Our energy is our power. Dissipating it or binding it in negativity renders us powerless.
So, to cope with stress we are inclined to increase, decrease or freeze our energy. An increase or excess of energy to cope is manifested as a pattern of overcompensation for fear or weakness. We see this in individuals who dominate situations and people. On the surface this may look like a powerful approach. However, internally the excessive energy required to accomplish this behavioral style tends to become stagnate and create a health problem for the individual in whatever area of the body the excess has accumulated.
A decrease in energy or a freezing response is manifested in withdrawal in order to avoid conflict or challenge. This deficient energy state results in a feeling of being unable to cope, or have what it takes to work through situations, hence retreat is chosen. Unfortunately this often has the consequence of reinforcing the original state and the person experiences even more of a sense of emptiness, restriction, and uselessness.
How can we know how we are managing this invisible inner resource? Our bodies and habits give us clues. Behavior is an outward manifestation of how we are managing energy but the shape our body takes as well as in how we carry ourselves also gives us evidence of how we are managing energy. Pay attention to how you carry your body. How do you stand, sit and walk? Do you stand tall or do you hunch over or inward? Do you breathe deep from your belly or shallow from the top of your lungs. Perhaps you don’t even notice.
It may feel daunting at first to begin to see yourself and others through the eyes of energy. It is a wonderful way to learn more though. This broader/deeper awareness gives us new and often more efficient ways to effect change. Our energy systems are highly responsive to change and there are a wide variety of approaches that can be used for transformation. This is truly preventative action.
One way to strengthen yourself and your own energy system is to pay attention to your breathing. Tune in and notice how you breathe. Do you breathe fast or slow? Shallow or deep? Long breaths or short? Stop reading and take a long deep breath right now. Breathe deeply and slowly. Hold it for a few seconds then release it very slowly. Do this again. Do you notice a shift in how you feel? This is an excellent technique to use whenever you are feeling stressed or fearful, tired or depleted. It’s a useful technique to begin yourself into a clear and balanced state.
Three techniques that help you to release blocked or stagnant energy within your body stress are the Emotional Freedom and Healing Technique, Emotional Freedom Technique and Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) SM. These techniques use a combination of using light pressure to hold or rub specific acupressure points on your body, saying a series of statements about a topic that you are working to release and deep breathing. These are very focused and easy ways to help you manage your energy system and improve your health. A trained facilitator can guide you through these in person or even over the telephone.
As always, it is important to work with methods that feel comfortable to you. It is also essential to remember that different methods may work at different times in your process, so remain open to experimenting and allowing your intuition to guide you. Trust your feelings –this is also an important component to your health and personal development!
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