Be a steward of your energy

Journaling this morning these words came to me:

“Be a steward of your energy. Where you direct your focus becomes the experience of your life. Choose wisely.”

There’s a term called the “attention economy” which describes a system where attention, especially in the digital age, is a finite resource that companies compete to capture and retain, often using psychological principles to drive engagement. In the past handful of years it’s become increasingly clear that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc are to be carefully managed. They can be toxic sources of distraction, fear, and polarization. They can also be fun, connecting, wonderful places of discovery. The access to both sides of this spectrum is heightened and simultaneous. Choose wisely what to follow, watch, and injest. As a child, my mother used to say to me “be careful what you’re putting in your mind”. These words ring so true.

Consider also that there are many other sources of distraction, fear, and negativity in our everyday lives. It need not be limited to the device in your hand. There can be devastating conditions in the news, in your neighboring state, country, or across the ocean. There are also miracles all around, and people living happy and wonderful lives. I’ve seen in my travels that people of all colors and nationalities have much more in common than in opposition. Following Hurricane Helene I went to Asheville, the news was horrendous, and when I arrived I witnessed a beautiful act of humanity coming together, helping each other. Both realities are distinct and true and simultaneous. Can you hold space for both? Or will you allow your default mind to be consumed by the negative?

Consider also that there are many sources of distraction, fear, and negativity in your own mind. Indeed, it need not be limited to “others” or external factors. Quite the contrary, often, we are the primary sources of our own suffering. Our mental loops, internal dialogue, unmet expectations, unfulfilled preferences are always ready and available to bring us down. My own personal struggle with the human condition has been the source of addiction, alcohol abuse, and pain. This same condition also launched me on a beautiful journey of self-inquiry, yoga, meditation, and growth. Both are true, simultaneously.

There’s no need to focus soley on “the positive” or “the negative.” We can simply hold space in our hearts to receive, without judging positive or negative.

This internal area of focus is where I encourage us:

“Be a steward of your energy. Where you direct your focus becomes the experience of your life. Choose wisely.”