Unlock Your Energy: 6 Spiritual Habits for Enhanced Performance
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Spiritual Practices
Many of our essential strengths in the workplace stem from practices outside of our job. By identifying and harnessing these practices, we can leverage them to improve our performance. I don’t consider myself excessively productive or particularly disciplined, but I've consistently maintained a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and nutritious eating for the past eight years. Initially, my goal was to lose weight, but along the way, I unknowingly cultivated skills like discipline, the ability to delay gratification, and consistency.
Now, working out feels like second nature, and healthy eating has become a lifestyle choice that contributes significantly to my mental clarity as a freelance writer—a benefit I never anticipated. In the online writing world, it’s easy to feel discouraged or to be overly focused on gaining traction, but these habits have shielded me from such pitfalls. Below are my daily spiritual practices that enhance my creativity and overall performance.
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.” — William Shakespeare
Section 1.1: Ancient Breathing Techniques
One small yet powerful action I take every morning is engaging in ancient breathing exercises. This minimal time investment yields substantial benefits. I practice these exercises right after waking up and always before I meditate, as meditation requires less physical effort and is more calming.
Kapalabhati
Also known as the "skull-shining breath," I perform this technique 250-400 times on an empty stomach. The advantages include:
- Improved lung capacity
- Increased metabolism
- Enhanced digestion
- Rejuvenation of the nervous system and brain cells
- Cleansing of nasal passages
- Reduction of belly fat
For a detailed guide, you can check here.
Time commitment: 2-4 minutes
Anulom Vilom
This alternate nostril breathing practice follows Kapalabhati, performed 21 times. This technique promotes calmness and offers benefits like:
- Relaxation of the mind
- Stress relief
- Balancing both brain hemispheres
Learn how to practice it here.
Time commitment: 2 minutes
Section 1.2: The Power of Sound and Chanting
Chanting serves to cleanse and energize our seven chakras, or energy pathways. I learned AUM (pronounced aa-oh-mm) chanting from Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation and have been practicing it for over two years. This practice has enhanced my ambition and focus. Each sound resonates with specific chakras:
- Saa activates the solar plexus chakra related to success
- Oh stimulates the throat chakra for better communication
- Mm engages the third eye chakra linked to intuition and intellect
Research indicates that AUM chanting can:
- Boost concentration
- Enhance brain function
- Connect knowledge with behavior
- Provide mental peace and stability
- Alleviate irrational fears and nightmares
This practice, which I undertake 21 times daily on an empty stomach or two hours after eating, is a powerful tool for personal growth.
Time commitment: 5-7 minutes
The first video, "10 Spiritual Habits You Must Implement TODAY + How To Develop Them," offers insights into incorporating spiritual practices into your daily routine to boost your energy and performance.
Chapter 2: Physical Movement and Mindfulness
While exercising may not seem inherently spiritual, it certainly holds a significant perspective in my life. Yoga, for example, blends physical movement with spiritual awareness. Since I adopted regular exercise to lose weight, it has become a crucial element of my lifestyle.
Although the benefits of exercise are widely known, I encourage everyone to engage in physical activity at least a few times a week. Even a 30-minute workout three times weekly can make a substantial difference.
Time commitment: 30-45 minutes
Following my workouts, I dedicate 10 minutes to meditation using the Headspace app, which further enhances my mental well-being.
Section 2.1: Affirmations for Positive Mindset
According to Psychology Today, affirmations are powerful statements that can transform our mindset and boost self-esteem. I’ve actively practiced affirmations for three years, allowing me to align more closely with my goals and visualize success. This practice has also fostered self-love and reduced self-criticism.
Some benefits of affirmations include:
- Increased self-esteem
- Enhanced focus on objectives
- Positive thought pattern reinforcement
- Influencing subconscious beliefs
For those interested, I recommend reading "You Can Heal Your Life" for deeper insights. My affirmations focus on aspects such as self-worth, health, prosperity, work, and creativity.
Time commitment: 1 minute
Section 2.2: The Impact of Gratitude
For the last five years, I have kept a gratitude journal where I write down ten things I appreciate daily. This practice has been incredibly transformative, helping me find joy in simple pleasures, like a good night's sleep or having a safe home.
Scientific research supports that gratitude can lead to greater life satisfaction, patience, and positivity while reducing inflammation. The most significant change I’ve noticed is an increase in my overall happiness.
Time commitment: 5 minutes
Section 2.3: Cultivating Optimism
My unwavering belief in the universe guides me to see that everything happens for a reason, which fosters hope and emotional control. Dwelling on regrets is unproductive, and I strive to focus on the positive aspects of my experiences.
Helen Keller wisely noted, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” I choose not to regret past events, as they have shaped my current reality—a reality I wouldn’t change. Practicing optimism not only reduces anxiety but also contributes to longevity.
Time commitment: ongoing
Conclusion
I perform the first five practices each morning, setting a positive tone for my day. Without these habits, my day feels incomplete. A healthy mind and body are essential for achieving remarkable results. I encourage you to explore these spiritual practices before diving into conventional productivity techniques; they can lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself and your true purpose.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are.” — Carl Jung
The second video, "How to manage your Spiritual Energy?" provides valuable insights on managing your spiritual energy effectively.