to listen to my inner voice throughout the day and act on it. A few may be:
- I am open to receiving intuitive guidance in each moment.
- I commit to following my intuition.
- I honor each intuitive hit I receive and follow through with it with gratitude and excitement.
Journal. Choose a time to sit down and write non-stop stream of consciousness for 3 pages. Don’t analyze, don’t read, just write. Even if you feel there is nothing else to write, write that. Don’t stop until you hit the 3 page mark. Often, putting down our mental chatter on paper can get it out and allow intuitive messages to come through. Look over your pages and see what you find that really sticks out and may alert you to an “aha!” moment — that’s your intuition.
Pause. Before making any decision — big or small — pause. Just for a second. Breathe. You may find something comes up that either tells you to follow through or find another way. You can also pause when you feel like the answers just aren’t coming to you, especially when you find yourself dwelling on a situation. Do something different and you’ll find that suddenly the answer shows up as you finally gave it the mental space to make itself known. When it does, give thanks and smile.
Meditate. Of course! Meditation is one of the best ways to connect with our inner wisdom. We talked above about the mental chatter. This mental chatter can tend to overwhelm and suffocate our intuition from being heard or felt. Meditation allows us the space and time to learn how to allow those thoughts to pass through and become more mindful and aware of what is happening underneath all of that chaos. It lets us get really quiet so that that little voice has a chance to come through and bless us with the wisdom we’re looking for.
Tarot/Oracle/Angel cards. Learning how to use the Tarot, Oracle cards, Angel cards, or the many other intuitive cards out there can be a huge ally when connecting to our intuition. They allow us to hear our inner voice and decipher its messages by way of physical representations. Many card decks have symbolism in the art that we can use to play with our “intuitive feelers.” You might be curious about a situation, or wonder how you can best take care of yourself in a given moment. Pull a card and really look at it. Pay attention to where your attention goes. For example, you may zero in on a sun and get a feeling of warmth, joy, and play. This might be an intuitive signal that you need more of those qualities in your life. You might choose to read the description, but I really believe it doesn’t matter. You receive exactly what it is you get out of it. I encourage you to shop around and choose a deck that really calls to you — your intuition will let you know when you find the one!
Dreams. Our dreams hold a ton of intuitive wisdom. If you’re one who remembers your dreams often, this may be a helpful technique when connecting to your intuition. Delegate a journal to being a “dream journal.” Write down any and all things you notice in your dreams, even if they’re small details. As random and crazy as our dreams can be, they are filled with symbolism about what is going on in our inner world — especially that which we are not consciously aware of. Keep an open mind and consider the fact that many times our dreams are not what they seem on the surface — the person in the dream may just be a symbol for someone or something in our waking life. For example, you may have a dream about someone trying to trap you. You may ask yourself if there is someone or something in your life that makes you feel trapped. Play around and feel out the symbolism, you’re bound to find a level of truth there.

As always, I encourage you to find what works best for you! Whatever you find is perfect. It may even be a few of these. Turn it into a routine if you’d like and experience the shifts that take place when you consciously decide to connect to and listen to your intuition. Intention and awareness coupled with action creates a strong relationship. We must commit to it, stay open and pay attention, and act on the intuitive hits we receive so that we can build confidence and faith in our intuitive abilities, further strengthening the connection.

Remember that intuition is a totally individual experience. You may feel it, you may hear it, you may sense it, you may see it. All is right and perfect. Work with how it shows up you! I will be doing a post soon about the different types of intuition.

It takes practice, but it’s totally worth it. Creating a solid connection to our intuition allows us to get even more clear about who we are, what’s important to us, and make choices that are aligned with both, based on our own inner insight and wisdom.

What’s better than that?

~via Essencentral.wordpress.com

January 25, 2017

JUDITH ORLOFF: “Sensing Energy — 5 Strategies To Read People’s Emotional Energy”

246575_442734952425928_1831631283_n-3

Emotions are a stunning expression of our energy, the “vibe” we give off. We register these with intuition. Some people feel good to be around; they improve your mood and vitality. Others are draining; you instinctively want to get away. This “subtle energy” can be felt inches or feet from the body, though it‘s invisible. Indigenous cultures honor this energy as life force. In Chinese medicine it‘s called chi, a vitality that‘s essential to health. Though the molecular structure of subtle energy isn’t fully defined, scientists have measured increased photon emissions and electromagnetic readings about healers who emit it during their work.

Emotional energy is contagious. It can make the difference between a toxic and healthy relationship. It’s crucial to get a clear read on this aspect of anyone you plan to regularly interact with. Then, you can decide whether a relationship is feasible based on your energetic compatibility. In my medical practice and life this chemistry is a deal breaker. Experience has taught me that it’s pointless to work with a patient or form a friendship if such basic rapport isn’t there. You don’t have to force a fit when the energy feels right. Forcing anything is simply the mind’s attempt to interfere with flow. Of course, we all have quirks, anxieties, and fears, but energy cements your bond with others and motivates you to work through the rough spots. Nevertheless, healthy relationships have a momentum that carries them, a surrender that feels more natural when you‘re both in sync.

