Spirit has been showing me an interesting vision lately. It’s what happens when some kind of conflict occurs with people. Energy starts getting kicked up between the people and begins swirling, like a tornado. And just like a real tornado, this one can pick up energy and start pulling in the people around it. I’ve named it the tornado of drama.

Chances are you’ve seen one in action or even experienced it yourself. Something happens and emotions start to rise – something is said or done that causes someone to react. There may be tension, harsh words, yelling or even a physical response. It’s the intensity of the emotions that feeds the energy of the tornado. Anyone standing around this tornado is susceptible to being pulled into it. The people directly involved, closest to it, can easily be sucked into it. Even people nearby can feel the pull of it. Think of an argument between two people, where others who are simply watching it suddenly start jumping in and putting their two cents in until they’re part of the argument now too. Once you’re pulled in, you’re now swirling around in the emotions and drama, making it hard to think clearly, calm down and figure out a way to diffuse the situation.

Being aware of and recognizing this energy can help you from being sucked in yourself. If you see or feel the tornado starting, step back to lessen the pull of it. It could be physically taking a step back. Or taking a deep breath to give yourself a moment to collect yourself and not let your emotions get the best of you. Maybe it’s just walking away to help you calm down until you can reasonably talk with the person. You’ll know what’s best for you in the situation.

The sooner you can recognize the tornado of drama, the sooner you can take steps to not get pulled into it. Being proactive also helps. Grounding and shielding yourself will help you stay centered and own your energetic boundaries, which helps you keep calm and focused. (Click here to learn how to ground yourself. Click here to learn how to create a bubble of light to shield yourself.) Understanding the tornado of drama is just one more thing to put in your spiritual toolbox to help you navigate more easily through this adventure we call life!