Energetic Boundaries

Energetic boundaries are vitally important in the field of energy healing. A boundary is that which defines the edge between “self” and “other”. A boundary is also a way in which we separate out various perceptions of reality, leaving us able to focus our attention on the world around us in a particular way. An obvious example of a physical boundary is the human skin. The layer of skin over our body both separates us from the outer world as well as protecting us from dangers. Yet, it needs to be breathable (letting things out of the container of self), repairable (as when we become cut or bruised during everyday activities), and stretchable (if we gain weight). And within the skin lie organs, each with their own boundaries from other body structures, and so on. An energy boundary, although invisible to the physical eyes that utilize the visible spectrum of light, is just as “solid” as our skin. It defines us as separate beings to others, and needs to be both strong and flexible in order to function efficiently. But unlike the skin, the energy boundary can rapidly shift or adapt to changes in our consciousness. In fact, our conscious awareness is a significant generator of the way in which our energetic boundary functions. Change our conscious awareness and we change our boundary.

We see this happen every time a personal relationship moves through a change (for example, from intimate friend to acquaintance) or when a realization in our inner world shifts radically (such as when we have a personal insight or evolution about who we are, or who the other person is). Our energy boundaries both define us, and we are responsible for them. When a boundary becomes habitualized, or fixed in a limited range of perceptions, we have a character style. A character style is a limited range of perceptions and options in our personality, one which we become overly identified with, and which may dominate our actions. In the field of energy healing, these character styles are referred to as “character structures”: habitual ways of interacting with others, and with self.

We often refer to the use of “masks” when talking about human relationships. We see how humans wear these false or  habitual masks, coming to fiercely identify with these constructs. The mask and its the self-maintained boundary defines the individual rather than the other way around, rather than where the individual takes responsibility to create the boundary of self. Spiritual traditions utilize boundaries, with idealized spiritual masks. Two common forms of this are the seeker mask (supplicant, or child-like identity), and the authority (teacher, or power position). Arising from our experience moving from child into adult it is natural and easy for us to apply these early relational boundaries to ourselves or to others. We become identified with either the one who seeks/has no authority, or the one who knows/assumes authority. Yet, these are only energetic boundaries, consciousness functions that we, ourselves, assume and program into reality. Change the consciousness within us, and we change the boundary. And the best boundary is often one that is protective yet not overly rigid, responsive and not reactive only to the actions of the outer world, and one which grows and evolves over time.

So, how do we change our boundaries? First, we need to pay attention to our self-imposed limitations of perception, and confront unconscious assumptions about the other, or about the self. We need to become aware of our own masks, and the function they serve to keep us safe, or to get our needs met with others, or to make sense of the world around us. The next step is to open ourselves up to new and (for us) unusual options. To break out of our habits, and move onto new ground. For this to occur the energy system needs access to fresh life force energy, to extra energy. This is because our character structures or masks become used to utilizing our energy system in predicable ways. To break free of our habitual masks we must increase our energy levels, both internally (through self-reflection or meditation) and externally (using a transformational practice, or taking advantage of a life change that may rudely foist change upon us).

We need more energy to move from the habitual self-created boundary and into a new level of our lives, and a new boundary of self. And this is where energy healing work can help us shift from habitual forms of identity (character structure, or masks) and begin to explore new options, new ways of being. Energy healing looks to where you are not taking advantage of freely-available pranic energy, and assists your auric field in processing that prana in new ways. In this way, energy healng is remedial or therapeutic work: it seeks to increase or improve upon the options available to the client. Once those new options come available to us, once the client feels the flow of new pranic energy throughout their system, a change occurs. The client can make a noticeable shift from the old pattern of self, and into a new one. Their problem, their personal challenge, their physical health, all can radically change as they take on a new boundary. The masks we wear – or, more accurately, wear us – restrict or confine our consciousness. Change your mask for freedom, for a new choice, or for a new life for yourself, and you are no longer who you were in the past. Suddenly, you become truly yourself.

Confront your mask, and tolerate the discomfort of letting go of your habituated identity. When you have the courage and personal power to do that, your life will begin ot change. No longer will your mask or false identity, your self-imposed boundary, no longer will it run your life. You will run your life.

© 2013 by Dean Ramsden. All rights reserved.