Leaping Forward By Stepping Back
By James Arthur Ray

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Plugging Our Own Energy Leaks

In the last twenty years, David Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. has done exhaustive research on consciousness and awakening. His findings are of particular interest for avoiding those things that zap the energy out of us and give us absolutely nothing of value in return. And since society is a mirror of the collective, we must solve our personal energy crisis first. We can begin by eliminating unwanted energy drains.

Hawkins has calibrated the average sitcom (which is around 22 minutes exclusive of commercials) and found conclusively through Applied Kinesiology “that the individual watching is weakened 14 times.” Each of these occurrences negatively affects the immune system. Is it any wonder the number one illness in our country is depression?

Rap and heavy metal music has been proven to weaken anyone who listens to it. This occurs irrespective of whether they like the song or not. All foods with pesticides weaken us. Organic produce, however strengthens.

Right now, the public is glued to the news in a way as never before. CNN, MSNBC, and others give us access to up-to-the-minute information every minute of our 24 hours each day. Is it healthy to watch so much? Is it helpful? Being informed is one thing, but getting consumed by every detail can utterly deplete our energy to do anything else.

We already know on some level, the conceptual if not the practical. As we give some thought to what robs us of our vital energy stores, consider how we might begin to replenish those stores. When was the last time we took a breather from work, for instance? When was the last time we took a real vacation?

According to a recent study by Oxford Health Plans, 20% of people surveyed said they are “too overworked to use their annual vacation time.” What a paradox! We all know time off is what recharges us to take on daunting work schedules and demanding job responsibilities. Then why would we be so unwilling to separate the proverbial nose from grindstone?

Most are reluctant to take one day away from the office. Seventeen percent of the Oxford survey respondents said their jobs have policies that restrict time off or make it tough to leave work in the case of an emergency. Nearly 20% think it’s necessary to go to work even when sick or injured.

What is going on here? Yang has outstripped yin, our drive has undone our desire to be healthy individuals.

Harmonizing Yin and Yang

To the degree that we increase our personal velocity through the constant harmony of yang (activity) and yin (inactivity/receptivity), we will find our environment and world will change.

Let Intuition Be Our Guide

If we passionately feel something is right to do, do it passionately. If we are ambivalent or uncertain, wait. Take time each day to be alone and journey inside (yin).

Turn off “the plug-in drug” (a.k.a. the TV). This income and energy reducer transmits a constant stream of electrons right into the brain that can put us in a trance and dull our minds.

Stop Living By The News

This can keep us in constant fear and disempowerment. Doubt me? Most everything we’re told is murder, mayhem, and sensationalism. If we buy in, it will ultimately dull the senses, limit creativity, and suggest that we are totally out of control and unable to do anything about the world in which we live. We may need to be informed but not inundated.

The power to direct our own lives is not found by doing (yang); it is by being (yin). That power is also known as Spirit. We cannot think our way to empowerment or enlightenment. While there are activities and learning that will advance us, ultimately, we must go into the Silence to experience a profound awakening to Power/Spirit.

Most of us in Western society are so busy talking to our God that we never listen. We treat Spirit/God as our own personal assistant: “Give me this. Give me that. Help me here. Save me there. Get me out of this mess, please.”

What might happen if we stop asking and start paying attention? In the final analysis, silent, undemanding prayer or meditation, whatever label we use, is the only answer to all the most important questions in life.

As to the dilemma of harmonizing our drive toward doing (expending energy constructively) with its absolutely necessary inverse of being (collecting spiritual energy)? Ultimately, stepping back is the only way to leap forward.

James Arthur Ray is called “The Rock Star of Personal Transformation.” An entrepreneur with an avid quest for spiritual knowledge gives him a unique and powerful ability to address life issues. Visit www.JamesRay.com.