Thoughts, emotions, and actions all create energy. But what exactly is meant when people refer to energy? Many people initially think of physical energy, which is undoubtedly a factor.
Albert Einstein once said, “Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another,” proving that energy is a fundamental force of nature and that – quite literally – everything is energy. And energy is contagious.
Imagine, a leader walks into a room and is clearly in a bad mood. The team instantly picks up on the tension, which you see written all over their faces. They, in turn, are not open or engaging.
Compare this to the dynamic leader who walks in with an open affect. The dynamic leader believes well of others and gives credit where it’s due. The team reacts in much the same way. The ripple effect here is energy.
Defining Energy
- Catabolism – The body’s process to generate energy to counteract a stressor. The body will find available energy stored within its system and pull from it to generate power.
- Catabolic energy is draining, contracting, and resisting energy. The root word “cat” is derived from the Greek word meaning down, against, or back.
- You can observe catabolic energy in behaviors such as fight or flight, arguing, defensiveness, avoidance, and resistance.
- Anabolism – The opposite energy and process is anabolic. Anabolism is the process by which the body builds itself up and grows. Anabolic energy is constructive, expanding, rejuvenating, and sustainable.
- Anabolic energy is generative, fueling energy. The root word “ana” derives from the Greek word “anew.”
- You can observe anabolic energy in behaviors such as acknowledging different perspectives, rationalizing differences, serving others, identifying a purpose in all situations, and not getting attached to one view or way of doing things.
Anabolic energy tends to be harder to access and thus requires intention. Catabolic energy is easy to access and is often present in adverse reactions to life circumstances. No one possesses exclusively anabolic or catabolic energy; energy is a continuum, and we all react from energy across the whole range.
Some practices can help us move away from catabolic energy and towards anabolic energy and allow us to have a positive ripple effect.
Instant Energy Shifters:
- Identify your fears. They shrink in the light.
- List all the areas you are in control of. Watch this multiply.
- Identify all the situations and people you are trying to fix. No one needs fixing.
- List gratitude items. Watch them multiply. You have a lot going for you.
- Fill your faith bucket. More surrender, less shouldering.
- Get in tune with your inner voice. Quiet the chatter. Listen for the wisdom. You already have the answer.
- “Everything is as it should be.” Feel your stomach unclench.
Energy is a fundamental force of nature created by our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is contagious, and our behavior has a ripple effect on those around us. We have two types of energy: catabolic and anabolic. Catabolic energy is draining, resisting, and contracting, while anabolic energy is constructive, expanding, and rejuvenating. Both energies are present in us, and we react to situations across the whole range of energy. However, we can intentionally shift our energy towards positivity by identifying our fears, focusing on what we can control, practicing gratitude, trying to shoulder less and surrender when we can, and listening to our inner voice. Remember, “Everything is as it should be.”