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Energetic Boundaries: How to Stay Protected and Connected in Work, Love, and Life
Just as our physical body is protected by our skin, our psyche and spirit have "energetic boundaries" that keep out harmful influences. These boundaries, invisible to the naked eye, are more than just defenses--according to Cyndi Dale, these "spiritual borders" are our soul's way of communicating to the universe what we do and don't want to experience in life. With Energetic Boundaries, this renowned intuitive and energy-medicine expert presents a definitive guide for maintaining this essential aspect of our health and personal integrity, including:
Our four energetic boundaries--techniques to enhance the health of your physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual borders
Self-diagnosis instructions for determining where your boundaries are weakest--and practical ways you can strengthen them
How to signal the world that you are ready for success and prosperity
Special guidance for healers, sensitives, and people whose work regularly exposes them to strong emotional forces
How healthy boundaries allow us to balance intimacy and personal autonomy in relationships and parenting
"Strong and flexible energetic boundaries allow us to share who we truly are with the world," teaches Cyndi Dale. Filled with insights, practical guidance, and easy-to-learn techniques, Energetic Boundaries is an indispensible tool for staying protected and connected in every aspect of life--in our relationships, career, and on our spiritual journey.
Our four energetic boundaries--techniques to enhance the health of your physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual borders
Self-diagnosis instructions for determining where your boundaries are weakest--and practical ways you can strengthen them
How to signal the world that you are ready for success and prosperity
Special guidance for healers, sensitives, and people whose work regularly exposes them to strong emotional forces
How healthy boundaries allow us to balance intimacy and personal autonomy in relationships and parenting
"Strong and flexible energetic boundaries allow us to share who we truly are with the world," teaches Cyndi Dale. Filled with insights, practical guidance, and easy-to-learn techniques, Energetic Boundaries is an indispensible tool for staying protected and connected in every aspect of life--in our relationships, career, and on our spiritual journey.
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2011
226 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Cyndi Dale
112 books188 followersCyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and intuitive consultant. Her popular books include The Subtle Body Coloring Book: Learn Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2017), Subtle Energy Techniques (Llewellyn Publications, 2017), Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Chakras (Llewellyn Publications, 2016), The Intuition Guidebook: How To Safely and Wisely Use Your Sixth Sense (Deeper Well Publishing, 2011), Energetic Boundaries: How to Stay Protected and Connected in Work, Love, and Life (Sounds True, 2011), The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2009), and The Complete Book of Chakra Healing (Llewellyn Publications, 2009), as well as nearly 20 additional books. To learn more about Dale and her products, services, and classes, please visit www.cyndidale.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 24, 2016
The idea of a human energy field is not new; numerous books have been published on the subject, many of which I've seen on Amazon. I do think it makes sense, to some extent, that the human body should be surrounded by such a field or fields. As the author herself states, our psyche and spirit need protection just as much as our physical body does. The author of this book, Cyndi Dale, cites numerous scientific sources as evidence that these fields do exist. Of course, Kirlian photography has been around for many years now. For those who might not be familiar with this type of photography, it's basically a technique used to photograph the electrical discharges surrounding people and other living beings, including plants. Dale briefly discusses this process in the first chapter, "Energy and our Energetic Fields".
This book also deals with the subject of the chakras, which are centers of energy in the physical body, and are also part of what is known as "the subtle body". These centers of energy are a well-known aspect of Hindu beliefs, and specifically, the yogic tradition.
Although I do feel that much of New Age philosophy, psychology, and spirituality needs to be taken with a grain of salt, I nevertheless enjoyed reading this book. It's not one for casual reading, either; in fact, studying it will yield more food for thought than just one reading will provide.
The author introduces the concept of energy balancing with an exploration of the four basic energy boundaries -- the physical, the emotional, the relational, and the spiritual. These are actually comprised of several of the twelve auric layers surrounding the physical body, and each has a different color, when viewed clairvoyantly; the physical is red, the emotional, orange, the relational, green, and the spiritual, white. She also discusses what life events can have detrimental effects on each of the boundaries.
Next, she presents the eight specific boundary issues that most people will typically encounter. These she calls "spiritual syndromes".
The first of them is named "The Paper Doll Syndrome", the basic manifestation of which being an endless repetition of the same troubling pattern in at least one area of a person's life. This might be, for example, a substance addiction that the person can't seem to break, or a pattern of getting involved in abusive relationships, also persistent in spite of therapy.