When reading emotions, realize that what others say or how they appear frequently don‘t match their energy. You must let go of the notion that what you see is what you always get. As a psychiatrist I’ve observed how people go to great lengths, purposely or not, to appear in certain ways — either to impress, say the right thing, or sell you on something — but this “self” isn’t aligned with their true emotions. Consider these examples: your spouse apologizes for blowing up but her hostility still lingers. A man you just met tries to charm you, but you don’t feel much heart there. A friend seems cheerful but you sense that she’s hurting inside. Realize: just because people smile doesn’t mean they’re happy. Or just because people are reserved, doesn’t mean they’re not ecstatic. Ultimately, the energy transmitted by someone’s smile and presence tells the truth about where they’re at. So, be smart enough to correlate a person’s energy with their emotions. Most people aren’t being intentionally misleading — often they don‘t know what they feel or project. They might tell you one thing — and believe it — but you’ll learn to decode their emotions.

Here, the surrender to focus on is saying “yes” to the messages your body sends. Your mind may want to talk you out of your body’s wisdom. Don’t allow it to. Reading energy lets you attune to how you relate to people, who you feel comfortable around and who you don’t. To avoid bad relationships and regrets, you must let go of trying to convince yourself of anything the body’s intuition doesn’t affirm. To help with this surrender, here’s what to do. When identifying how you energetically respond to others always ask, How does my body feel? Does my energy go up or down? Then follow your body’s lead rather than resisting it. In practical terms this means: you want to marry someone who increases your energy not drains it, regardless of how perfect he or she looks on paper. You want to sit beside a coworker who’s positive, not negative. You want to choose friends you resonate with so that you can nurture each other. Then notice the positive difference in your life. To experience the pleasure of compatible relationships, use the following tips.

Strategies to read emotional energy

Sense people’s presence — This is the overall energy we emit, not necessarily congruent with words or behavior. It‘s the emotional atmosphere surrounding us like a rain cloud or the sun. For instance, they may give off an aura of mystery, joy, or sadness. To compare extremes, think of the Dalai Lama’s, compassionate presence versus Charles Manson’s deranged darkness. Presence is also associated with charisma, a personal magnetism that you‘re drawn to. Warning: charisma doesn’t always contain heart, something to beware of. Charisma without heart can’t be trusted. It’s a dangerous combination present in many con artists and seducers.

As you read people notice: does their overall energy feel warm? Calming? Uplifting? Invigorating like a breath of fresh air? Or is it draining? Cold? Detached? Angry? Jarring? Depressed? Do they have a friendly presence that attracts you? Or are you getting the willies, making you back off. Also see if people look anchored in their bodies, indicating their feet are firmly planted on the ground. Or are they floating outside themselves, which may indicate flakiness and distractibility?

Watch people’s eyes — We can make love or hate with our eyes. Our eyes transmit powerful energies, what the Sufi poet Rumi calls “the glance.” Just as the brain has an electromagnetic signal extending beyond the body, studies indicate that the eyes project this too. In fact, research reveals that people can sense when they‘re being stared at, even when no one is in sight — an experience reported by police officers, soldiers and hunters. Indigenous cultures respect the energy of the eyes. Some believe that the “evil eye” is a gaze that inflicts injury or bad luck on its target. Also, science has documented “the look of love.” Joining eyes with a loved one (or dog!) triggers a biochemical response, releasing oxytocin, the warm and fuzzy “love hormone.” The more oxytocin your brain has, the more trusting and peaceful you’ll feel.

Take time to observe people’s eyes. Are they caring? Sexy? Tranquil? Mean? Angry? The way others look at you can make you feel adored or afraid. Also determine: is there someone at home in their eyes, indicating a capacity for intimacy? Or do they seem to be guarded or hiding? Certain people’s eyes can be hypnotic. Avoid looking deeply into eyes you distrust or sense may be dangerous. The less you engage negative people, the less they’ll zone in on you. On the other hand, feel free to fall into people’s eyes who you cherish. Enjoy all that beautiful energy!

Notice the feel of a handshake, hug and touch — We share emotional energy through physical contact much like an electrical current. Ask yourself: Does a handshake or hug feel warm, comfortable, confident? Or is it off-putting so you want to withdraw? Are people’s hands clammy, signaling anxiety. Or limp, suggesting being non-committal and timid? Is their grip too strong, even crushing your fingers, indicating aggression or over control? Along with physical cues, the energy of touch reveals people’s emotions. Some hugs and handshakes impart kindness, joy, and calm whereas others feel clingy, draining, even hostile. Therefore, spend time with people whose energy you like. Be wary of those you don’t so you‘re not depleted. Avoid physical contact (including making love) with anyone whose energy doesn’t feel good.

