By Allison Runchey, HTCP
Image by Mohamad Hassan, via Pixabay
I’ve often heard people describe their energy as “stuck” or “blocked” when they feel something weighing heavily on their mind or in their heart. This sense of being weighed down can show up alongside sadness, fear, or tiredness. It’s common for any of us to feel that our energy level is low, held back, or sluggish from time to time, so thought I’d share a few ideas about it here. In addition to Healing Touch sessions to restore a natural flow of energy, there many things you can do on your own to release tension in everyday life.
An underlying concept that’s helpful to keep in mind is that energy is neutral, neither good nor bad. Having a sense of neutrality about “stuck” or “blocked” energy can relieve any underlying judgement about it and foster an attitude of compassion and acceptance. Also, energy cannot be created or destroyed, but sometimes it can be congested in certain areas of the body. I like to compare it to a stream when too many branches and leaves fall into it, or a highway with too many cars. In both cases the flow slows down with an excess of energy in one place.
Knowing this, what can you do when your energy feels tightly bound? Below are four ways to free it up. Everyone is unique; I invite you to be curious and experiment with these, modifying them to fit your needs.
Engage your muscles or your spirit: Take a walk or listen to your favorite music. It doesn’t have to be for a long time, even a few minutes can make a difference. Either of these actions can build momentum - physically or spiritually - and shift you into a higher level of energy to move forward with your day. Doing both together can multiply the benefit.
Use your hands: Sense where you feel “stuck” or “blocked” in your body - perhaps it’s your shoulders, chest or belly. Place one or both hands gently on that area with an intention of warmth and kindness. Allow a few minutes for the muscles to soften and tension to be released.
Breathe: Using the ever-available power of your breath, imagine that you are breathing in and out the place in your body where you feel unease or heaviness. Then picture your breath flowing through your entire body and out into the space about 1-3 feet around you. This can be done with eyes open or closed anytime you have a moment to be quiet, whether you’re alone or in public.
Shake it off! Literally, stand up and move your arms, legs, or whole body for a minute or even just a couple seconds. Try doing this a few times, resting in between, then see how you feel. Shaking is one of the body’s natural ways of discharging excess energy and restoring a sense of ease and balance.
Did you find one that works for you? You’ll know it if you feel a bit more uplifted in your outlook, able to move through your day, or lighter in your body or soul. Still needing help to release what feels “stuck” or “blocked”? We’re here for you. Find support by scheduling a Healing Touch, Vocal Healing, Tapping, Coaching, Somatic Experiencing, or Therapy session.