Harnessing Energy: Unlocking Your Inner Potential

The sixth component of the t.i.m.o.t.h.y method is Harnessing Energy.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Everything is energy.” It’s common enough to sound almost cliché, yet in some circles, any conversation about energy gets labeled as “woo-woo.” And yet, energy is a concept we accept readily in other areas of life. We flip a switch and trust an invisible force to light up a room. We put food in a microwave and marvel at the way it heats up in seconds. So, what happens when we shift this understanding inward, to ourselves?

We seem to recognize energy’s role in our lives instinctively, especially when we’re tired. How often do we hear people say, “I’m tired,” or “I don’t have the energy,” on a regular basis? A study from the CDC found that sleep deprivation and mental health issues like anxiety and depression significantly worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The term "coronasomnia" emerged to describe the rise in sleep problems, which are often tied to pandemic-related stressors such as uncertainty, financial pressure, and social isolation. Prior to the pandemic, around one-third of U.S. adults already struggled with insufficient sleep. However, COVID-19 exacerbated this issue, with rates of insomnia rising by nearly 40%, while reports of anxiety and depression symptoms also surged, particularly among young adults (Sleep Foundation)​(JAMA Network). We know what it feels like to be running on empty, and we’re always seeking ways to recharge.

I remember how excited my students would get when they yelled, “Powerhouse of the cell!” whenever I asked about the mitochondria. They felt as if they had conquered biology with that one answer. But the real question is—what is energy? What is our relationship with it? And, more importantly, what are the  things that drain our energy versus the things that replenish it?

The Nature of Energy

Energy is the driving force behind all our actions and experiences—physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. When our energy is flowing well, we feel vibrant, focused, and resilient. But when it’s blocked or depleted, we experience fatigue, stress, and lack of motivation.

Strategies for Harnessing Energy

Physical Energy: Our physical energy is what fuels our bodies. It comes from how we nourish ourselves, how we move, and how we rest. Activities like walking, yoga, and even dancing can invigorate us. But just as crucial is knowing when to prioritize rest and recovery. The quality of our physical energy directly impacts how we experience life.

Mental Energy: Boost your mental energy by challenging your mind. This might look like learning new skills, reading, or even engaging in meaningful conversations. I’ve found that practicing mindfulness helps reduce the mental clutter that can drain us. It’s a way to free up space for what truly matters.

Emotional Energy: Emotions play a big role in our energy. By acknowledging and processing emotions, instead of pushing them away, we can keep emotional energy balanced. Practicing self-compassion and seeking support from loved ones are ways to maintain this balance.

Spiritual Energy: This is where I’ve found so much inspiration from the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. His studies on energy, meditation, and the mind-body connection have completely reshaped my understanding of human biology. Connecting with a deeper sense of purpose, through meditation or acts of service, for instance, allows us to tap into something beyond the surface—a well of energy that is infinite and powerful.

Benefits of Harnessing Energy

Enhanced Focus and Productivity: When your energy is in harmony, you’re able to concentrate and be more productive.

Improved Well-Being: Overall, harnessing your energy helps you become more resilient and capable of handling life’s challenges.

My Personal Journey

As I’ve deepened my practice, I’ve become more attuned to the way my energy flows—how it both returns to me and goes out into the world. Lately, I’ve noticed my energy feeling scattered, spread thin across many areas of desire, effort, and attention. It’s been a vulnerable process, recognizing just how much energy goes into everything I do—sometimes without enough intention or focus.

In these moments, I’ve had to pause and ask myself, Where is my energy going? and How am I using it? It’s easy to get caught up in the constant output, but mindful practice reminds me to pull back, regroup, and ensure that my energy is aligned with what truly matters. Finding balance has meant allowing myself to be vulnerable and honest about where I feel depleted and where I need to re-energize.

Invitation to Practice

I invite you to explore your relationship with energy. Ask yourself: What energizes me? What drains me? Consider implementing small practices to support your energy balance. For deeper insights and tools to guide you on this journey, you can explore my Mindful Moments practices here, or dive deeper by purchasing my ebook, "It's All Practice: A Simple Guide to Mindfulness Meditation & Practice Journal" here.

Thank you for being part of this journey. In our next blog post, we’ll explore the final component of the t.i.m.o.t.h.y method: Yielding to Self-Discovery. 

It's all Practice!