The second boundary issue is named "The Vampire Syndrome". This one deals with the curious phenomenon of feeling energetically drained after being around certain people. It can manifest as a feeling of exhaustion, frustration or lack of motivation, as well.
The third boundary issue, known as "The Mule Syndrome", is related to being a workaholic, of feeling duty-bound to take up the slack for others. It even involves worrying about others' concerns, to one's own detriment. Of course, physical exhaustion, as well as anxiety and depression, are also part of this boundary issue, which is related to co-dependency.
The fourth boundary issue is named "The Psychic-Sensitive Syndrome". This one is specific to those people who are psychically gifted. It includes those who are highly empathic, as well as those who are able to sense supernatural beings. Admittedly, this sounds a little scary to me.... Physical symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia are typical of this syndrome, unsurprisingly enough!
Dale mentions three other boundary issues -- "The Healer's Syndrome", which afflicts not only those in the medical or intuitive healing fields, but also those who are extremely kind-hearted; "The No-Boundary Syndrome", in which people are constantly hyperactive, as well as hypervigilant, and "The Environ Syndrome", which involves extreme sensitivity to environmental surroundings.
Dale offers various solutions to all of these syndromes, starting, of course, with one's own self-diagnosis to see which one(s) a person might be affected by. From there, she discusses such things as visualization, guided meditations, color and crystal therapy, and sound therapy.
I must admit to some skepticism as to the validity of using crystals for psychologically therapeutic purposes, because it just seems too "way out there". Some of the qualities Dale claims for crystals just seem to have no basis in scientific fact. Colors, on the other hand, do have valid psychological associations, although I'm not totally convinced of the therapeutic benefits thereof.
Subsequent chapters deal with working on boundary issues to help in specific areas, such as work and success, financial issues, relationships, and parenting.
Specific techniques that I do think are useful are "Uncovering Your Storyline", which is a means of digging into one's psyche in order to discover the origin of one's boundary issues, the use of sound therapy (music has scientifically been proven to profoundly affect the brain, and therefore, moods), visualization, and prayer. Although the author refers to God mostly as "the Divine", she does have a rather Christian-sounding tone in these sections of the book. I especially like her reference to "streams of grace" coming from God to take away the symptoms of the above-named syndromes.
Again, this is a book that can be best appreciated by studying it, and putting its techniques into practice. While perhaps not everything will be helpful to individual readers (this depends on each reader's beliefs, as well as degree of skepticism), there is much to reflect on here, psychologically as well as philosophically speaking, not to mention the spiritual sense. Each chapter in the book is annotated, with references to scientific research articles on the Internet, for instance, as well as spiritually-related ones. There's also a bibliography for further reading.
The tone of the writing is very soothing and peaceful, yet, the concepts discussed will ensure the reader's full attention. Dale never talks down to her readers, nor does she engage in filling her chapters with any kind of jargon; in fact, she explains potentially new or confusing terms in clear, easy-to-understand language.
In short, this book will not only be appreciated by veteran New Age adherents, but also by those who are open-minded enough to investigate a field of knowledge that might not entirely be sanctioned by the scientific establishment, yet, remains totally fascinating!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
This book also deals with the subject of the chakras, which are centers of energy in the physical body, and are also part of what is known as "the subtle body". These centers of energy are a well-known aspect of Hindu beliefs, and specifically, the yogic tradition.
Although I do feel that much of New Age philosophy, psychology, and spirituality needs to be taken with a grain of salt, I nevertheless enjoyed reading this book. It's not one for casual reading, either; in fact, studying it will yield more food for thought than just one reading will provide.
The author introduces the concept of energy balancing with an exploration of the four basic energy boundaries -- the physical, the emotional, the relational, and the spiritual. These are actually comprised of several of the twelve auric layers surrounding the physical body, and each has a different color, when viewed clairvoyantly; the physical is red, the emotional, orange, the relational, green, and the spiritual, white. She also discusses what life events can have detrimental effects on each of the boundaries.
Next, she presents the eight specific boundary issues that most people will typically encounter. These she calls "spiritual syndromes".
The first of them is named "The Paper Doll Syndrome", the basic manifestation of which being an endless repetition of the same troubling pattern in at least one area of a person's life. This might be, for example, a substance addiction that the person can't seem to break, or a pattern of getting involved in abusive relationships, also persistent in spite of therapy.
The second boundary issue is named "The Vampire Syndrome". This one deals with the curious phenomenon of feeling energetically drained after being around certain people. It can manifest as a feeling of exhaustion, frustration or lack of motivation, as well.
