Q. I’m often tired after spending time with a specific individual. Is it possible for this person to impact my energy levels?

A. Yes, others can and do impact your energy levels, even as you impact theirs. The type of energy people generate can be positive, neutral, or negative. Being around negative energy is draining. Cells in the heart and the brain generate electromagnetic energy that can be detected strongly within three feet of the body and that can extend out as far as twelve to fifteen feet.

If the individual is exhibiting functional behaviors and thinking positive thoughts, the electromagnetic energy will be positive. If the individual is exhibiting nonfunctional behaviors (e.g., abusive, critical, judgmental, coercive, shaming) and thinking negative thoughts, the electromagnetic energy released will influence the atmosphere in a negative manner.

A chapter in my latest book, MindWaves, provides strategies to help you learn how to quickly and easily evaluate energy drain. Whenever possible I choose to spend time with individuals who are generating positive energy. Of course that also means that I have an obligation to keep my thoughts and mind-set positive so I contribute positive energy to the environment.

You always give up something to get something (and the bottom line is energy). Spending time with individuals who have a similar brain lead may require less energy because you are, in effect, speaking the same brain language. Associating with those whose brain lead is different from yours may require additional energy as you “translate” back and forth. The differences can be stimulating, however, and can make the energy trade-off more than worthwhile.