Can We Absorb Negativity?

In short, yes we can.

We are made of energy. It is what moves our bodies, allows us to be functioning human beings, and it can be passed on to others as easily as we can absorb it.  

Energy isn't always "positive".

Have you ever experienced someone walking into a room and, without even speaking, they "change" the energy? You can feel the energy of the room shift and almost always, your energy soon follows, as does your mood.

Our energies interact, which is why you can meet someone and instantly like their 'vibe' (vibration), and feel drawn to them. Their presence, for no apparent reason, just feels good. 

On the flipside, it can be very difficult when you're surrounded by people with lower energy vibrations.  This happens every day in the workplace, social environments, our own homes, and social media; it can literally change our state from 'positive' to 'negative'. 

The key is to not let it.

What seems to be lacking in many cases, is Self Awareness. This means, while we're not aware of self, our behaviors or actions, we have no problem pointing out what we consider faults in others and their behaviors. 

To become aware of self, you need to observe how you react in situations. Do you immediately find the negative in most things? Do you often fault others or are quick to place blame? Do you become defensive and angry?

Many of us walk around with 'reactive minds'. Instead of stepping back and observing a situation, allowing us to find a solution or resolution to the conflict at hand, we tend to allow our state of mind and/or emotions to dictate how we react or overreact to situations.

So how do we avoid getting affected by the energies of others? Here are a few suggestions:

• Express how you feel when someone is treating you a certain way. When we remain silent, it gives permission to others to treat us any way they like. Communicate how you feel and respond openly with how you would like to be treated moving forward. Set boundaries.
• Understand you are not responsible for the way others react. People like to point fingers and find blame in others instead of taking responsibility and owning their behavior. It is not your fault if someone reacts poorly.
• Develop Self Awareness. Are you the common denominator? Do you find yourself in frequent situations where there's conflict and drama? Look within yourself and see if there's something you need to work on or change.
• Let go of any need to be validated. That's the need of the Ego. Many people would rather be right than happy.  What would you rather be?
• Do not engage or pay attention to the drama and negativity happening around you. If you stop feeding the vampire, it will go somewhere else to eat. 
• If you don't feel good in a certain environment, don't be afraid to leave.  You don't have to stay where you don't feel good. 
• If you experience this is your home environment, open the doors to communication in an understanding responsive way as opposed to a reactive and defensive manner.
• And lastly, don't take everything personally. If someone is in a foul mood and projects negativity upon you, it has nothing to do with you. Just steer clear and focus on the positive vibration that you are choosing to hold.

“Stay away from conflictive, negative people that pull you down, because they contaminate your energy and impede your progress. Search for people who look at the world with optimism, that inspire you, make you happy and provide peace of mind."

~Pablo