Life in the fast lane is tiring and demanding. Energy levels are drained quickly and continuously. If we wish to be successful and want to do it in a way that is consistent with our values and principles, it will take a lot of energy and a firm commitment to a path of integrity.
Energy comes from a number of sources and is expended in a number of different ways.
Did you know that your brain is responsible for using over 30% of the total energy output of your body? Just in terms of physical energy, that’s a big demand. Other physical demands on our energy come not only from our muscular system in order to move around and be active, but also our heart and other internal organs that are constantly protecting and supporting our physical health. One of the best sources of increased physical energy is a daily exercise routine. Whether you go to the gym or walk through the neighborhood, exercise is essential to maintain the flow of oxygen through our brain and the rest of our body, and to keep our heart functioning efficiently.
Along with the demands on our bodies, we expend a great deal of energy in processing and dealing with emotions. If we are not careful of how we respond to the emotional ups and downs of every day experience, they will be begin to manage the rest of us, and instead of assisting us in the direction of our lives, they will become the basis of our decisions, not a healthy way to best utilize our resources and a sure way to bad choices in crucial situations. Our best way to nourish our emotional energy is to pursue healthy life-giving relationships and to avoid toxic life-draining relationships.
And, of course, keeping ourselves strong physically and emotionally, deeply affects our ability to stay strong to the principles we value as the foundation of our truest and best self, to staying true. Staying strong in the area of principles and values is the function of our spiritual side. The energy we need to be persevering and consistent with our values and principles is more than merely physical. This energy comes from the nourishment we receive from our relationship between our higher power and our interior self. In order to provide the nourishment we need in the spiritual area of our lives, we need to exercise this part as we do the physical and the emotional areas.
How can we best nourish and exercise our spiritual life? One of the most beneficial things we can do is to sit back, clear our minds of all the concerns and distractions that so readily impinge on our consciousness, and talk openly and directly with our innermost self and with our Creator.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the incarnate manifestation of God among us. We believe that He is our Lord and Savior. We believe He is risen from the dead, is at the right hand of God the Father, and has sent to us the gift of His Spirit. We say we believe all this, yet we often do not speak to God, we do not directly and personally relate to God, we do not think of how what we are doing at the moment fits into the plan of God.
Daily prayer and reflection will change that, and will change our life. It will give us the energy to stay strong and to stay true physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Start today to nourish yourself in all areas of your life in a balanced way – then come back here and share your experiences of staying strong and staying true. Talk to you soon. Have a great day!