" Observe, Don't Absorb": Easier Said Than Done

So far, 2020 has been a real cluster mug for me. In the span of ten days, both of Brian's remaining siblings died. I'd seen my first dead body-- and I am still trying to wipe that image from my mind.  Doing my best to be a good spouse to Brian, I've compartmentalized all my own emotional baggage, which results in my losing all affect. I feel like a wooden shell of myself, and it sucks.

As someone with empathic abilities, others' emotions affect me in a visceral way. It depends on my connectedness to a person, but I can keenly sense another's sorrow-- which is why the two deaths in my family have been extra hard on me. A wise person I know and love once advised me to " Observe, don't Absorb" the emotions f others-- and to recognize , then set aside emotional sorrow that is not mine.

This is hard even when things are " normal" in my life. these past two weeks have seen me waking up feeling as though a 200 pound brick in sitting on my psyche. Lately I've began to burn a lavender-scented candle each morning in an attempt to clear my aching aura. According to my mother, I've been  drawn to all things and all shades of purple since early childhood-- and the essential oil of the lavender plant helps to begin my day somewhat centered.

The national and international happenings as of late also have my empathic sense overwhelmed with negative energy. Although I intentionally stay away from discussing politics on social media, I do , like every other America, have my own views on the direction of this nation. Suffice it to say that it hurts to see every value with which I was raised torn to shreds.

Contrary to what some might think of a woman whose Internet name is The Pensacola Hippie, I am much more moderate than one might think. I want my niece and nephew to grow up in a world that won't judge then based on their ethnicity. I want my Jewish and Muslim neighbors to feel safe in their own houses of worship. I want good public schools that provide the best possible education to every child-- and not have educators be beholden to some random standardized tests.

While I shall stay away from discussion of politics, I will not apologize for my own moral code. I will not apologize for feeling has me heartbroken and afraid for humanity.

Between what is going on in my personal life and national/internationally, my overwhelm level is constant. My mantra, repeated several times daily is OBSERVE, DON'T ABSORB. 
Observe , Don't Absorb.... Observe, don't absorb.....

Peace, somehow, in some way,
~Sarah