There is another approach where the intent is to block encroachments as they occur. This requires other abilities involving extending ones area of awareness outwards in order to better sense an encroachment and then respond by blocking it and maybe doing a little follow up. There are pros and cons, the shield idea is probably easier to implement when a beginner but it is also energy demanding in that the goal is for it to be active all the time. It can also result in a person being somewhat insulated from their immediate and beyond environment but for some that is a preference.
The awareness led method does require keeping up a degree of attention which at first can be fairly mentally demanding, with experience it becomes more automatic just like ones skin will sense a touch so something on ones extended periphery is also noted. Being distracted such as having a drink or two can compromise it but the same can also be true for a wrap around shield.
As ones awareness connects more and more to the more general consciousness layers so this method gets better and better across a broad spectrum of experience not just defence.
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