A Resource for Harmonizing Your Energy and Actions
The path towards a simpler and connected life demands substantial introspective examination. A critical question in this pursuit involves prioritizing and directing our time and energy. To facilitate this endeavor, a “Commitment Inventory” worksheet has been created to assist in the investigation of time and energy management, promoting more time spent being and less time spent doing.
Brahmacharya or “Energy Stewardship”
The notion of living simply has ancient roots, found in spiritual texts and philosophical writings. Here, the emphasis is on yogic philosophy and personal insight. In the Yoga Sutras, the initial stage of yoga is through the five “Yamas” or “principles and restraints.” The fourth Yama is “Brahmacharya”:
The term brahmacharya is derived from two Sanskrit components:
1. Brahma denotes the divine in the Vedas, the principal scriptures of Hinduism.
2. Charya means “occupation, behavior, conduct, to adhere to.”
Historically, this practice was perceived as celibacy among spiritual figures. Yet today, it is interpreted as “energy stewardship” or “appropriate utilization of energy.”
The Significance of Energy Stewardship
Effectively managing vitality aligns one with the divine, ensuring that actions remain purposeful. At the core of living simply, or as a minimalist, it’s about creating space for what is genuinely significant and embodying that in daily life. As Marie Kondo would inquire, “Does it spark joy?” This question emphasizes how responsibilities that no longer serve a higher purpose can be released.
Participating in activities that fail to ignite joy may result in feelings of sadness or anxiety, and a loss of concentration. However, some seemingly mundane tasks may have a greater significance, and the essence lies in recognizing what revitalizes and depletes you.
Methods to Manage Energy
Today’s focus is on introspection and alignment. The provided worksheet acts as a tool to contemplate where energy is allocated and not allocated in life. The subsequent step is balancing actions to create an aligned flow of energy that resonates well within the body.
Commitment Inventory
Respond to the following inquiries, reflecting or sketching your awareness within 3–5 minutes before progressing to the next:
1. In what ways do I occupy my time? What fills my schedule?
2. Which discussions and subjects naturally attract me?
3. Which pursuits energize me?
4. Which endeavors leave me feeling fatigued?
5. What facets of myself do I recognize?
6. Which communities do I belong to?
7. How do I engage with those communities?
8. What tasks do I find easy to complete?
9. Which tasks seem perpetually unfinished?
10. What activities do I always lack time for?
11. What are my three primary intentions at present?
12. What is one skill I aspire to master in the following year?
13. Which ongoing activities do not align with my top three intentions?
14. What can be relinquished to create space for my goals?
15. What daily, weekly, and monthly practices can assist in realizing my goals?
16. What are my new commitments?
This activity encourages the exploration of brahmacharya in one’s personal journey. Share how you are exploring energy stewardship!
Originally published at https://ciara.yoga on April 16, 2020.