A feeling is energy, not just a sensory experience. It is about being present to that energy and utilizing it as a fuel source.
Imagine you're holding a glowing ember in your hands. It's not just the warmth you feel against your skin, but a vibrant, crackling energy that you have the power to either let burn out or use to ignite something much larger, like a bonfire that lights up the entire night. This is what our feelings are like: not just sensations that pass through us, but potent energy waiting to be harnessed.
Let's say you're hit by a wave of frustration because you've been stuck in traffic for what feels like an eternity. That frustration isn't just an annoying feeling you have to suppress. It's a signal, an energy surge that's telling you something important. Maybe it's showing you how much you value your time, or perhaps it's highlighting your need for more control over your daily routines. Instead of letting it simmer into resentment or explode into road rage, you can channel this energy into making positive changes, like finding a new podcast to turn traffic jams into learning sessions, or exploring alternative routes or transportation methods to reclaim your sense of control.
Think about a time when you felt a burst of joy so intense that it seemed to light up your entire being. That joy is energy too, a powerful reminder of what makes life meaningful. It could come from something as simple as a surprise call from an old friend or the unexpected beauty of a sunset on your drive home. This energy can fuel your day with a sense of gratitude and propel you to spread that joy through acts of kindness or by simply sharing your positive energy with those around you.
Our feelings, whether they're shadows of sadness or beams of happiness, are like the wind beneath the wings of a bird. They can drag us down or lift us up; it all depends on how we choose to interact with them. Just as a bird learns to ride the wind currents to soar higher, we can learn to navigate our feelings, using them as a source of energy to propel us forward, to grow, and to create change in our lives.
Consider the ember again. By itself, it's just a small source of light and warmth. But with your intervention, it can transform into a roaring fire. Similarly, your feelings, when acknowledged and directed with intention, can transform your life in ways you never imagined. They can motivate you to pursue new passions, to stand up for what you believe in, or to connect with others on a deeper level.
So, the next time you feel a surge of any emotion, remember the ember. See it not as a fleeting sensation to be extinguished or ignored but as a powerful energy source. Ask yourself, "How can I use this energy in a way that illuminates my path forward?"
And now, a question for you to reflect on: What feeling have you been ignoring or suppressing lately, and how can you harness its energy to fuel positive change in your life?
* If you're looking for more inspiration to help you on your personal development journey, you may want to check out my extensive list of SMART goals. This page is packed with thousands of different goal ideas that can help you set new aspirations and reach higher heights in your life. Personally, this page helped me to create my own 100 life goals list, which I pursued for over a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
