LIFE ENERGY

Comes from Within

When we think about the word energy, many times we connect it with high output, constant motivation, and continual movement. This single focused perspective can contribute to extreme fatigue and overwhelm, especially when it comes from obligations and expectations.

What if, instead, energy came from going within? Can introspection and selfawareness really bring us a burst of energy?

Many people think of meditation or mindfulness as a practice making us feel weighted down or sleepy. True, some days our meditation will make us tired, especially when we look at some deeply held, ingrained subconscious beliefs. However, there are just as many other times where spending 10 minutes a day focused inward, asking and giving ourselves what we need, will elevate us, bringing a burst of energy.

When done consistently, this grounded, internal energy, birthed from retreat, creates the sacred space to reconnect with ourselves. Our energy reserves begin to fill up through self-love, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. In this reconnection, we show ourselves we are loved, cared for, and supported. It releases the stress and tension of always protecting or defending ourselves. We can collapse into our own arms as we begin to trust we will show up for ourselves. This creates movement of energy and flow, as well as a receptive openness to our internal guidance.

So, how do we reconnect with ourselves in a way building authentic, empowered energy we can then bring out into the world in more sustainable and meaningful experiences?

Through my own journey, I found three significant ways to help me gain energy from going within.

FIRST, THROUGH A DAILY SELF-CARE PRACTICE.

I define self-care as “connection to self.” It is not about luxury, but about gaining a deeper sense of intimacy and understanding with myself. The simpler we make self-care, the more likely we will be to show up and make it a part of our lives each and every day. In just three to five minutes, we can close our eyes, bring our attention to our breathing, feel our body in space, and begin to fill our container. Without it, we feel depleted and no amount of pushing ourselves physically will help.

SECOND, FIND TIMES IN THE DAY TO CHECK IN WITH OUR EMOTIONAL STATE.

By listening to non-verbal communication from our body and mind, we begin to tune into what we really need at any given moment. Being heard by ourselves is transformational and activates self-love and self-worth. To do this, take a few minutes throughout the day to ask yourself how you feel. Often, emotion will sit before we become aware and begin to understand what it is about. I like to do this by excusing myself to the bathroom — sometimes the only place where I get a little privacy from young kids. When I close my eyes, I place my hands on the part of the body I feel discomfort in. I see if I can connect the sensation to something that happened earlier and breathe into it. If not, I feel it and ask it what it needs to feel heard.

CARRIE JEROSLOW (SHE/HER)

THIRD, LEARNING THE EMPOWERING SKILL OF SELF-ACCEPTANCE.

The third way really allowed me to gain energy from going inward and learning selfacceptance (even for the parts that I judge). Karl Jung said, “What you resist, persists.” When we judge certain aspects of ourselves or allow the fear to keep us from feeling what is really going on, energy gets stuck. When energy isn’t moving, we feel stagnant and depleted. I subscribe to the belief that, “What we allow, moves.” So, when we learn to accept all the messy feelings, it moves the energy, allowing us space to breathe and BE. An incredible mantra to use is, “I feel _______ (insert emotion or thought), and it’s okay. It’s really okay and I choose to love myself anyway.” Repeating these sentences over and over again allows the breath to deepen, the body to relax, and energy to flow.

When we first focus our energy inwards, the energy radiating outwards to our family, friends, careers, and causes can be much more impactful. This kind of transformational, nurturing attention creates a ripple effect, helping to bring healing into a world in such desperate need of it. +