Living Energy Blog

These are stressful times. You may feel that everywhere we look there seems to be one more reason to feel tense, upset, frenzied or anxious. These are truly momentous times with many transitions and changes as the future careens toward us. That being the case it is more important than ever to have the means to deal with stress inherent in change so it does not produce toxic effects in our lives.

Stress has been defined as wear and tear on the body and mind as we attempt to adapt to change. We are all aware that change causes stress. We are also aware at some level of the signs that we are stressed. What we are often not aware of are the changes that go on inside us that create the wear and tear and eventually take their toll on our health and well being.

There are many ways to lessen the effects of stress on mind and body: meditation, quiet time for ourselves, learning to breathe properly, energy work and techniques such as imagery, and visualization. All are all helpful methods that can be used alone, or woven into a complete personal stress management program. These tools are also helpful when used to clarify, set and achieve goals. Each in its own way can be a really valuable aid to assist with engaging your inner resources to help motivate you to not only get started, but also to ride the waves of change more smoothly.

Another useful concept for navigating the process of change, whether it is initiated by us or from the outside, is that of support? All growth and development requires adequate support in order to be successful. What are your particular needs? Support does not mean the same thing to all people. Take some time to identify what support means to you. What works for one person may not work for another. In addition, you may need different types of support at different times in as you navigate the stages of change. It is always wise to have a variety of tools available to help you navigate change as well as your path in life. 

So begin by asking what support means to you. What types are important to you? Where can you look for that help? This includes people, places and things! How often will you need these resources? Obviously there will be things you can do for yourself, but you may also need others. Who are they? Can you ask them ahead of time to be available to ensure that what you need will be forthcoming? Do you need professional support, a group or some skill building?

Have a list of all the ways that you may be able to offer yourself support can be useful. When we are stressed our thinking mind tends to shut down and we may not be able to sort out what we need. If it is available to you in written form it can really strengthen your chances of success.

Perhaps also writing out the positives that will result from the change you are going through can help give you some confidence when the going gets rough. You may also want to write out some encouraging statements on index cards and carry them with you. A friend who has committed to be an aid can be of invaluable help….especially if they have gone through similar circumstances.

These approaches may seem self evident in a lot of ways, but they tend to be things we overlook…. maybe because of their simplicity. Nonetheless they can help make a difference in whether you just survive or thrive through transition.

Both our recorded home study programs are filled with techniques and guidance on using these types of methods as well as more specific teaching on how to use energy skills to improve your health, manage your emotions and  bring your dreams alive.

You can access these programs and a complete descripion here: http://www.livingenergyworks.com/store/

There is still time to join us!

Strengthen Your Art of Allowing
Balance, Health and Wellness Retreat 
June 4-6, 2010
Sandy Island Camp 
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH  

“Elements of Enlightenment is a grassroots organization of conscious souls, raising awareness of the many dimensions of healing.”

Live on purpose
Create conscious communities
Leave this world a better place
-Elements of Enlightenment 

 Imagine spending three scrumptiously self-ful days on a beautiful island nourishing your soul, replenishing your spirit, reclaiming inner balance and discovering your authentic self. Meet new like-minded friends in workshops, over delicious meals or simply relaxing to the sounds of the lapping waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, all while enhancing your spiritual tools to move forward on your purposeful path.

Event Description: 3 day, 2 night retreat on the private, secluded Sandy Island YMCA Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee with workshops, speakers, and recreation activities designed to help you return and embrace your authentic self.  You will have three workshop opportunities to learn from.

Karen and Peg will be presenting

 Subtle Energy: 8 Keys to Unlocking Your Art of Allowing.

 There will be many other workshops to choose from as well that will provide you with new tools to live on purpose from the ease and flow that is the center of YOU!   

For complete description and details go to:  http://www.elementsofenlightenment.com/

There are many things in our daily lives that deplete our energy. Heat, artificial light, dissonant, loud or harsh sound, electricity, computers, and junk food are some examples. Those are all probably things that you really do know if you stop and think about it.

 What is less well known is that stress, blocked negative emotions, unhealed emotional trauma, negative thinking, worry, fear, and negative or toxic interactions with others also unbalance our fields.

 Examples of the latter are: people and situations that do not honor who you are, respect you, or contribute to your well being. Think about how you feel after being with someone who criticizes, belittles or berates you. You know it does not feel good but you may not have thought about it directly affecting your energy and therefore the whole of your being.

Here’s another situation that we all often find ourselves in—until we become more conscious! How do you feel when you find yourself doing something you really did not want to do, that was not in accord with who you are or where you wanted to be.  Have you ever gone along with someone or something and felt a sense of inner tension because you didn’t want to participate or you didn’t believe in what you were doing? We all have at one time or another. But when we begin to understand that these types of situations weaken and even distort our field, perhaps it becomes easier to choose more wisely, on our own behalf or at least self correct after the event. A weakened auric field leaks energy.  That is not healthy for us and ultimately not good for the others involved either.

 The best way to protect ourselves in every aspect of our lives is to develop a strong vibrant energy field so we are not as vulnerable to negative or discordant energies. This involves commitment and practice as well as awareness regarding the choices we make each day.

 Bring more awareness to your daily activities and interactions. Begin to notice how you feel in response to them. How you feel provides you with clues as to what is happening in your energy system. People, places, and practices that contribute to feelings of buoyancy, fullness, aliveness all help build and strengthen energy.

The state of your energy is reflected in the situations and circumstances of your life.

 What are you noticing? Do you have a deficit or an abundance or an abundance of energy? What is dragging you down? What can you eliminate? What can you put in place to begin to build strong positive energy? What will it take for you to make a choice on your own behalf to care deeply for yourself in this way? What blocks you from making that choice?

Once we care for our own supplies and reserves of energy we can be more fully present to our lives, healthier, more successful and more helpful to others.

Common sense methods help to build and strengthen our energy.  Sunlight, exercise, fresh air, healthy food, eating less and more frequently are all general approaches we can use to impact our energy in a positive way.  In addition, methods such as Aromatherapy, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and breathwork are more specific practices that contribute in a positive way to develop and fortify our energy. There are also many other tools and techniques you can learn and easily integrate into your life to restore and rejuvenate your energy.

Generally our energy is a product of genetics, food, environment and universal energy. Our modern way of life has become reliant on only food and respiration as an energy source. Digesting food and our typical methods of breathing are actually inefficient means of acquiring energy.

We have forgotten how to absorb energy directly into and through our energy field. Our vibratory frequency has lowered as a result. This is a strong contributor to our problems with stress, fatigue and illness. Stress impacts our system, but the converse is also true: when our energy is compromised we have a more difficult time responding to life in a strong and positive manner, displaying what has been labeled “stress hardiness”.

Consider the amount of energy you spend everyday. Then consider the amount you replenish through healthy relationships, food, activity, environment, deep relaxation and restorative practices (energy based practices). Do you think you have an abundance or a deficit?

When we do not care for our energy we deplete it from our stores. It is then that illness and problems can take hold. Just as our bodies get nourishment from food, so our auras can and need to receive nourishment.

Awareness of how we are mis-spending our energy is a first step to restoring and strengthening it. What are some ways that you could shift your habits to embrace more energy positive practices?

Next time: Things that weaken & deplete energy: