Vital Energy, and Honoring the Spaces in Our Lives
Since I was 15, I have loved lifting weights. I love pushing against the resistance and the explosive energy it can take to lift something heavy. Some bodies are better suited to certain activities, and it doesn't take effort to stay consistent when you find what is right for you. I love the thrill of the outdoors even more. I've kayaked white-water rapids, climbed mountains, ventured into caves, and walked through dark woods. Sometimes, getting close to the edge of my limits. These moments have always felt deeply aligned with my nature.
Recently, I've added swimming regularly. I have always loved the water, but I have started to forfeit the gym for swimming laps. And it's been nothing short of transformative. It's doubled my sleep quality, increased my heart rate variability, and, most importantly, increased my vital energy noticeably. That energy is everything. It's what allows us to take on challenges, think clearly, and stay resilient when the going gets tough. Without it, even small tasks feel insurmountable.
So, I wanted to write something about honouring our energy and the spaces we inhabit. Life isn't just about relentless effort or pushing harder when things get tough. It's about balance: between focused work, play, relaxation, and reflection. Some of my best ideas have come after stepping away—whether for a swim, a walk, or a quiet moment with my thoughts.
Honouring our energy starts with creating and respecting rituals in our daily lives. For example:
Treating Reflection as Sacred: When meditating or engaging in deep thought, eliminate distractions. Turn off the noise and put down your phone. Respect the stillness and the space for your mind to reset.
Focused Workspaces: Approach work with intention. When you step into your workspace, treat it with the respect it deserves. Avoid distractions like social media, and immerse yourself fully in what you're doing.
Rituals of Respect: Much like bowing before entering a dojo, create ceremonies to honour the transitions in your day. Whether setting a specific time for creative work or creating boundaries around your personal time, these rituals cultivate focus and energy.
It's easy to cheat on your energy—to skip a meal, cram in extra work, or trade a restorative walk for a few more emails. But the truth is that productivity comes from honouring your needs, not ignoring them. Think of it this way: no one would climb a mountain without preparation, knowing the terrain, or conserving energy for the toughest parts. If you start a journey already depleted, even a minor setback can derail you.
Energy is neither a quick fix nor a guarantee for success. But it is the foundation on which everything else is built. When we lose sight of that, we lose clarity, focus, and the ability to tackle the challenges that truly matter. And when we honour our energy—by creating rituals, respecting our spaces, and stepping away when needed—we allow creativity, solutions, and breakthroughs to emerge naturally.
The mountain metaphor resonates deeply with me. You wouldn't climb Everest with a broken leg and no sleep. So why approach your goals that way? Start with energy, honour your spaces, and create a rhythm in life that allows for both effort and renewal.
At the end of the day, success isn't just about climbing the mountain. It's about having the vitality to enjoy the view—and the journey it took to get there.
