In this second edition of my weekly newsletter, I will talk about energy.
Last week I accompanied my younity team to Prague, Czech Republic, where we had a very special event with the fantastic Anita Moorjani.
With Anita, I had a very interesting conversation. We talked about energy, life, purpose and other topics that made me reflect deeply.
The main ideas that came out of that conversation, the event and the trip to Prague, are the inspiration for this week’s 6 highlights (6H).
H1: Be aware of your energy
Have you ever noticed that when you do something you’re really passionate about, your energy just goes through the roof? On the other hand, you’ve probably also noticed how your energy fades when you do things that don’t fulfill you.
During the event, Anita asked the attendees what activities recharge and expend their energy.
Practically no one responded.
Many times we are not aware of the direct influence that our actions (and decisions) have on our energy levels, so today I propose a small exercise of reflection.
Save the following image, take a screenshot or simply write down on a piece of paper the 6 things that drain you the most and the 6 things that recharge your energy the most.
This simple exercise will give you a lot of clarity and help you make decisions (and take actions) that preserve or recharge your energy.
When you feel your energy is low, remember your list and prioritize the things that recharge you. It's a quick and easy trick to feel better.
H2: Imuntu
In different cultures around the world, reference is made to that energy that flows through us and connects us to everything (and everyone).
For the Chinese, the “Qi” or “chi” represents the vital force that flows in every living being. In Ayurvedic medicine, we speak of the “doshas” and in the Maori tradition of New Zealand there is the concept of the “mauri“.
As I sat down to write this newsletter, I wanted to investigate how this concept of universal energy is defined or understood in other cultures and I learned a few tidbits that I will share with you today.
For example, the Hopi Indians called this life force “maasauu” the Lakota defined it as “wakan-tanka” while the Ainu Indians of Japan call it “ramut“.
I also found that in Africa, different tribes had their own interpretations; the Nuer spoke of the “kwoth” and the Mbuti had the “pepo“.
However, of all, the most captivating concept I discovered was that of “imuntu” used by certain tribes in New Guinea to refer to the soul of the universe.
For these tribes, imuntu was the organizing energy of the universe, the primordial origin of all existence. Like the wind, this subtle energy manifested itself and permeated everything known and to be known.
There are probably many more similar concepts, from ancient cultures and philosophies, but it is always fascinating to discover how hundreds and thousands of years ago, our ancestors already understood and mastered concepts that science has barely managed to understand in recent times.
Ancient wisdom is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and learning!
H3: Memories as an energetic tool
Memories trigger chemical reactions in our body that influence our emotions and energy levels.
When we remember something, emotions linked to past experiences associated with that memory are activated. These emotions trigger the release of neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin and cortisol.
These chemicals directly impact our mood and energy levels.
If your energy or mood is low, remembering something that makes you happy (a song, a scent, a memory) is an effective tool to raise your energy.
Likewise, you should also keep in mind that the same applies to negative emotions. If you don’t want to drain your energy, avoid all those memories that make you feel sad.
H4: Dare to Live, Live Now
Being present and paying attention to the signals is critical if you want to receive messages.
Last Saturday a synchronicity happened that I have to share with you. I was in the restaurant of my hotel in Prague, exhausted after an intense day but at the same time calm and very much present…
While I was waiting for my dinner and going over some notes I had written, a song began to play, and I immediately felt that there would be a message in it to share with my community.
The song, which I had never heard before, it’s called “Dare to live” (Atrévete a vivir, in Spanish), but doing a little research, I found that there is also a Spanish version called “Vive Ya“.
Below is the chorus, and the video of the song, for your enjoyment.
Live now, dare to live fully
Live now, your memories are passing away
Live now, try to give to others of yourself.
Even when you think you have nothing else
You know, live now!
H5: Energy consumers
Here is a list of habits and behaviors that are likely to be impacting your energy levels
- Criticizing or judging others: Have you ever heard that we are all one? The things that bother you in others are an unconscious reflection of what you don't like about yourself. Avoid criticism.
- Holding on to negative thoughts: You can't escape them, but, for example, you can reprogram them using the process I shared in yesterday's blog.
- Seeking external approval: When you need something or someone to make you feel better, you give away all your power. Forget about approval. Do what makes you happy regardless of what others say or do.
- Dopamine abuse: Artificially increasing your dopamine levels on a long-term sustained basis can saturate your receptors and cause you to become desensitized to the true sources of dopamine. If you feel a lack of motivation or energy, try limiting artificial dopamine surges.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Your body is not designed to sit or lie down all day. Move, walk, stretch, or do any activity that your physical condition allows.
- Insulin spikes: Processing foods that increase your blood sugar, and therefore insulin, always cause a drop in physical energy. Keep this in mind if you need energy and a clear mind.
- Perfectionism: Trying to control every detail and wanting everything to be perfect strains and wears you down. Accept imperfections and move on.
H6: Final reflection
Anita closed our event in Prague, with a sentence as simple as it was profound and powerful, perfect to also close this week’s newsletter…
The secret to expanding your energy is to live a life you enjoy.
Until next Sunday, with 6 new highlights ❤️