Listen for people’s tone of voice and laugh — The tone and volume of our voice can tell much about our emotions. Sound frequencies create vibrations. Some frequencies we hear. Below an audible range, sound can be felt (think of a bass vibration). When reading people, notice how their tone of voice affects you. Words ride the energy of tone, its warmth and coldness. Ask yourself: Does their tone feel soothing? Or is it abrasive, snippy, or whiny? Are they a soft-talker or mumbler whom you can barely hear, signs of meekness or low self-esteem? Or do they talk too loud or too much, signs of anxiety, narcissism, or insensitivity. Are they fast-talkers, trying to sell you something? Or boring you to death with a slow monotone, suggesting depression and no spontaneity? Be aware of sighing which relays sadness or frustration. Also, a pinched voice suggests emotional repression, over control, or a thyroid disorder. Always observe how much people laugh, a sign of lightheartedness. Does their laugh sound genuine? Fake? Child-like? Joyous? Or are they overly serious, rarely laughing? In addition, a quivering voice and sudden change in pitch can indicate potential signs of deception.

Sense people’s heart energy — The most important aspect to read about energy is whether people exude a sense of heart. This is the loving-kindness in us, our capacity for empathy, giving and connection. When heart is present you‘ll feel the warmth of emanating from others which makes you feel safe and at ease. It‘s the unspoken sense of being accepted, not judged. No one can fake this. Our heart presence builds through our good intentions, deeds and emotional work to overcome fear and negativity. The heart is the most positive quality anyone can have. It‘s healthy to be drawn to it.

Reading energy is a game-changer where intense emotions blur your clarity. It enables you to see past fantasies or desires to pinpoint someone‘s motivations by sensing invisible messages they give off. I was once attracted to a man, a successful financial manager who knew exactly what to say to melt my heart. Todd was from the country club set and much too conservative for my taste — I often fall for wild, creative men. Yet he was smart, boyishly playful, seemed to “see” me and respect my sensitivities. We could discuss anything from politics to the nature of the universe and he’d speak to me in an appreciative low tone of voice I melted around (I’m very responsive to sound). Still, from the start, when I looked into Todd’s eyes, I had the oddest feeling — there was no “there” there. His eyes seemed cold, vacant, even a touch mean. However, for better or worse, I was drawn to him, which doesn’t happen to me every day. I really wanted to surrender to my romantic feelings for Todd, to explain away the niggling truth his eyes conveyed, though I knew I ignored this red flag at my own peril. But, as the desiring mind can do when it wants something, it downplayed intuition. I rationalized, “You‘re just too picky. Todd is wonderful. It‘s crazy to let his eyes stop me.” My friends also told me this, and I agreed. So, for a year, I stayed in the relationship. But in the end, this man‘s eyes revealed his true colors.

The problem was that Todd was a super-smooth operator and my raging hormones were blinding me. Also, I was naive. I confused his seductive energy with heartfelt caring and was horribly susceptible to the charisma he wielded so well. It was a perfect storm of forces I didn’t have a handle on. I needed to sort them through before I could read him from a neutral place which at that time was light years away. A policy of mine is to study what makes me weak or strong, so I can learn from it. If something knocks me off my center I want to know why and not repeat the situation. To break Todd’s spell, I had to grasp that what excited him most was not to love me but to have power over me. I just couldn’t grasp how he or anyone could feel that way. He‘d reel me in with gorgeous intimacy, then be unavailable. Or he‘d be incredibly sensitive, then incredibly cold. I kept wracking my brains, “What could he possibly be getting from this?” Slowly, I came to understand that he got off on the rush of being in control. For him, it was an aphrodisiac. I didn’t operate like this, nor had that been a dynamic in my past relationships. But, thanks to Todd, I can recognize it now. In retrospect, I‘m grateful to have learned this lesson about power versus love from a perfect teacher. Also, I realized that once again, I’d talked myself out of intuition in favor of passion. I’d surrendered to the wrong thing, to what I wanted, rather than what I “saw.” However, being human, sometimes I have to keep making the same mistakes until I finally learn. Today, I value the energy of the eyes more than ever. It communicates an essence in someone if we can trust this.

In your life, get used to reading people’s emotions. Factor what you sense into your total assessment. Maybe just a single red flag will appear so you‘re not sure what to do. Then, take your time. Watch how people treat you. Notice if their words back up their behavior. The purpose of reading energy is to become more empathic by sensing the nuances of different personalities. Stay alert to the signals energy sends so that you can see the whole person.

~via bodymindsoulspirit.com