Energy has a special role in every spiritual tradition.
Whether it’s called chi, prana, shakti, mana or vital energy, it plays an extremely important role in all of life.
In the Vedic and Yogic, traditions energy is the vehicle of consciousness.
Applying energy to something in the universe is applying the factor of consciousness through force onto the chaos of matter: organizing, structuring and giving form to your nonphysical ideas and desires in the physical world.
This is how I view creativity.
These views are influenced by the spiritual traditions I’ve studied, as well as my dad, who’s an artist and something of a philosopher of creativity (more on him and his work in the future).
The Limitless Energy of Your Soul
Creative energy is linked to our soul.
Ever seen a dead person create anything?
Didn’t think so.
Since creative energy in the body is connected to our soul, when we’re aligned with our soul’s purpose that energy flows easily and abundantly.
We all know what this is like.
When we’re connected, we’re energized and motivated, even when we lack sleep or haven’t eaten.
But when we’re not aligned with our soul’s purpose we need ‘discipline’, which never lasts long, since it draws from physiological resources in the body and brain that have a limited supply.
Discipline is important, but we can’t rely on it as the source of our meaning.
Going against the direction of our purpose is soul crushing.
I remember after university I was living at home and completely lost. I had no direction.
I completely lacked motivation for everything and was depressed.
Ultimately, this sense of purposelessness and the suffering it gave was a major factor that drove me onto the spiritual path.
Once I started practicing meditation and spiritual practices, the depression began to lift away.
My material life hadn’t changed yet, but by connecting to my soul’s spiritual purpose I felt energized.
To be successful, we need to connect to the limitless energy of our soul, and to be connected to our soul, we need to align our actions with our soul’s purpose.
Getting clarity on our purpose is key to creative success, and this means maintaining a connection within.
The Inward & Outward Flow of Energy
Working with energy, purifying it and elevating it into higher centers in the brain is also an essential part of yogic practice.
This is the inward application of energy.
By directing energy away from our senses and body we can experience our consciousness and soul in a pure state, without the colorings of the mind and body.
From this place of stillness and silence we get clarity on who we are and what our purpose is.
This is also when we realize all the glorious qualities of joy, peace, and love that are our true nature.
Energy directed outwards is creativity and energy directed inwards is spirituality.
Creativity is all about creating the life of your dreams, while spirituality is all about inquiring into your transcendent nature beyond the world.
Both are essential on your path through life.
Harnessing your energy means that you’re able to direct it consciously in both directions, inwardly and outwardly, towards wholeness and fulfillment.
Here are 6 tips to help you unleash your energy for creative success and spiritual freedom
1. Prioritize self-care: Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. You’ll have more energy to devote to your creative pursuits and spiritual growth when you’re taking care of yourself.
2. Practice meditation: Meditation helps you become fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It gives you a connection to your soul. By practicing meditation, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm and focus, which can help you to manage your energy more effectively. It also helps you connect to yourself. Your dreams, goals, and aspirations, and get clarity on your soul’s purpose.
3. Set boundaries: It’s important to set clear boundaries around your time and energy. This means saying no to things that don’t align with your priorities or drain your energy, and saying yes to things that nourish your creativity and spirituality. It also means setting aside dedicated time for your creative pursuits and spiritual practices.
4. Find your flow: Flow is a state of deep focus and absorption in an activity that is both challenging and enjoyable. When you are in a state of flow, you lose track of time and are fully immersed in the present moment. Flow states happen naturally when engaging with meaningful work. By finding the activities that consistently allow you to enter a state of flow, you’re getting feedback that you’re aligning with your soul’s purpose.
5. Connect with others: Creativity and spirituality can be solitary pursuits, but it’s important to connect with others who share your interests and values. This can provide you with inspiration, support, and accountability. Look for mentors, communities or groups that align with your creative or spiritual interests, and make an effort to connect with like-minded individuals.
6. Get into nature: Nature provides the perfect place to ground yourself and get inspired. Natural environments like the beach or mountains, help us recharge our energy and find a quiet space for reflection to get clear on where we are in our lives. When we’re busy, distracted and overwhelmed, nature offers the perfect sanctuary to rebalance our energy and realign with ourselves.
What practices have helped you cultivate energy? Do you balance your energy for inwardly and outwardly for wholeness? Are you connected to your soul’s purpose, or do you need more clarity?
