You are right about Mantras with regard to vibrations. However you exclude other techniques that can be as equally beneficial as Mantras. At least you could mention that there are other techniques - embracing inclusiveness rather than a "by default omission".

I don't think of people in terms of lower consciousness (to do so excludes them based on unfair judgements based on differences) unless I feel attacked by them either on purpose or unwittingly. It is then I take action to protect myself.

To use protection preemptively seems to come from an assumption that growth can only come from associations with protections. When I work towards loving someone unconditionally or at the very least treat them with positive regard I don't concern myself with protection which I equate with separation. Besides - as an empathy I tend to absorb the negative feelings of others at times. There are lessons in the absorption. The lesson there - or growth is to let-go the darkness that are not generated by me as soon as I become aware of them.

Its not my place to give others light and interfere with their karma or lessons unless on some level they are asking for help. Being a witness to their suffering is shedding my ego stuff, but I don't give them my light. Bearing witness to suffering without offering to fix it with light or whatever opens me up to suffering that has befallen me and invites me not to get re-attached to it. This bond of allowing myself to feel the same emotion as another without taking action creates a space for possible release from a person attached to their suffer. But when I expect that it will happen I am interfering

You're right - to take darkness on from them whether it is their bad boundaries or mine is unproductive and arises from dysfunction in them or me. Here is where co-dependent education comes in handy, for example.

In my practice as a healer I have met many people: empaths that have emerged out of trauma based pasts who are shadow-catchers. They unconsciously attract dark shadow materials / emotions from others. By identifying when this happens and letting go attachment to the dark shadow materials that can provide lessons then an attempt at protection in the moment or later can be implemented.

But it is complicated.

My work as an alternative mental health crisis worker and a long spiritual practice has brought me to this place where I am at now.