What energizes you? (TIWC sharing - July 24, 2007)

Infinite Energy!

An energizing session was held last Tuesday (July 24) at the Inner Work Circle as an intimate group (sans our usual facilitators) gathered for an evening of reflective sharing and insightful conversations.

What are the things you do/eat/see/hear/experience which energize you? And what are those that drain you?

We each had our turns answering this question as we reflected on our experiences, discovered and became aware of our common answers, as well as our unique quirks.

According to the discussions, some of the things we do that energize most of us include: meditation, t’ai chi/ qi gong, dancing and being in and around nature (the beach, the moon, the green fields)-- the sight, sound, smell and the whole experience of nature. Indeed, nothing beats the undisputed number one energizer. It was even shared how one can actually cure a headache just by walking barefoot on the earth (or on the grass). Try it next time!

Music was also on top of the charts. Depending on the mood, one can get energized by soft relaxing music, or by upbeat, funky rhythm.

An all-time favorite from the ranks of food energizers is chocolate! Indeed, a common comfort food for everyone, chocolate (dark chocolate, that is) is also said to have health benefits—which include inducing endorphins or pain-relieving body-chemicals that fight depression.

Further into more experiences that keep us energized include being in the company of kindred souls or simply friends whose company uplifts your spirit. Sharing dreams, aspirations and just about anything to anyone—not just close friends—does help to unload and keep us from being drained. (And that’s partly why we were all here every Tuesday at the Inner Work—to be energize the self!).

On the other hand, some of the things that drain us include the sight, thought or experience of hopelessness, the death and dying, suffering and frustration, and injustice. We can usually identify people who can be called psychic vampires who knowingly or unknowingly suck your energies up. They are often those who are negative, pessimistic, angry and dependent people.

However and whatever drains us, the most important thing is to be aware. To be aware that we are being drained and to not allow ourselves to reach the point of “burn-out.” To be aware of what energizes us so that we can easily prevent dis-ease and loss of vitality, joy and wellness.

From now on until next Tuesday (July 31) we suggest you be mindful of your DREAMS—as this will be the topic of our next session… An Open Evening with Mr. Lucito de Jesus, dream counselor, who will share and facilitate on “The Spirituality of Dreams.” Get your dream record books ready…

See you then!

Shanti!
O.