Budgeting Energy for Balance

“Harmony is not achieved through control, but through understanding.” ~ Lao Tzu

We are nearing the end of our exploration of the theme Strength and Ease. Today, I want to share my thoughts on this theme from an energetic perspective. True strength is found in how we manage our energy, and true ease is found in how we allow it to replenish. The topic of budgeting energy came up this week during a conversation with a group of trainees. We were discussing how to manage fluctuations that come from world events, caring for others, and the need for deeper self-care to continue doing it all with grace.

In the conversation, I mentioned how important it is for me to properly budget and reconcile my energy in order to stay aligned with both my work and my healing journey. When I was younger, I believed I had an unlimited supply to draw from. With time, I learned that my personal energy is a sacred resource that must be invested with care. Ignoring the signs of depletion left me energetically overdrawn, which often led to illness, sleepless nights, mood shifts, and disconnection from the people and things I love. 

Now, with a deeper understanding of my energetic limits, I intentionally schedule time to recharge after intense periods of output. When it isn’t possible to rest immediately, even scheduling downtime or a restorative activity helps lighten the load. 

The thought of budgeting energy may sound abstract, but it is both simple and powerful. My process has become easier over the years, and I’ve learned how to reconcile my energy before things get too far out of balance. It can be done in just a few steps. 

Step 1: Review all upcoming tasks and obligations 

When planning our day, it is common to list what needs to be done without considering the energetic requirement for each task. Some things look easy on paper but can take more energy than expected. This can be due to resistance, hidden moving parts, or a lack of alignment. If something is a must and feels draining, plan a reenergizing action right after it. If that is not possible, schedule time to replenish as soon as you can. Even the act of scheduling begins the reset. 

Step 2: Revisit your boundaries 

Revisiting boundaries and communicating them clearly helps preserve energy. Our energy is a precious resource, and sometimes we leave it in places it doesn’t need to stay. We overextend when we fail to communicate or uphold our boundaries and when we remain in spaces where those boundaries are dismissed. We also leak energy when we try to change what is beyond our control. 

In Taoist philosophy, it is said that harmony comes through alignment with the natural flow, not through forcing outcomes. Each time we honor our limits, we return to the current of energy that sustains us instead of fighting against it. 

In my energy-based trainings, I teach a practice called “Calling Your Energy Back.” It is a dedication you can speak aloud or silently, and offers a way to reclaim energy that has gone where it no longer serves you. Here is a shortened version you can use or adapt to your own words: 

I call my energy back from all the places I left it.
From every conversation, from every task for someone else, and from places I did not realize I left it, I call it back to me now.
With this energy restored, I affirm that I am happy, healthy, healed, and at peace.

Step 3: Plan for an energetically balanced tomorrow

At the end of the day, take a few minutes to check in with yourself. Reconcile your energy for today, then look ahead to tomorrow. How much do you have to give? Where are the likely drains? What two actions could increase your energy or support balance? 

Though this practice is about energy, it is also deeply connected to the mind. Energy naturally moves toward balance, but it takes strength to be intentional and ease to let the flow return. As we move forward, consider this: what are you committing to today that will support your energy tomorrow? 

Know that when you budget your energy with intention, you can keep showing up for what matters most.

With love and gratitude,
Dana Andrea

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