5 of Our Energy Thieves, According to the Dalai Lama

As human beings we are and are made up of energy. This allows us to achieve what we desire and improve every day of our existence and our inner self. To do that, it is essential to care for the state of our energy, renewing it every day and strengthening each one of our innate skills. That’s how we become the best version of ourselves for those we love and for humanity.

Because of the power that energy has on us and the strength it gives us to undergo personal growth, the Dalai Lama defines 5 energy thieves. Knowing them ensures the care and wellbeing of our energies, and helps us avoid experiences that prevent us from making the most of them.

Accept the present moment

We live in an era when the future and tomorrow prevail over the moment, the here and now. We overlook the power of the present, to enjoy the instant we are living through and lose ourselves in future plans that don’t let us value what we already have. This state leads us to reject the negative situations we face in our day to day since we don’t have the power to acknowledge that we can’t change everything.

To accept therefore, is the task we must begin practicing as a mantra. When we accept that we can’t modify something, we find ourselves facing the possibility of changing the plan and being much more open to new opportunities. “Accept. It is not resignation, but nothing makes you waste more energy than resisting and fighting against a situation you cannot change. “

Rest and take small steps

The day to day is made up of time, the same as nature. It is the real beauty of our inner fullness, to accept time but not to become its slaves. We already know that there there is an infinity of rhythms when it’s time to follow time and that each one of us is more prone to one or the other. “Give yourself permission to rest at times when you need to do so, and allow yourself to act if you are in a moment of opportunity.”

To do this, it is essential to know when to stop and when to act at the right time. If we don’t, we don’t value our own being, our essence as human beings and we lose our self-love.

We open the door to states of anxiety, sadness and depression that block us and don’t allow us to be the best version of ourselves. Give yourself basic advice to overcome successfully such emotional states, always understanding their source:

Surround yourself with the right, loving people 

When we talk about the right people we are referring to those who are a part of you, who love you sincerely, who are committed and don’t require anything in return. People who are generous for a great reason: love.

People who make us feel even more alive and free to be ourselves. “Let go of the people who only come to share complaints, problems, disaster stories, fear and judgment of others. If somebody is looking for a boat where to throw their trash, try for it not to be your mind.”

Take care of your health

Health is the basic pillar that tells us if we are properly managing our existence. It is the thermometer, because our emotional health has much of biology in it and also manifests itself through our vital signs.

When we talk about energy we talk about the body, so it is essential to let it rest, feed it properly and give it time to meditate. “Give priority to your health; without the machinery of your body working at its maximum, you can’t do much. Take some breaks.”

Make it a habit to forgive

To learn to forgive allows us to free ourselves from the past and continue forward in a positive way. We can often feel emotions that fill us with grief, anger, resentment and even a thirst for revenge.

In spite of that, understanding those feelings and their purpose, learning to forgive, allows us to improve our existence and with time, realize that we have made the right decision. “Forgive, let go of a situation that is causing you pain, you can always choose to leave the pain of memory behind.”

Don’t break your promises

When we make a promise we are offering a part of our heart, because trust is rooted in the love of others, and for ourselves. Each one of us perceives our experiences in a totally different way. That is why the promises we make may have an incalculable value for the person we make the promise to. Not fulfilling them, therefore, can bring about great inner pain for them.

If you haven’t fulfilled a promise, ask yourself why are you resisting. You always have the right to change your opinion, to apologize, to compensate, to renegotiate and offer another alternative towards an unmet promise, although not as a habit. The easiest way to avoid not fulfilling something you don’t want to do, is to say NO from the beginning.