Apr 24, 20236 min read

Intrinsic Self-Defence Tools

We are well aware of tangible self-defence tools used for protection, however, there are invisible, innate self-defence tools that are far superior through sensitivity and awareness. Whilst we live in a world full of distractions, a great deal of traumatic experiences can be avoided if we only "wake up and pay attention" the signs are always there.

You may be aware of the term "mindfulness". This post aims to explore the meaning of "mindfulness" and the significance of its application. Mindfulness is the practice of listening to our body's responses in all situations. Have you ever had an experience where there are no words to describe how you are feeling, but somehow you know something is off? This may be feelings of anxiety, uneasiness and tension. It's difficult to articulate why such feelings arise but they are genuine and as real as oxygen. The inability to articulate how you feel does not mean you do nothing, sometimes you just need to act on it in silence and evacuate.

Since mindfulness is an interpersonal practice, there is a great need to trust and validate your own experiences and feelings. There is nothing worse than denying and gaslighting ourselves, the presence of this highlights a lack of self-importance. Lacking self-importance lowers one's need to protect themselves from various forms of outside threats.

Empathy: A Self Defence Enhancer

Due to its association with heightened sensitivity, empathy is often negatively thought of as a symbol of weakness, however, this is furthest from the truth. Heightened sensitivity offers great awareness to identify and pinpoint any form of threat. Being empathic strengthens our intuitive abilities. Emotional vulnerabilities are triggered as a point of reference to factors that require a great deal of attention for healing. This means that our intuitive abilities need to greatly develop as a shield to protect us during heightened moments of vulnerability. Empaths need the guidance of intuition to evade the snares and traps of manipulators and deceivers.

The ability to feel, relate and be understanding of others, signals a sensitivity to the unseen (spiritual realm). Empathy is a gift that goes hand in hand with our intuitive abilities. An empathic lady has a subconscious knowing that we are all connected.

Empaths have deep self-awareness, they are not afraid of going to dark places within themselves to be accountable. Empathic tendencies develop after an individual is made aware of the good, the bad and the in-between aspects of their human nature, without this it would be impossible to perceive the mental and emotional state of others. Acknowledging our imperfections and vulnerability helps us have understanding and humility to recognise this in others. This is what causes empaths to be so forgiving and accepting, often, to a fault. I can identify with this and perceive it as a weakness when hurtful repetitive cycles continue as a result of "forgiveness and acceptance".

How Empathy Remains A Super Power?

Empaths tend to have a colourful past which has taken them on emotional rollercoasters. However, all grief is rewarded with intuitive development which grows as a form of defence.

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

- Zechariah 13:9

With all that a person has gone through towards having humility and becoming an empath, it would be a shame to endure further misfortune by not attaining much-needed protection. As trials and tribulations draw us nearer to God/Source, our connection and bond become inseparable, lest we forget.

Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

- Ephesians 6:11-12

The armour is our spiritual defence, granting us contact and instruction from the unseen spiritual realm. This is what we call "intuition", the mechanism behind the instructions used to navigate unforeseen circumstances. This connection is amazing at preventing empaths from becoming casualties of triggers. The common blueprint of empaths is that they possess the fruits of the spirit, which are recognised as nine characteristics that reflect God's character: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - Galatians 5:22-23. This is the reason why empaths are seemingly targeted, they are peculiar lights in a world filled with darkness.

Acquire Intuitive Strength

Tapping into intuitive abilities is made easy if you possess spiritual sensitivity. As explained earlier, empathy and compassion are indications of sensitivity. Intuition is the knowing, instruction and guidance to navigate situations, obstacles, snares and traps that may be set before us. Wisdom is the proper name of what we coined "intuition". Wisdom can see things beyond the naked eye. This is how we get premonitions and gut feelings without any substantial evidence or reasoning behind such occurrences. Often, visual maps, scenarios and mental predictions are formed in our imagination to instruct us through steps to approach situations to maintain self-preservation. Proverbs 4:7 states, wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding. Wisdom is a free gift that God gives generously, therefore, If we wish to acquire wisdom, we just need to ask for it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

-James 1:5

Seek and Embrace Wisdom

Knowledge begets power and protection. Being well-informed can actually save our life. The practice of mindfulness of the things we expose ourselves to is the beginning of intentional living. Our five senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch) are gateways to our temple/mind, this means that we need to be conscious of anything we grant access to. There is a requirement to become well-informed of their structure, make-up, purpose and impact on our body, mind and soul.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..

-Hosea 4:6

Acquiring wisdom can greatly enrich our lives, well-being and experiences. Wisdom restores the much-needed trust that we need to generously love without fear. Wisdom accompanied by understanding offers validation that fills the void for possible outcomes, therefore making it easy for us to act/respond accordingly. This is how we are able to be at peace, with the choices we make, in attempts to maintain self-preservation.

Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

-Matthew 10:16

Selective Social/Intimate Encounters

The notion of being connected to all things and persons makes it so, that empaths are less likely to be jealous, envious, thieving and murderous people. Part of being an empath is that you love your neighbour as you love yourself, this means that empaths rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Being connected translates as "if you win, I win". As a result, empaths tend to be selective about their social circle. Intimate connections are often made with reciprocation and the empathic nature of others in mind.

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

-Amos 3:3

It can be draining to be surrounded by people who deplete you of your empathic resources without replenishing them. This is why empaths need to apply wisdom to know who to create healthy intimate connections with. Being an empath does not mean that you are disposable with your time and energy; rather, it means that you preserve them and spend them wisely because of their value.

Solitude Is Restoration

Empaths tend to be the heroes of their community and those close by, as they tend to go above and beyond for others. As a result, they are often drained and/or taken for granted. Most of the time, empaths gain restoration in solitude, whether that be in nature or alone meditating/ praying, self-care, being creative and/or tending to animals. Empaths are resourceful and equipped with insightful information to assist others in getting to their highest potential. For this reason, those who encounter empaths take them for granted and see them as nothing more than a resource to be used and abused.