Shifting Energy
Spring is here. Early morning birds are chattering away. Brave buds are on the tree branches. And a baffling number of bunnies are staring me down as they eagerly munch on my lawn. (Note to self- stronger fence needed in the garden this year.)
A new season is an intentional time for shifts in our physical, emotional, and mental energy. In the last “PLAY’ful Note,” I shared about catabolic and anabolic energy. Catabolic energy is depleting and destructive. Anabolic is resourcing and constructive. On any given day, we flow between different levels of energy depending on our circumstances.
I experience catabolic energy even amidst the blossoming spring. For example, it's the dreaded tax season, which brings anxiety about saving enough for my retirement. I also don't feel prepared for the end of the academic year along with the switch to a summer routine. And speaking of summer, my overindulgence since the holidays has created a love/hate relationship with the arriving shorts and swimsuit weather.
On the other hand, I’m radiating anabolic energy about the days getting longer and warmer. I’m so excited to dig in my garden and get back on the bikes with my daughter. Enjoying the increased community activities has sparked creative outreach ideas for my coaching business. And I can’t wait for the summer getaways with family and friends.
So why do we experience different kinds of energy? This curiosity leads us to better understand internal and external blocks as well as the positive resources that are impacting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
My examples of catabolic energy point to limiting storytelling that is based more in my insecurities than likely truths. And this block is dragging me down. Even writing the paragraph made me want a nap! But I now see it for what it is - an internal narrative I can change.
Whereas examples of my anabolic energy reflect what motivates, reconnects, and brings more joy and meaning. Just sharing these passions and values with you makes me want to put real ideas in motion around gardening, coaching, and planning summer vacation.
Not sure if shifting energy is that simple...even if there are bunnies in the yard? I hear you. And still, as a coach, I challenge you.
Pay attention to your energy in the coming days. How would you describe it? Write down any thoughts and emotions that come to mind. Explore what opportunities are possible if catabolic energy didn’t get in your way. And notice what feeds and motivates your anabolic energy.
The more we practice recognizing and shifting our energy, the more empowered we are to choose what fuels and moves us forward in all the areas of our life, at any time of the year.
Resources:
Core Energy Coaching, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching [IPEC]
Waldorf, Lynn (2018). Your Core Energy Determines Your Life Potential. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
Schneider, Bruce D (2022). Energy Leadership: The 7 Level Framework for Mastery in Life and Business. 2nd edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
