The Energy of Life

This December has been a rather hectic month for me so far because it is the month for year-end social gatherings. Everyone is in a good mood when Christmas approaches. The weather is rainy and cool, which is conducive for heart-warming drinking sessions with old friends.

This month is also a transition month for me as I'll be trying to embark on something different next year. It can be challenging as I am tackling so many things alone, relying on whatever little skillsets and contacts I have. But life goes on. I am always focusing on the task at hand and I have faith that any path that I take will bring fresh and life-changing insights.

Just the other day, M. was asking me why she is always jealous of other people's success. She felt a bit disappointed with herself. I told her that it is natural for feelings of envy or jealousy to arise. Emotions are like waves in the ocean. They will rise and fall, driven by the wind and gravity. The important thing is not to allow any of them to turn into a tsunami. That is why surrender and acceptance is vital. Emotions rise and by not dwelling on them, they simply fade away.

I advised M to harness the energy of that wave and turn it into something positive instead. Whenever jealousy arises, it means there's energy and movement that can be harnessed--like how a sailing ship takes advantage of the winds and tides to sail to its destination. Do not waste this energy. Jealousy is just an indication that we are diverting our inner energy into something that's not productive. Perhaps, other people's success can motivate you to work even harder? That's a positive use of that energy.

Hatred and jealousy are wasted energy. Detect them early and divert them into position action on your part. Take comfort in the fact that you have emotions, which is merely a reflection of your energetic potential. You have all the passionate forces of life stirring within you. Be glad that it is so. You are simply alive.