The third boundary issue, known as "The Mule Syndrome", is related to being a workaholic, of feeling duty-bound to take up the slack for others. It even involves worrying about others' concerns, to one's own detriment. Of course, physical exhaustion, as well as anxiety and depression, are also part of this boundary issue, which is related to co-dependency.
The fourth boundary issue is named "The Psychic-Sensitive Syndrome". This one is specific to those people who are psychically gifted. It includes those who are highly empathic, as well as those who are able to sense supernatural beings. Admittedly, this sounds a little scary to me.... Physical symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia are typical of this syndrome, unsurprisingly enough!
Dale mentions three other boundary issues -- "The Healer's Syndrome", which afflicts not only those in the medical or intuitive healing fields, but also those who are extremely kind-hearted; "The No-Boundary Syndrome", in which people are constantly hyperactive, as well as hypervigilant, and "The Environ Syndrome", which involves extreme sensitivity to environmental surroundings.
Dale offers various solutions to all of these syndromes, starting, of course, with one's own self-diagnosis to see which one(s) a person might be affected by. From there, she discusses such things as visualization, guided meditations, color and crystal therapy, and sound therapy.
I must admit to some skepticism as to the validity of using crystals for psychologically therapeutic purposes, because it just seems too "way out there". Some of the qualities Dale claims for crystals just seem to have no basis in scientific fact. Colors, on the other hand, do have valid psychological associations, although I'm not totally convinced of the therapeutic benefits thereof.
Subsequent chapters deal with working on boundary issues to help in specific areas, such as work and success, financial issues, relationships, and parenting.
Specific techniques that I do think are useful are "Uncovering Your Storyline", which is a means of digging into one's psyche in order to discover the origin of one's boundary issues, the use of sound therapy (music has scientifically been proven to profoundly affect the brain, and therefore, moods), visualization, and prayer. Although the author refers to God mostly as "the Divine", she does have a rather Christian-sounding tone in these sections of the book. I especially like her reference to "streams of grace" coming from God to take away the symptoms of the above-named syndromes.
Again, this is a book that can be best appreciated by studying it, and putting its techniques into practice. While perhaps not everything will be helpful to individual readers (this depends on each reader's beliefs, as well as degree of skepticism), there is much to reflect on here, psychologically as well as philosophically speaking, not to mention the spiritual sense. Each chapter in the book is annotated, with references to scientific research articles on the Internet, for instance, as well as spiritually-related ones. There's also a bibliography for further reading.
The tone of the writing is very soothing and peaceful, yet, the concepts discussed will ensure the reader's full attention. Dale never talks down to her readers, nor does she engage in filling her chapters with any kind of jargon; in fact, she explains potentially new or confusing terms in clear, easy-to-understand language.
In short, this book will not only be appreciated by veteran New Age adherents, but also by those who are open-minded enough to investigate a field of knowledge that might not entirely be sanctioned by the scientific establishment, yet, remains totally fascinating!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
November 24, 2011
Many years ago, I read a lot of books on new age thought and practices. I applied some of the techniques to my life, with varying rates of success. For a variety of reasons, I stopped reading such books.
I'm now finding a bit more validity to some of the thought processes I left behind, and decided to investigate this book. I found some practical ideas (and some impractical ones) couched in scientific terms -- and heavily footnoted. The idea of learning to manage one's boundaries in a variety of ways makes sense to me; I would recommend that readers take what works for them and discard the rest.
(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)
I'm now finding a bit more validity to some of the thought processes I left behind, and decided to investigate this book. I found some practical ideas (and some impractical ones) couched in scientific terms -- and heavily footnoted. The idea of learning to manage one's boundaries in a variety of ways makes sense to me; I would recommend that readers take what works for them and discard the rest.
(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)
April 9, 2019
My rating of this book is based on my expectations and personal beliefs. Firstly, the content was not useful for my purpose of wishing to moderate my energetic boundaries as almost all the writing was dedicated to repairing or strengthening boundaries. Secondly, the solutions to this repairing and strengthening involves things such as mirrors, numbers, choice of clothing color, owning objects from water fountains to pyramids to crystals, etc. There is also plenty regarding communicating with invisible entities such as ghosts and spirits and nature. I am unable to appreciate these topics, but I'm sure this will spur some other readers to pick this book up! If this is you, I think you'll enjoy it! I returned the book after going through roughly four chapters.
