In today’s world, the demands on our attention and energy are relentless. From the constant buzz of notifications to the overlapping pressures of work, family, and society, it’s easy to fall behind on our vitality, creativity, and sense of purpose. But nobody is better positioned to advocate for your life force than you. What does this mean?
Your life force—the vital energy that animates your body, heart, mind, and spirit—is the core layer of your being. It’s also highly vulnerable to neglect. If we don’t actively tend to it, our vitality can dwindle, leaving us disconnected, depleted, and unfulfilled.
In this article my intention is not to tell you to go do all these things. My intention is to lay out some ways that the life force CAN be tended to. This is not an exhaustive list and it ultimately looks different for anyone. This is meant to help open our thinking around our life force and orient toward its support - an that is a long-term process.
Ways to tend the Body
Your body is the vessel for your life force. Without care, it becomes less of a support for our lives and more of a burden and challenge. In the 21st century we have more resources than humans have ever had when it comes to supporting the health of our bodies, but we also have more challenges and diversions than ever before.
Movement: We've heard it a million times. It bears repeating. Our bodies thrive on movement. It doesn't matter so much what kind or how vigorous, but quality is important. I cringe every day at the gym when I see people lifting weights quickly, dropping machine handles without control, and not engaging their bodies with care. Whatever movement you commit to, devote yourself to learning about it. Let it be about the medicine it offers right now, rather than the results it gives you later. The question: what medicine is this movement offering me right now? Nourish with intention: Nutrition doesn't have to be perfect, pure, or show up any one way. Consider how the foods benefit you, whether it is on a nutritional, social, cultural, spiritual, or emotional level. Also consider how they may bring strain to your body, and seek the balance that feels right for you. You have the knowledge and intuition to know if what you're putting into your body is serving you. The question: how may this food be benefiting me now, and/or harming me in the short or long term? Rest: The standard work-family lifestyle can make getting enough sleep extremely challenging. While there may be a number of factors out of your control, look for the ones that are. Consider removing anything you are adding that could disrupt sleep - caffeine, alcohol, sugar, stimulating screen activities, or exercising too late in the day are a few examples. Find out if there are swaps - herbal tea, treats/desserts that also have protein (to avoid a sugar spike and crash), gentler exercise or exercising earlier in the day. I'm not suggesting we all need to have a perfect bedtime routine - I know many of us (myself included) find the evenings to be one of few times available for creativity or entertainment. Monitor the tradeoff and be open to making adjustments as needed. If lack of sleep is a central problem for you, prioritize change. The question: am I setting myself up to sleep well in a few hours?
Ways to tend the mind
The mind is where distractions take root, often leading to overwhelm, anxiety, or a sense of inadequacy. A cluttered mind drains your life force, while a clear, focused mind empowers it.
Protect your attention: Set boundaries around anything that takes your time and energy - people, activities, places.
Seek inspiration: Feed your mind with ideas and experiences that excite and challenge and expand you, whether through books, art, or meaningful conversations.
Take a break: We are so good at feeding our brains information, and it can be very addictive to do so. Balance this with extended periods of time in a more mind-body balanced state, such as time in nature, spending time with friends or pets, creative activity, exercise, and leisure.
Ways to tend the heart
Your heart is the seat of your emotions, sense of self, and relationships. When neglected, it can become weighed down by stress, resentment, or disconnection.
Cultivate joy: Our world is full of darkness, and it is easy to be consumed by that. While it is not helpful to ignore the bad, we have to learn how to also hold space for the good. Make space for the things that truly light you up, from activities you love to moments of wonder.
Foster meaningful connections: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Practice open communication and vulnerability in your relationships. Find people with a sense of humor that matches yours - this can be incredibly good medicine. Reflect on your relationship: relationships are constantly evolving and changing, requiring our ongoing reflection. Update the relationship regularly with connective tune-ins, feeling into your love for each other and activating your bond. If the relationship is dysfunctional, don't ignore that. Consider whether amendments can be made or if it needs to transition to a different kind of relationship.
Ways to tend the community
Humans are wired for connection, and our energy is deeply influenced by the people around us. A supportive community can uplift your life force, while misaligned energy can deplete it.
Choose wisely: Spend time with those who align with your values and nurture mutual respect and understanding.
Contribute intentionally: Be an active participant in your community, offering your energy and skills in ways that feel sustainable and fulfilling.
Set boundaries: Advocate for your own needs by learning to say no to relationships or commitments that drain rather than nourish you.
Tending to Culture
We all exist within larger cultural systems that shape our values and priorities. When culture becomes misaligned with what nourishes life force—prioritizing profit over people, status over connection—it can feel disempowering. Yet, we have the power to influence and reshape it.
Ways to advocate for the culture:
Live your values: Make conscious choices that align with the world you want to see, from the products you buy to the media you consume.
Engage in meaningful work: Whether through your career or creative pursuits, participate in the activities that uplift wellness, connection, and sustainability. Support artists, non-profits, and the often lesser-noticed people in your community who are doing meaningful work without fancy rewards.
Speak up: Advocate for changes in your community or workplace that prioritize human well-being over constant productivity or exploitation.
Protecting Your Life Force Is a Radical Act
In a world that often pulls us away from our center, choosing to advocate for your life force is an act of courage and defiance. It’s a commitment to tending your body, heart, mind, community, and culture—not out of perfectionism but out of love and care for yourself and the world around you.
When you protect your life force, you’re not just preserving your own vitality—you’re creating ripples of wellness and balance that extend outward, inspiring others to do the same.
Support through Reiki Energy Healing in Boulder, CO
To explore deeper ways to restore and protect your life force in Boulder, CO, Reiki energy healing is a powerful option. Somatique creates personalized sessions to support you offers a powerful space to reconnect with your vitality and alignment. If you’re in Boulder, you have a beautiful opportunity to schedule a session and experience the transformative power of intentional care.