Are you plugged in?
As I saw the icon on my cell phone go down to one little bar, I thought “Huh. How did that happen so quickly? Better find an outlet.” And this got me thinking . . .
These days, people tend to make sure technology has the power it needs to function throughout the day (especially a busy day). Phones, laptops, iPods, and other portable devices need to be recharged. And we tend to pay attention this, consciously wondering things like “Is the battery on my cell phone going to make it through this conference call?”
But do you ask yourself regularly “Is my own ‘battery’ going to make it through this meeting?” The solution in both situations is the same: PLUG IN!
A cell phone needs to be plugged in to electricity, whether the source is hydro, solar or wind. While it might be convenient if we humans had a cable (or an iTail?) to connect to a source of energy, people can already plug in through their own personal wireless connection: I call it getting in touch with the spirit of who you are.
So, what can you do if you’re low on juice? Some simple suggestions include breathing, laughing, and using your imagination to bring in fresh life-force energy.
1. Breathe! Yes, I know that you are already doing this. But I suggest you breathe intentionally. Notice your breath without changing it’s pace or depth. Then you can breathe more slowly and deeply for a number of breaths to bring in more life-force energy. Extend your exhale longer than the inhale so that you expel more stale air from your lungs, making room for the fresh oxygen. Also, when you pay attention to your breathing, notice where there is any tension or holding, and then soften those areas of your body and/or mind. Imagine each breath creating more space in that area, so that the tension becomes like a drop of water in an ocean of breath, melting away. There are many different breathing techniques that have been used for thousands of years, and most begin by bringing awareness to your breath. Even for those who are very experienced with breathwork, it simply comes down to remembering to notice and use the breath. Breathing tends to be underrated.
2. Laugh. Laughing on purpose and without needing to “think” something is funny is highly beneficial. Based on the principle of intentional breathing and fully exhaling (referred to as pranayama in yogic practice), unconditional laughter oxygenates and energizes your body and brain. Laughter then becomes an exercise for rejuvenating yourself, or can be used as a meditative practice to come more fully into the present moment. Some suggestions are laughing silently (with your mouth wide open like a belly laugh) when you are in the bathroom at home or before a meeting. Just open your mouth and allow yourself to simulate laughter without sound. It’s a scientific fact that your body can’t tell the difference between fake and genuine laughter – you release the happy chemicals providing all of the physiological benefits either way. Another idea is a slow, deliberate “tai chi” version of breathing, laughing, and smiling. Standing up if possible, extend your arms down your sides. Then very slowly inhale as you raise your arms, extending them out to the left and right and eventually overhead. Then as you exhale, with your hands toward you, bring your hands slowly in front of your face and down the front of your body as you smile or gently chuckle. Do this exercise a few times, until you feel the peace and inner joy that will help you throughout the rest of your day.
3. Imagine. Using my imagination to fill up with life-force energy has had a significant impact on my life. Here’s one basic example of a quick way to do this: Close your eyes and imagine a golden sun a couple of feet above your head. Take a moment to see it’s unique color and brightness. If you prefer not to visualize this, just use your imagination to know that it is there. Imagine that this sun is like a magnet, calling back all of the energy that you dispersed throughout your day so far. Imagine or just know that this sun if bringing back all of your own energy from people and places where you left it. No need to know from whom or where it’s returning (though you may have a sense of it), just know it’s coming back. After the golden sun fills up, imagine its light pouring into the crown of your head and making it’s way into every cell of your body. Know that it is saturating you, all the way to your toes and fingertips. Take your time with this if you’d like. You can imagine more suns filling up, and then pouring into you if you’d like, and you can add qualities you’d like to bring in as well such as compassion, kindness, gratitude. As you are saturated with the golden light, you can even imagine that it begins emanating from all of your pores and shining out through your skin. Now go about your day from this place of renewal.
These are obviously only a few ways to plug in, but they are easy and effective. I personally do these exercises before my tank hits empty and encourage you to try this too. And please do send in ways you plug in as well. We’d love to hear from you!