January 8, 2019
This was a very helpful book! Her descriptions of energy layers and how to work with them are understandable and reader friendly. The only somewhat downside I found is that she relied heavily on visual input, and not all of us Empaths are strong in that talent. There are other ways to pick up energetic information and I wish that had been part of this book. Easy enough to flip the lens of other kinds of sensitivities into place though, if you know to do that.
September 11, 2020
Interesting. I found that I could use about 25% of the content and the rest was a bit loose / anecdotal / outside my current capacity or willingness to comprehend.
I really appreciate the exploration of invisible energetic boundaries - spiritual borders. I am walking away with plenty to think about.
I really appreciate the exploration of invisible energetic boundaries - spiritual borders. I am walking away with plenty to think about.
June 18, 2016
Really helpful info on how to be more responsible and proactive about managing our energetic fields. Good exercises, great details! I have both electronic and hard copies of this, and I use them for reference and recommend them to clients and friends all the time. :) Definitely an invaluable resource, and pretty thoroughly expressed, too!
April 13, 2020
Great factual content supported by great references but unfortunately I personally feel it has been poorly communicated. The book needed a good few rounds of better editing and structure. It felt incoherent to read.
October 9, 2021
Wishy washy nonsense. Makes broad general assumptions that everything can be solved -including illness, and disability - with energetic boundaries. Far too simplified and fails to address the complexities of life.
January 26, 2018
Best book on maintaining your energy boundaries ever.
October 30, 2019
Ugh. I liked the first two chapters and then it completely lost me in too much new age-y stuff. I’m a fan of a little new age but this was way to out there for me. On to the next!
July 19, 2024
There are books that reach you right at the moment when they are most needed, and this was one of those books for me.
I'm highly sensitive and have always struggled immensely with my sensitivity. I've been in therapy for many years and have tried all manner of practices and treatments. I'm a very "left-brained" individual, and have tried to approach the issue of sensitivity with a conventionally scientific perspective, eventually reaching the (quite horrid) conclusion that I must simply be built this way and be destined to live a life of extreme limitations.
And then I began to open my mind.
What if I let myself observe the patterns in this sensitivity - feeling worse around certain people, sensing the energy of certain locations - and took them seriously instead of dismissing them? What if I saw the beauty in it...but also admitted that it wasn't working for me and that something needs to be fixed? And what if I realized that each and every one of these sensitivities has an origin, and that once this origin is made conscious, I could begin to heal and "seal" these "holes" in my being?
We do not need to suffer. Life is truly meant to be a "Heaven" on Earth. It's right there, waiting for us to realize our worth, heal, and step into it.
I do hope that little by little, our more "conventional" science explains the knowledge shared in this book in a way that allows it reach many more people. Meanwhile, I sincerely thank the author for the work she has done to bring this knowledge and these practices to the world.
I'm highly sensitive and have always struggled immensely with my sensitivity. I've been in therapy for many years and have tried all manner of practices and treatments. I'm a very "left-brained" individual, and have tried to approach the issue of sensitivity with a conventionally scientific perspective, eventually reaching the (quite horrid) conclusion that I must simply be built this way and be destined to live a life of extreme limitations.
And then I began to open my mind.
What if I let myself observe the patterns in this sensitivity - feeling worse around certain people, sensing the energy of certain locations - and took them seriously instead of dismissing them? What if I saw the beauty in it...but also admitted that it wasn't working for me and that something needs to be fixed? And what if I realized that each and every one of these sensitivities has an origin, and that once this origin is made conscious, I could begin to heal and "seal" these "holes" in my being?
We do not need to suffer. Life is truly meant to be a "Heaven" on Earth. It's right there, waiting for us to realize our worth, heal, and step into it.
I do hope that little by little, our more "conventional" science explains the knowledge shared in this book in a way that allows it reach many more people. Meanwhile, I sincerely thank the author for the work she has done to bring this knowledge and these practices to the world.
December 29, 2023
I easily fuse with others energy and this book gave me a different approach to maintaining my boundaries. The concepts of paper doll and mule were helpful to understand how I repeat the same behavior over and over. I want to end the cycle of behavior because it has a negative impact on my physical health.
There were some things that the author talked about that felt like pseudoscience and in some ways makes me hesitant to even say that I read the book. I don’t think that I need to believe everything she wrote to find the book helpful in my spiritual journey.
