Notice the Energy You Bring
“You are responsible for your life... You are responsible for the energy that you create for yourself, and you are responsible for the energy that you bring to others.” Oprah Winfrey
Why are we doing all of this? What’s the outcome of working out several times a week? If you’re a part of my Total Wellness Program— what did I create this group for us to feel together? It’s about ENERGY. How to get it, how to keep it, how to give it. Because if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that energy is transferable, infectious, and contagious-- both in its positive form and its negative. And we’re here to get some more of the positive.
Now, we have to start with what committing to long-term wellness— what deciding to show up on a consistent basis— means for you in the first place. This is a massive step that unleashes a tremendous amount of Energy in itself. It’s the fire in the engine that sets the gears in motion. With this energy in motion comes quite a responsibility that now belongs to you.
YOU. You bring this feel-good energy through your presence in a group. Many of you keep telling me, “the workout recordings are just not the same as the live zoom classes.” I am energized by the presence of the other participants in the live classes.” Showing up for a live fitness class brings energy to the group, I promise (especially when your camera is on!) Similarly, we feel less energy when you are not there and we can’t see your smiling face and feel your infectious energy. That’s why I try to discourage my recorded classes, though they are available to suit the schedule needs of our tribe.
I’ve been teaching for a looong time, and I can tell you that group energy is amazing!! But here’s the thing. Teaching to one energetic, open and smiling class participant is WAAAY better (and more fun) than teaching to a stuffy, judgy, unhappy group of 20. It’s not the group itself, but instead the energy YOU bring to the group, that matters.
I recently had a situation where a yoga student came to an in person class with such a strong scowl on his face, I could see it through his mask. He was unhappy with his work, his home life, his parents. His anger at his current situation was palpable. I felt it. Everyone around him in class felt it. His energy brought everyone around him down.
Now don’t get me wrong— we are going to have our off days. I didn’t create my cardio and yoga classes, and especially not my Total Wellness Group for us to feel permanently happy. I felt tremendous compassion for this guy’s situation, but he did not want my help when I offered it. He just wanted to feel angry. And THAT is the key difference maker. I want you to come to my classes however you happen to be feeling that day… as long as you remember two things. You are responsible for how you affect others, and this space was designed for open-mindedness to positive change. If you are open-minded, the group will benefit.
In fact, the energy that you bring to each and every situation matters - not just fitness or yoga class. Do you come to work, your relationship, your family with an open heart and an open mind? Free of judgement? Free of competition? Free of expectation? That open, free energy is energy that elevates not only you, but those around you. When people feel your openness, and they will, it allows their inner light to shine. They, too, will feel more energetic and open in your presence. The opposite is also true.
The third key piece of our Energy together? It helps ME. Every week-- in Monday, Wednesday, Friday CardioOm, and Tuesday, Saturday yoga— it’s my intention to bring my energy and my love of fitness and mindfulness to you. To tell you the truth, there are times when it feels really hard not to let someone’s (or a group’s) energy bring me down. We all come with our own challenges and issues, and that’s what’s wonderful-- so I try to understand a person, their point of view, and why they came to think, feel, believe what they do. I then allow them their feelings without having to absorb them. I imagine an impenetrable protective bubble around me that does allow in any of their negative energy.
However, when your energy is high, it helps my energy be high. And we are on track for a workout like none other (And then... I lose track of squats as we probably get up over 200 without me even noticing!)
Reflection Question:
Reflect on the energy you brought this past week to each person you encountered. What quality defined your energy most? Notice the energy you bring this week
An afterthought...
Whenever I think about the energy I bring to any situation, I always think back to the popular television program from the 80’s, Cheers. Whenever Norm would walk into the bar, the entire crowd would shout his name -”NORM!” Whether Norm brought that kind of energy to the room or the room gave Norm that energy, it’s an excellent example of how it’s contagious, both ways. Can you imagine the incredible energy you would feel if that happened to you when you walked into a room? Or, if that’s how people felt about the energy you brought!
It’s how I feel whenever I come home to my dogs. They make me feel loved and special and energized. I hope I do the same for them. We can learn a lot from our dogs - imagine if we, too, could give that same loving, special energy to everyone we meet.