The Year of Energy
Do you have an over-arching theme for this year? I summed up my goals and resolutions in one word: ENERGY.
This is the year of ENERGY. For me energy means mental focus and attention, physical strength and endurance, and prana or vital life force. My resolutions are centered around cultivating, protecting, and healing my energy.
I’m paying attention to how I feel (depleted or rejuvenated) after my daily activities, tasks, and appointments. I’ve discovered that too many depleting activities and not enough rejuvenating activities leaves me feeling burnt out. I know that I can never let myself get so busy that I don’t make the time for rejuvenating activities that cultivate energy. This year I resolve to:
- Get regular massages to mediate stress and recharge.
- Stick to my exercise routine which includes cardiorespiratory and strength training. This combination helps reduce anxiety and gives me more physical energy all day long.
- Practice Yoga in a class. Most of the time, I find the experience of taking a class much more rejuvenating than practicing on my own.
I’ve realized that I also need to take preventative steps to avoid feeling completely spent. It’s like my energy prehab. This year I resolve to:
- Continue my regular meditation practice. While one session alone is not replenishing, it’s the on-going habit of meditation that keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and distracted. I’ve adopted Dan Harris’ daily-ish concept and it’s been working for me.
- Get a physical. While I don’t like going to the doctor, I realize that there’s no better way to protect my energy than to preserve my health.
Lastly, in Yoga, energy or vital life force is called Prana. Prana makes up the subtle body. Just as I plan to care for my physical body, I need to care for my subtle body too. And like physical health, which is maintained though self-care (exercise, diet, rest, etc.) and professional assistance (from massage therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, personal trainers, and medical doctors), the subtle body is healed through self-care and with professional assistance. This year I resolve to:
- Deepen my understanding of Energy Medicine. After my morning meditation, I practice techniques from Lauren Walker’s book Energy Medicine Yoga to wake up my energy, strengthen my aura, improve my immunity, and clear my chakras.
- Continue to receive Reiki healing from trained practitioner. I’ve only had a couple of sessions but I believe I can no more ignore my energy than I can ignore joint pain or an achy muscle. I need to address the matter before it gets worse.
This year, the year of energy, I’m taking my own advice: I can’t give from an empty cup. If I’m burnt out, distracted, tired, or sick, I’m of no use to anyone else.
What is your one word for the year?
Alicia Cross is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, and Yoga Instructor with more than 15 years’ experience working with clients in classes and one-on-one. She is a yogi, meditator, vegan, and lifter of heavy things. If you’re ready to discover the strength and peace that comes from within, email Alicia@AliciaCrossTraining.com.
Related Posts:
Practice the 8 Limbs of Yoga to Address the 5 Layers of Being
Want Healthy Habits? Don’t Forget to Treat Yo’ Self!