There were some things that the author talked about that felt like pseudoscience and in some ways makes me hesitant to even say that I read the book. I don’t think that I need to believe everything she wrote to find the book helpful in my spiritual journey.
July 27, 2017
A really insightful book. Many things confirmed ideas I've already had, but the author keeps things simple and clarifies how and why or energetic boundary violations can affect our lives, and how to repair them.
A basic understanding of "energy" is helpful, but Dale also describes it.
I didn't agree 100% with everything, but rarely do when it comes to secular books on somewhat spiritual matters.
Overall, a definite must read for body and energy workers.
A basic understanding of "energy" is helpful, but Dale also describes it.
I didn't agree 100% with everything, but rarely do when it comes to secular books on somewhat spiritual matters.
Overall, a definite must read for body and energy workers.
July 17, 2021
This book is intended to serve as an ongoing resource for meeting the challenges of a sometimes hostile yet lovely world. It is an explanation of the beauty that creates us and a compendium of suggestions for evolution and progress. It presents techniques for growing your soul, the brilliant you that is learning to be more yourself, no matter what ups and downs you face. (p.252)
April 19, 2019
I have read a couple of Cyndi Dale's other books. This was a book in the progression of her main area of her common theme, energy. It had some very valid points and some exercises. However, I will have to tweak some of the techniques.
January 14, 2020
Love the wayCyndi Dale wrote this book. She explains the importance of setting up boundaries on all aspects in a simple and practicle way.
January 1, 2023
This book is a helpful overview and is full of nuance and suggestion. At times the structure and categorization felt a bit overwhelming or restrictive or far reaching. But overall it is a supportive guide with well intentions.
May 22, 2019
Everyone will benefit from reading this book, especially HSP and empaths
October 11, 2020
Started and stopped before the end of the first chapter. I think I thought this was a different book. Very New Age-y self help. Not my vibe.
January 18, 2021
This was a good outline with suggestions for action.
April 15, 2021
Redundant and not informative.
July 2, 2023
need to be in a *very* specific mood to read this one, never struck me
July 4, 2023
Writing was fine. It flowed well. Lost me when Deepak Chopra was used as a reference.
October 4, 2023
According to this book, if you don't have money, it's because you're not thinking you're deserving of money. Yeah, okay.
January 10, 2025
Lean into it as much as you can. Very repetitive
January 30, 2016
This is a really fantastic book for those who are already clairvoyant. I could see where others who do not have this skill developed will find the book less useful, confusing, or frustrating.
I found Dale's ideas about energy boundaries really unique and special (especially using numbers in your field), as well as checking for types of blocks/attacks, and understanding your background and how it affects the way you relate to others (of course!).
As a psychologist, I especially appreciated her description of the different psychological issues which lead up to specific boundary impairments. It's also helped in my work with other psychics. She also has a special section on issues at work, which I appreciated.
All in all, this is a book I could imagine keeping on my shelf at home and at work and using it to consult with on a regular basis.
Thank you, Cyndi Dale!!!
I found Dale's ideas about energy boundaries really unique and special (especially using numbers in your field), as well as checking for types of blocks/attacks, and understanding your background and how it affects the way you relate to others (of course!).
As a psychologist, I especially appreciated her description of the different psychological issues which lead up to specific boundary impairments. It's also helped in my work with other psychics. She also has a special section on issues at work, which I appreciated.
All in all, this is a book I could imagine keeping on my shelf at home and at work and using it to consult with on a regular basis.
Thank you, Cyndi Dale!!!
March 20, 2013
Perception and understanding about energetic boundaries which happen in our relationships is a plus when reading this book. However, if you are a newbie to energy transference the author does an excellent job in explaining energy exchanges that can support or drain us as we go about daily lives interacting with others in our personal and professional lives. Also there is great discussion about energetic boundaries, about our personally developed ways of responding to others corded into our energetic fields and how we can improve our responses to be healthier and more balanced.
May 8, 2015
So some of the things I read are a little far out there. Like where are my tin foil cone hats kind of far out there (can't have the aliens do any kind of brain control!) This is border line out there. However that being said as far as content and theory this is well written. You have to be into the metaphysical to really dig it though.
March 12, 2016
I didn't get all the way through it, but what I did read was very helpful. It made the energetic boundaries make more sense in my mind, and helped me understand why having healthy energetic boundaries is so important.
September 5, 2018
Had this for ages and finally got through it. I think she is on to something, but this is too short to actually teach you about how to fix your stumbling blocks. However, knowing is half the battle, right?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews