Managing Energy by Melanie Waxman

Our world is made up of energy. In these modern times, there is a global challenge around energy and a constant debate on which one is best – oil, electricity, coal, or nuclear. In general we want more energy and cheaper and better energy sources to help our human needs. We are grappling with the collective waste of energy and there is a continual search for renewable sources. Energy and lack of it is apparent on many levels.

People fear low energy because our survival is based upon having enough. The modern world demands we work harder and harder. Our time is a commodity and a very valuable one. Individually and collectively, we need to learn how to appreciate our time and also to manage and honor the energy we already have.

Often we think that fatigue is something to be eradicated or if we don’t have enough energy then there is something wrong. However, there is another perspective. We are the generators of our own energy. Energy doesn’t come from outside of us. We create it. Energy is impacted by our environment and food but ultimately it comes from within.  We can learn how to better respect and nurture our energy and not to let it drain away.

Fatigue is not all negative. There are positives too. Fatigue forces us to stop. If we embrace this unique challenge we can learn a great deal. We can learn how to slow down, to feel, to embrace simplicity and pay attention to nourishment on all levels. We can learn to let go of having more energy, let go of finding a fix and listen for the message instead. We can discover how we drain and how we create our energy.

We can start by identifying and letting go of what is draining us. If we do have low energy then having more energy may not be the wisest, immediate solution.  Suddenly having more energy could make it easier to go back to old habits, old ways of eating and overworking, stressing and wasting energy. Instead we start to become aware of what gives us the energy to love life, and what works against us.

A simple exercise to help understand more is to write a list of anything that increases energy and another list of what drains it.

Examples of what could drain energy:

• Negative self talk – judging the self – self attack
• Taking on too much
• Media obsession
• Too much talking
• Avoidance of body wisdom and feedback
• Excess caffeine and sugar
• Junk food
• Intolerances
• Toxic environments including mold and air quality
• Unresolved disappointment
• Trying to live up to the expectations of others
• Toxic body care products
  

Examples of what could give energy:

• Spending time in nature
• Spending time in the sun
• Moderate exercise like yoga, chi qong, walking
• Creativity of any kind – painting, writing, singing
• Loving the self or if that is tough thanking the self
• Music
• Having close friends – laughter, play, sharing
• Enjoying organic, plant based foods
• Quiet
• Intimacy
• Slow eating, slow breathing, slow walking – slowing down in general
• Taking time out for short periods throughout the day
• Understanding  that the body never makes a mistake or lies, it simply responds. It is our magic suit that we put on in order to be on this earth

These are some examples. There are many more and writing your own lists will be the start of a wonderful journey of energy, self love and discovery.

Finally, managing energy is about awareness, consciousness, education, experience, wisdom, experimentation, and practice.

Hugs and love Melanie x

Here is a simple breathing exercise that is both calming and energizing
Smell the Roses Blow the Candles

Take a deep breath in through your nose as if you were smelling roses

Hold your breath for a count of 4

Slowly exhale from your mouth as if you are blowing out candles

Repeat these steps 3-4 times.

Repeat the routine throughout the day