We have been focusing on energy levels the last few
articles. Specifically, the four levels of energy which are:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
- Spiritual
Last week, we
looked at the Mental Energy Levels. In numerous
workplaces, the message is that we need to work longer to increase our
productivity. Many workplaces no longer have formal morning and afternoon tea
breaks. We think we’re getting more done when we continue to work through
lunch. A workout during the middle of the day is frowned upon. We’re encouraged
to keep our heads down and grind away for as long as we can. However, when we
are mentally rested it makes a massive difference to our ability to focus.
This week, I am wishing to talk about how to Increase Your
Energy levels – spiritually. Spiritual is not in the religious sense but is the
connection to a deeply held set of values and the connection to your inner
self, to having a greater purpose than your own good. It’s about contributing
to society, which can drive us; it’s a purpose beyond our own self. This means
our passion, commitment, integrity, and honesty.
It’s about being in tune with yourself. Think of a radio
station; you tune your inner self to the right frequency and you will move
around like a favorite song.
We need to balance our spiritual energy between our
commitment to others and our own personal self-care. Commitment to ourselves
first, commitment to what we dream, desire, and believe in ourselves, and then
the commitment to others will come with believing in ourselves and our own
abilities.
When we’re connected and giving, it can drive us on in the
tough times. It gives us the skills to breathe through the bumps and issues and
cruise through the straight roads as we face each and every challenge. We can
often motivate ourselves to do it for ‘others’ when we feel we have given our
all. ‘Others’ is your own personal connection, whether that’s the poor in
Africa, the bears in Asia, the bush fire victims in your own state or your
local charity group.
These groups are beyond our own ‘self-interest.’ By giving
to others, whether time, money, support, or encouragement, we stay committed to
our values, dreams, desires and beliefs. This creates stability for our own
lives. It gives us perspective about our own life. It can make us feel good,
which helps us emotionally. We can develop strong relationships and generally
better face our own personal challenges with a more positive frame of mind.
In the book “The Power
of Full Engagement” the authors Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz wrote, “Spiritual strength is reflected in the commitment to one’s deepest values,
regardless of circumstances and even when adhering to them involves personal
sacrifice. Spiritual flexibility, by contrast, reflects the tolerance for
values and beliefs that are different than one’s own, so long as those values
and beliefs don’t bring harm to others.”
It is important to think about our deepest values and ensure
that we are behaving according to our values. That we are aligned, it is when
we are misaligned that we struggle and battle with ourselves.
Being true to what you hold as your deepest values means you
are aligned. It is worth taking the time to think this through as it makes a
big difference to your overall energy levels.
