The one I like is a bubble (similar to one blown from a child's soap bubble pipe) complete with the rainbow patch (rainbows are such wonderful, mystical symbols of bridges, communication, connection, and come complete with a pot of gold (prosperity) at the end).  Visualize this expanding to encompass your body and just know that it is a filter of negativity from within or without.

Part of the problem of using the exercises is in your own use and abuse of what you see them as and doing.  You can be an empath all the time - that never changes - but you do not need to be OPEN all the time.  Either you want to hear about protection and grounding or you want to remain open to all and sundry.  There is a choice of course.

Before you go into someone's house you might check your chakras to make sure they are balanced and then imagine surrounding yourself with a white light of protection.  When you come out wash your hands and check your chakras again to make sure they are still balanced.  Just a suggestion.  Love and Light to you.

I never heard of the expression EMPATH till today...
And strangely, it instantly puts everything in perspective.
( including my health issues, my people-fear, the constant struggle to get grounded or centred )

Now I realize, that have been open ALL the time. And that it really is time for some closure
It is good to know that I can control that. Great comfort I can take my empathy in my own hands.
They say practice makes perfect, so I am gonna try everything I can.

Thanks a lot.  Love and Peace, MayaRose

Thanks for your suggestion and your kindness.
I don't know if my chakra's are balanced to start with...!
I even don't know if I can feel my chakra's at all. I never tried.

I always check if I am in my hara or ki-point. Maybe that is the same idea?

Love and light to you too...
MayaRose

PS
I will all let you know how your tips worked and how I feel in a moth or so....

Some people work with individual chakra openings as a metaphysical exercise.  Others visualize and use a flow throughout the whole body to control their input and output.  Keep trying for what will work for yourself.  There are many answers to the questions of psychic abilities.