I experience extreme empathy with those I am closest too, others it is not as bad but is not always pleasant either. Tonight I was helping a very close friend grieve for the loss of her father who passed recently. Though her sadness was almost overwhelming to me (as in I was sobbing along with her for a while, feeling her pain and loss) after a couple of deep cleansing breaths I was able to start sending her positive energy. Here's where the odd thing happened. After a couple minutes of constant visualization it seemed as if the air cleared and there was very little negativity, a couple minutes later the negativity was back. I was having trouble concentrating so some of the energy fluctuations may be my own problem.

I guess my main question is how can I tell if I'm simply shielding myself from others emotions or if I really am helping them and/or giving them positive energy?

Thanks ahead of time and I hope everyone had a safe and blessed Samhain!

Well first off, you are a good friend.

Secondly, when you are having troubles doing both things, shielding and sending, don't try and do both. If you can deal with the energy and want to send out positive energy, either lower your shields to do so, or learn a new technique that will allow you to sheild things from entering, but allow positive energies to flow outward. it kinda sounds like you have a stout shield that you utilize which works rather efficiently. Experiment with various types of shields.

I know, that didn't really answer you question, but in truth, only you can tell.

Thanks Novia. I wasn't trying to shield and send at the same time (I think that would make me blow up or something lol!). Overall I think I was sending positive energy because my friend looked somewhat relieved. The drastic change in the atmosphere was what made me wonder if I was shielding (and just I felt the effects) or if I was sending. I've never worked with others so all I really know how to do is shield (I know the theory of sending but had never tried it) which is why I wasn't sure what was going on.

Well generally you can fell the energy flowing if you are in 'send mode.'. Everyone's different however.

One thing though, one shouldn't ever send their own eenrgy, but channel universal energy, cause, well, you'll drain yourself in helping others. not a good thing. Also remember, always, never send energy without permission, as since, well, it's an ettiquitte thing. I don't slip drugs in one's drink, nor do I slip energy into their body.

Well put, Novia.      You know, as a Christian, I practice with the same etiquette.  It's best to let someone know I want to help them by sending up prayers or positive energy.  It seems to work best if welcomed.  I've also noticed when sending out energy, I usually get drained myself.  I was taught a long time ago to protect myself first, tho I must say I don't always do so, but thankfully I recognize when it happens and am usually able to bounce back quickly.

I absorb to easily. I very seldom send, but when I do there is no doubt. But, it is easy to do both, concentration is the key. That's so much easier said than done in many situations. You want to help, to ease, to comfort. That to is human nature, or at least for most.


Sundown

We were in a ritual so I wasn't using all of my own energy (tapping into the source). And I had permission   I would never alter anyone else without their permission. This was my first time in a group ritual and I was fairly overwhelmed with energy so, to be honest, I couldn't fully tell if I was sending or not. It felt like energy was just rushing through me, I can't think of how else to describe it lol.

if you are in a group ritual setting it is easy to get confuzzled as to who is who and what is what,  what coming from where let alone who's doing what, because the group mind becomes one, that's it purpose.   A merry go round, with no driver! LOL

It was an interesting experience for sure! Plenty of energy from each other and the universe.