By: Jim Buchanan
Our bodies run on energy. Every thought, emotion, action and bodily function requires an expenditure of energy. So, to feel energized during the course of any given day, we must consume and have more energy stored than we are consuming through these activities. Let's look at the sources of energy more closely.
We all know about the importance of the calories from food to fuel the activities of our bodies and minds. But, not everyone is clear on the difference between high quality calories and lesser quality calories. When we consume high fat and high sugar foods, our bodies can labor to digest and convert the food into useable energy (high fat) and can spike with energy that then dissipates very rapidly (high sugar). Consuming whole plant foods is the most energy enriching choice. Our bodies can easily convert these food sources into energy in a steady manner over the course of the hours between meals. These foods also don't give us internal inflammation as animal based foods tend to do. So, our bodies aren't then consuming more energy to try to repair the inflammation, just like repairing a rash or scrape on the outside of our skin.
We also gain energy when we condition our bodies through physical activities like yoga, hiking, walking, running and other forms of exercise. We can't overdo these activities, or we will consume more energy than we build. But, a healthy amount of physical conditioning will help us build and store energy, while strengthening our bodies and minds. All high energy people that I know are physically fit.
The final source of energy is from the Universe, and this is available 24/7, but only when we are in the present moment.
You see, when we are not in the present moment we are either in the past or the future and sometimes rapidly back and forth between these two non-existent points in time. Our minds are racing and the body's energy is being consumed by our thoughts and emotions, such as regret about the past and fear about the future. I've spent years in this place and always felt like I was lacking in energy in far too many situations.
In the present moment we are simply experiencing what is, and the energy flows into our bodies. In fact, as your yoga and mediation practices mature, training your body and mind to be in the present, you will actually be able to feel the flow of energy into your body. This ability is such a breakthrough! Imagine needing some extra energy at any moment in time, say for example during a long drive or a boring meeting or a difficult interaction with someone. You can just pause, get fully into the present moment, and feel the energy pulse into your body. It is remarkable! This is also why we can feel energized after a good night's sleep. Even though our bodies are still consuming energy while we sleep, and we are obviously not eating or exercising to gain more energy, the new energy with which we awake must come from the universe. Because our minds are relatively quiet when we sleep, and not in the past or future, we can enjoy this energy infusion from the present moment.
If you want more energy in your life, to pursue all of your desires with optimal capabilities, adopt this Way of Living. Eat a whole food, plant based diet; include yoga in a healthy and regular exercise routine; get plenty of sound sleep; and mediate and do yoga to learn how to enter the present moment whenever you want, to gather energy directly from the universe. You will indeed feel the energy, and have more than you need, each and every day.
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