Before diving into the exercises intended to help safeguard our energy, let's take some time to explore what we are protecting ourselves from.

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The term 'energy vampire' is not new, but it is accurate. These are the people who leave us feeling drained. The longer we spend with them, the more drained we become. (Don't pretend you haven't checked for bite marks!)

It's not their fault. 

Let's repeat that together ..."It's not their fault."

It's not your fault either. Sometimes energy just isn't a good match — like Taylor Swift and John Mayer. Or Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner. Or Taylor Swift and... you get the picture.

The point is, when you come across someone who sucks you dry, don't judge and don't hold a grudge. Doing that only creates more negative vibes in your system. What you can do are some simple exercises to strengthen your energy field -- like putting a rope of garlic around your neck or waving a cross at the lurking vampires.

Before we get to those exercises, however, we need to become aware of when protective measures are needed. So grab a pen, paper, ipad, iphone, android or chalk on the sidewalk. Doesn't matter. You got some writing to do.

1. Make a list with the headings "Joyful" - "Anxious" - "Drained"
2. Think of an experience when you felt this way and who you shared that experience with (Write down a minimum of 5 for each category)
3. As you review the list, do you notice any patterns? Is one person always in the Joyful column? Is anyone repeatedly in the others?

Alternately, try keeping a daily record of all the individuals you hang with. Did you feel especially Joyful, Anxious, or Drained with anyone? Jot it down. After a few weeks, see if any patterns emerge. Sometimes it will be obvious, but it's not uncommon that someone will appear in more than one category. Today, you might feel joyful around them, but a week from now, you feel anxious. Noticing how you feel when you are around the different people in your life will help you identify which exercise will best protect your energy.

The On Guard exercises are coming right up... Sign up so you don't miss them!

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“There are only two kinds of people who can drain your energy: those you love, and those you fear. In both instances it is you who let them in. They did not force their way into your aura, or pry their way into your reality experience.” ― Anthon St. Maarten