The definition of energy is the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.

This primarily refers to how we develop and maintain momentum during the day using both our physical and mental resources. Sometimes we may be low in physical energy and high in mental energy and other times we may be higher in physical energy and low in mental energy. At our best times, both channels of energy are balanced.

The level of energy we have in one sector can impact the function of the other. For example, we may be physically ill with a virus or cold and this, in turn, impacts our mental energy. Alternatively, if we are experiencing mental lows of sadness or anxiety, this can impact our physical ability to function we need to throughout the day.

Both forms of energy are intertwined. In addition to these two primary forces of energy, we also contain another force of energy that relates to our inner spirit. This may be called spiritual energy. This doesn’t involve a religious component as it refers to our emotions, beliefs, and perceptions in life.

Life can be difficult! Life can provide us with experiences that consume a lot of our physical, mental, and personal energy. When these energy sources are depleted it can be difficult to motivate ourselves to engage in positive behavior and thinking that will help guide us through the different experiences.

In these difficult times as well as throughout our everyday lives, we can cultivate a practice of developing and maintaining our energy sources so that we can move through life feeling more positive and able to cope with the more difficult experiences in life. We can also develop a level of energy that helps us bring vitality to lives around us through our family, workplace and general social circles.

To cultivate your personal energy means to pay attention to the three important energy sources that you have:

• Physical – balance healthy eating, sleep, and physical movement
• Mental – intake of positive information and education on psychological experiences
• Personal – development of emotional experiences and fundamental beliefs

The ultimate goal is that all energy sources are balanced. At times, you may experience low levels in one of the energy sources. At this time you can pay attention to restoring balance to this energy source. You may also experience high levels of energy in one particular source. At these times, you can tap into the excess energy and use it for generating positive behaviors, thoughts, and outcomes in your life.

Because life is complex and always changing, it is not realistic to believe that all three sources must be in balance at all times. It is natural that we sometimes feel the ebb and flow of life and this may impact our energy sources.

In most cases we possess the skills to restore balance, however, experiencing a natural high or low or energy may also require acceptance and patience until energy sources are naturally restored over time.

There are a number of ways you can use Reiki to boost your energy. We’ve included a few of them below:

RECEIVE REIKI: If you are a Reiki practitioner, you will be offering Reiki sessions on a regular basis. This outflow of Reiki can sometimes take its toll if you are not restoring your own internal energy sources. As a Reiki practitioner, it is also helpful to receive Reiki energy as well as give it.

You can give yourself Reiki through self-sessions and this is an integral part of self-care. It is also important to connect with other Reiki practitioners and receive Reiki as a social support mechanism.

PRACTICE REIKI: This is especially useful if you are a beginner to Reiki. The more you practice Reiki, the more you will become open to the possibilities of Reiki. This does not mean you should mindlessly engage in Reiki, however, you should always approach a Reiki session with positive intentions and a mindful approach to the flow of energy. Practicing Reiki will also expose you to more situations and experiences where Reiki can benefit you or those around you. This will boost your mindset and receptiveness to including Reiki in your life.

RECEIVE TRAINING: This is also relevant for beginner Reiki practitioners. As a new practitioner, you will begin with Reiki Level 1 training. As you progress, you can receive additional training through Reiki Levels 2 and 3. Finally, you can then also receive training at the Master Level 4. Each level will increase your understanding of Reiki and how you can incorporate Reiki into your daily life.

BALANCE CHAKRAS: Balancing the Chakras with Reiki will clear blockages and help encourage the flow of energy throughout the body in order to restore, maintain, and develop overall wellbeing.

CHO KU REI (power symbol): Use the power symbol before a session or in an environment to help boost energy in your surroundings. The Cho Ku Rei symbol helps connect with Reiki energy and channel the power of Reiki.