The Currency of Energy
Credit, profit and loss, accumulation, deficit and overdrawn, terms most likely associated with money. They are also analogous with energy, a fairly common one, but still worth investigating. Looking at your bank balance and financial statements it is immediately obvious the health of your finances. Probably more obvious, is whether you are living beyond your means, stretching yourself to the limit and beyond. It is the same with your energy. Whilst it is always possible to earn more cash, it can be more difficult to “earn” more energy once we have plunged deep into the red. From a Chinese medical perspective we have two main types of energy, the one we are born with (inherited, or innate, original essence, prenatal or jing chi) and the energy we derive from what we consume, food and water and the air we breath (postnatal, external, acquired chi). Our original essence is finite, once used up we die! This Jing Chi can be viewed as a deposit of cash or capital in the bank. It can be there as a cushion of security. Unfortunately we are all allocated different amounts, this seems unfair, however we have access to a potentially unlimited supply, if we apply certain techniques. Providing we manage our energy correctly and do not have to dip into our savings it will last a (our) lifetime.
It is there to support us when we are ill or in old age, when we are unable to earn (cultivate energy). The way we live often means we constantly draw upon our reserves, whether that be through poor diet, lack of exercise and sleep, drugs, alcohol and sex, yea all the good stuff depletes us!. When we are young and have lots of energy (a full bank balance) we can draw upon this energy, with seemingly little effect on our overall health. However if we do not address and balance our energetic input with our output we soon dip into the red and begin to see and feel the effects. The good news, if you are still alive you still have some energy in the bank. we want to save what you have left (your capital) and build up a reserve to use on a daily basis. Even more good news, if we just get adequate sleep, maintain hydration, reduce processed foods and increase fresh whole foods, include some stress management techniques and move! we can maintain a good level of overall health. Many people pursue financial wealth to the detriment of their health, but true wealth is great health. One of the best methods for acquiring great health is through Chi Kung practice. The richest, purest and most powerful source of energy in the body is our sexual energy, it makes sense, it creates life. However, if misused and depleted, it has the opposite effect! Through simple and easy to learn techniques it is possible to cultivate, refine and store this energy, which will improve all aspects of health and wellbeing. These methods were once closely guarded and kept secret, practiced by a select few who could afford the teachings. The only secret now is in developing a regular practice. Begin the path to acquiring the methods of the ancient Taoist adepts. Build up energy reserves and experience true wealth.
