The last time we met we talked about the signs that there's some imbalance in our energy system. We specifically talked about each energy center, and what those signs would look like, what symptoms we might be experiencing, if there's some kind of blockage or if that chakra is overactive. So this week I was going to talk a little bit about what affects our energy. I've decided to pivot a little bit, just because of my own personal experiences, and I often find that when I'm experiencing something I'm probably not the only one, I hope. I always like to be upfront and honest with everyone. I think there's a lot of pressure that I put on myself doing this kind of work, to present myself like I'm always peaceful and things are always good. But that's not the truth, right? That's not how the human experience is supposed to be. There's a range of emotions and all these experiences are here to help form us and shape us. So, the title that I've given here kind of gives a little hint about what's been going on, but I've just decided that I am ready to regain control back of my life and my energy, specifically.
One of the major things can affect our energy are environmental factors such as: other people's energy, other people's opinions, other people's words, things that they're bringing into your life. People who are very empathic, which I bet a lot of you are, as well as myself, we will absorb a lot from others. As sensitive people, we sense more. So, not a bad thing, but this is something for us to be aware of so that we can monitor that. I also have a very addictive personality where I have a hard time stopping and transitioning to something else. So, I've been recognizing lately that the social media, and just phone use in general, has been getting a little bit more than I'd like. I'm noticing how it's affecting my energy. Even when it is good things, like an audio book or an inspirational video, I'm recognizing that sometimes I am using it as an escape.
So, the first aspect is that we have to be careful what we're taking in. I often find that I will be matching the emotion that I see in the videos. If it was something upsetting or sad or something that someone else went through, I would feel so much empathy that I feel their emotions. That can be a little bit tricky, right? That's something that we have to watch and monitor, so that we don't get too far entrenched in someone else's feelings or energy, so that we can keep ourselves where we need to be.
The second thing to consider is about using screen time to avoid or escape. These behaviors are things I've used in the past as coping mechanisms, and I'm sure a lot of people do. I remember the couple weeks leading up to my mother's passing, were very difficult. I think to survive that traumatic time, I used a lot of escaping behaviors (like drinking alcohol & being entrenched in an audiobook series). I remember saying, "when is this going to be a problem?" Because I recognizedthat this was a traumatic time but when is it time to move through it.
I think there is that want versus need, and sometimes like I use that with alcohol now and I'm trying to use that now with other things as well. There's nothing inherently wrong with television, social media, audiobooks. They're all great enjoyable things. I think maybe we need to stop ourselves, use some mindfulness, and ask ourselves, "do I really do I want to have some enjoyment right now? Or am I purposely using this as stress relief or as an avoidance/escape from something? I think that can help lead us in the right direction.
Right now I feel like it's become so addictive that I'm trying to use some of the technology tools that are built into the phone (i.e. screentime limits, downtime restrictions) to help me. It's been very eye opening! I think that you might find also how much more time you have, that you didn't realize you had. You'll have a chance to hear your own thoughts, to feel your own feelings. Sometimes that can be difficult, right? I think that's why we do this. But, if you're ready to start to get to know yourself a little bit better, start to move to that next level, then I encourage you to give this a try.
This journey is never ending and I think there's always another level up that can happen. So I think that's maybe where I'm at, I'm not sure where you guys are in your lives, but I encourage you maybe to just take a moment and just to think about some of the things that you might be using as coping mechanisms or as stress relievers. Maybe it's okay, at this time. Maybe it isn't the right time for a level up. Maybe it's time get through that difficult moment. I think we have that we need to give ourselves permission to sometimes be in those places where we're not okay for right now, feeling some of those other emotions. The key there is to when to move out of it, starting to recognize if it's time now.
I think that that's where I am. I didn't even realize that this might be leftover from the COVID quarantine time. I felt that I had done pretty well during the quarantine time but I think I'm almost now recognizing what kind of a big thing that was that we all just went through. I have to say that I was very lucky and it certainly could have been so much worse. But I think that I may have picked up some of these coping mechanisms during the quarantine period. It's time to let go of them now ... it's time to move forward ... time to level up to that next level. So I need to hear my own thoughts ... feel my own emotions ... and not be clouded by the other things.
So, I'm not sure if this is right for you right now. But if it is, I'd love to hear how it goes for you. I'd love to hear any insights you gain. Maybe you'll recognize much more often you're reaching for your phone than you thought, realizing how much more time you have in your life, noticing that some of these emotions and feelings are not your own.
If you are in need of an energetic tune up I'd love for you to come see me. My website is amandakugler.com and you can book your own Reiki session right there.