Use Your Energy Wisely

There are multiple definitions for the practice of Brahmacharya. Sometimes understood as celibacy, sometimes, non-excess, the translation of Brahmacharya means “walking with God.” No matter your interpretation, this Yama (personal restraint) invites us to use our energy wisely.

Much like Non-stealing, or Asteya, practicing Brahmacharya is an opportunity to examine at all the ways we overdo. We might sleep too much, eat too much, work too much, watch too much tv, or spend too much time on social media. Anything that is enjoyable has the potential to be done to the point of excess. Instead of overdoing, we recognize the maximum amount we can do with pleasure, and stop there. Think of the difference between a normal meal where you feel satisfied, and how you feel after Thanksgiving, or another celebratory feast. The heaviness of overindulging with food robs us from the enjoyment of the event.

Repression is the flip side of overindulging, and may be just as harmful. If you love dessert, giving it up will turn your desire into obsession over time. But, allowing for dessert once a day, week, or special occasions might be the perfect middle path.

Controlling the senses, and turning our attention inwardly is part of the practice of yoga. The ancient texts mention how freedom from senses means sensory pleasures are replaced by inner joy. If we consider our energy intertwined with divinity we will be more likely to use our energy wisely. We are less wasteful with our time, and live every moment to its fullest. We let the expression of our energy bring us closer to our spiritual Self.