one flawed mortal

Ep05: How to Replenish Your Energy

Dec 24, 2020

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This year has been really difficult, and I have felt completely and utterly drained. (Tune into the previous episode if you really care about why.)

My spirit aches for a better world; a world with less ignorance and fewer malevolent souls.

My energy has been drained left and right from nearly everybody I come into contact with. I am not the only one who has felt this. Several empaths I know have reported being more drained than usual when it comes to interacting with other humans this year.

Unfortunately, it’s been so bad for me that all I can do at the end of the day is sit inside my house and hide from everyone and everything — including (perhaps especially) — the internet.

But, that’s not constructive, nor productive.

Nor is it sustainable.

So this year I have had to learn how to protect and replenish my energy.

If you too are finding yourself drained by, well, the world, pay attention as these tips will help you maintain your energy and your sanity.

•••

abstract background of thin threads on blue surface

What is energy?

When I say, “energy” I’m not talking about electricity, nor am I talking about feeling well-rested and energetic.

I’m talking about qi (or chi): the vital life force that runs through all living things: you, me, animals, plants.

Qi — energy — is everywhere. It is all around us.

Understanding and balancing qi is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine and healing practices such as acupuncture and qigong.

These practices also fall into the broader area of energy working, which also includes polarity healing, Reiki, and chakra balancing yoga.

Energy working is the practice of working with your body’s energy to unblock your energy pathways (or meridians) and bring your energy into balance so your energy flows within your body optimally.

When your energy is out of balance you may feel exhausted, irritated, depressed, and weak.

By learning how to work with your energy, you not only help your body live in its highest state of being, but you improve your mental clarity and emotional well-being.

•••

black stone arrangement in closeup photography

How does your energy become unbalanced?

Imbalances in your qi can be caused by emotional disturbances, such as too much exposure to negativity, turmoil in your relationship, problems at work, money stress, or grief.

An imbalance can be caused by physical triggers, such as a lack of sleep, improper nutrition, dehydration, or illness.

Environmental triggers can also be the source of an imbalance, such as exposure to environmental toxins like mold, mildew, and cigarette smoke.

The weather even plays a role: excessively hot temperatures, excessively cold temperatures, and too much humidity can all create qi imbalances.

While it sounds like anything can throw your energy out of whack (and technically, that’s true), you do have the power to bring your energy back into whack.

•••

person holding white incense

How to replenish your energy

1. Sense your energy field

In order to replenish your energy, you first have to be able to sense it. Here’s the quickest way to sense your own energy field.

Sit in a chair with your back straight. Bring your hands into prayer in front of your heart.

Take a deep breath in, and exhale any tension and negativity you’re feeling in your body. Repeat this if you need to.

Begin rubbing your hands together like you’re washing your hands. Try to keep your hands in front of your heart. Rub your hands together for 15-20 seconds.

Close your eyes, and pull your hands apart. Slowly push your hands back together, and pay attention to where you begin to feel resistance, tingling, or heat.

That’s your energy field.

If you can barely feel anything until your fingers are almost touching, it means your energy field is tight and restricted. You have a blockage somewhere in your energy body, and your energy isn’t flowing as it should.

If you can feel the energy a few inches apart, your energy is flowing more freely and surrounding your body.

Once you feel your energy between your palms, you can begin working it by moving your hands (and the energy between them) around in a circular motion. The more you work the energy, the stronger and brighter it becomes.

Continue in this fashion until you feel called to stop.

This simple exercise may be enough to replenish and recenter your energy. And if so, fantastic! You can do this exercise as often as you want throughout the day.

2. Drink plenty of water

When you’re dehydrated, your brain doesn’t work at it’s highest capacity. And — whether we like to admit it or not — your thoughts will cloud your ability to perceive energy. It’s imperative your mind is as calm and cloudless as possible. Stay hydrated.

While advice about how much water you should drink every day varies, I find the right answer for most people I talk to about hydration is between 2 and 3 litres.

3. Smudge your home and car

I love smudging. Smudging is the act of clearing negative energy from your space. You smudge by lighting a smudge stick — usually a stick of sage — on fire. You then move through your home walking clockwise around the space, and let the smoke drift throughout the perimeter, and even — especially, perhaps — into the hidden spaces. (Click here to learn more about how to smudge properly)

There are a lot of great smudge sticks on the market. I am partial to the New Mexico Sage smudge sticks from Taos Herb Company. If you’re just getting started with smudging, you might want to pick up a smudging kit. This kit comes with California White Sage, as well as an abalone shell to catch the ashes.

4. Unplug

It’s difficult to recentre and replenish your energy if you’re always at the beck and call of everyone you know. Our technology — while an amazing tool to do good in the world — can also be a detriment to our physical, mental, emotional, and energetic well-being.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and drained, take time to disconnect from your devices.

Set screentime limits either through your phone, or simply put your phone in the other room with the ringer off. Learn to be OK without being tethered to everyone at all times.

I love my phone as much as the next girl (especially since I have the iPhone 12 Pro Max with the epic camera), but being on my phone constantly is a serious energy drain. And not only does my energy become depleted, but I end up taking on negativity from those I’m interacting with — either friends and family, or strangers on the internet.

Do yourself — and your energy — a favour, and disconnect.

•••

By following these four simple steps, you can recentre and replenish your energy and get yourself out of the funk you find yourself in.

As always, thanks so much for tuning in. I am grateful for your time and attention. Show notes and links to resources are available over at OneFlawedMortal.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

New Mexico posole recipe. (traditional with pork belly. Mine is vegan)

New Mexican biscochitos recipe.

• Learn More about Energy Working •

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