The Enigma of Energy

 

Have you ever been asked, “Where do you get your energy?”  Or “How do you have so much energy?”   Perhaps you have wondered why it feels as if you have none.  Exhausted adults wonder why children never seem to run out.

We define energy as having vitality and strength for sustained activity.   That doesn’t really tell us where it comes from, how to get it, or why some people have lots of it.   

“The soul reveals itself to itself
Through movement,
Energy-infused undulations and gestures
Of hand, foot, spine, face, and form.
The invisible loves the visible.” ~Lorin Roche, Radiance Sutras, Yukti 54

The above verse eloquently suggests that there is a relationship between movement and energy. We might conclude that moving consumes energy – digging ditches for prolonged periods of time exhausts us and depletes us. Yet we also know that movement can generate energy, whether it is traditional exercise, dance, mindful practice with movement such as yoga, or even taking a walk or cleaning the house. We can feel invigorated. When we move, we allow that which is invisible to savor the visible.

Stillness, also, can present a paradox in its relationship with energy. If we are sedentary, we become lethargic, perhaps depressed. Yet in meditative or mindful stillness we can also find a deeper quietness which can feel uplifting and energizing.

“Meditate on the Self
As being Vast as the sky,
A body of energy
Extending forever in all directions.” ~Lorin Roche, Radiance Sutras, Yukti 69

And let us not forget the breath.   Shallow and constricted breathing can induce anxiety and fatigue.   Yoga practitioners use the breath to quiet the mind, stimulate the prana (life force), and guide our movement.   Sit quietly, comfortably.   Close the eyes.   Slow the breath.   Count to four with every in-breath, and again with every outbreath.  Notice the cooling sensation on the back of the throat with every inhale.   Notice the warmth against the throat with the exhale.   Eventually, see if you can notice the pause between the inhale and the exhale.  When you find yourself distracted by thoughts, simply let them go and return your focus to the breath.  Take your time.   Get lost in your breathing.

“Experience the substance of the body
And the world
As made up of vibrating particles,
And these particles made up of 

Even finer energies.
Drifting more deeply,
Feel into each pulse of energy
As it condenses from infinity
And dissolves back into it 

Continuously.
Noticing this, breathe easily
With infinity dancing everywhere.” ~Lorin Roche, Radiance Sutras, Yukti 31

What is your experience with energy?  Please leave a comment, share, and follow my blog to get notifications of new posts.   To follow this blog, click on the three lines in the upper right of the home screen, or click here.  

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