Energy is the essence of life. Everyday you decide how you're going to use it. -Oprah Winfrey
As I continue to accumulate life experience (i.e., get older!), the more intentional I am about how I use my energy. "Don't sweat the small stuff" has taken on a different meaning as I have a deeper sense of knowing and clarity regarding the nature of the small stuff. It is much clearer to me what needs to be accepted and released, and where I will give the gift of my precious energy.
So, how do we decide what we will do with our energy? It is easy to get lost in the drama, hijacked by the hype, distracted by the shiny objects, entangled with illusions, and embattled with nonsense. Oprah's wisdom in this quote counsels us that we must make the decision of how we are going to use our energy every single day. I agree! This is one of the many reasons why morning meditation is so important. Meditation is a time for stillness and quietude, but also a time for reconnection and recentering. We must reconnect with ourselves, our bodies, our emotional experiencing, our truth, our calling, and always with a deep sense of gratitude for our blessings and life itself. We must also recenter in our core values, what is most important. We need that solid ground as we navigate our relationships, responsibilities, needs, desires, and goals in the midst of the various challenges of living in the world. For many, reconnection with however we experience the spiritual dimension of life (God, Spirit, Ancestors, Nature, the Cosmos, etc.) is a necessary part of this process. Our values and/or spirituality can be the anchor that brings us back to clarity in the midst of the storms of life. They are a reminder that our choices and decisions are in the service of "something bigger".
I find it helpful to reflect and consider the inquiry: "engaging in this action/conversation/task is in the ultimate service of WHAT?". This reflection often illuminates what I will choose, as well as what I can release that is not in the service of my highest values, priorities, beliefs, etc.. Starting the day with some type of sacred pause practice opens space to set clear intentions for how you will use your energy each day. Taking that pause at various points in the day to reconnect and recenter can replenish our souls when the day is particularly challenging. I know that I feel both more empowered and more at peace when I am clear about how I am going to use my energy.
I invite you to take a moment right now to close your eyes and just breathe to recenter. How will you use your energy for the rest of the day?
With Peace, Love, and Soulfulness,
Dr. Shelly Harrell
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