As I sit to write, my heart is heavy with sadness over the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The lives of so many are being actively turned upside down.

In times like these, as with the pandemic and economic crises, the reality of our interconnectedness becomes clear. Let us reach out to help in ways that we can, and offer our care and kindness to all who are affected.

Engaging with the suffering of our world is an essential expression of compassion on the contemplative path. To respond to suffering takes energy.

How can we use our energy wisely so that we have inner resources to offer when needed?

Energy is one of our most vital resources, personally and collectively. It is the vital force that animates our life, allowing us to do everything from engaging in ordinary activities and pursuing goals to engaging with the challenges of our times. If we observe closely, we will see that even more subtle activities like thinking, distraction, or the simple act of being require energy.

How we use our life energy is an essential choice we make every day. What habits govern the ways we channel our energy, both intentionally and unintentionally? And how can we can to steward this resource more wisely?

In the Buddhist path, we learn about the energy required for awakening, known sometimes as “courageous energy.” This is the energy it takes to be present. It's a subtle form of energy that is sustainable and renewable, and that arises from willingness and interest in the heart. The more we understand and experience this energy in our spiritual practice, the more it can inform our lives. 

If you’d like to learn more about how to balance your energy in life so that you have more to offer the world while living sustainably, join me this Sunday for a donation-based session with Sangha.live. Click here to register.

(The session will be recorded, but you need to pre-register to get access.)

In the meantime, here are a few questions you can reflect on to begin exploring your relationship with energy in life: 

• When do you feel most balanced and at ease?
• When do you feel a sense of pressure, rushing, or a need to over-exert yourself? How do you notice this in your body? 
• How do you replenish your energy? What do you need to do to prioritize these things more in your life? 

Warm wishes,

Oren

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