Spirituality and Personal Energy
Sahaya G. Selvam
This reflection has a simple thesis: the secret of affective maturity consists in the ability to maintain an equilibrium of inner energy level. One might call this inner state: serenity, peace, and equanimity; however, it is not a passive serenity but an energised vitality. Using insights from contemporary psychology and the classical Christian spirituality, I will explore the dynamics of our inner energy. I will point out the relationship between spirituality and stable energy levels, and the adverse impact of energy-swings on spirituality and affective maturity.
What is personal energy? Physics defines energy as the quantitative capacity of a body to work on another. There are different types of energy such as heat, light, sound, gravity, etc.
In the human being, ‘personal energy’ is the inner state that can be subjectively perceived by the individual and objectively observed in terms of the behaviour of the individual. This state exudes a consistent enthusiasm in the way someone functions in the outer world, and serenity with which they harmonise the inner world.
Characteristics of Energy
Energy is multidimensional. The human person is made up of four dimensions: physical, mental, socio-emotional, and spiritual. And energy can also be four dimensional – in the physical, mental, socio-emotional, and spiritual dimensions. The four dimensions of energy interact with each other. For instance, sufficient physical energy is needed to carry out mental activities effectively. Similarly, when we are alert mentally, we are also able to be focused spiritually.
Energy as vitality: Contemporary psychology (positive psychology) labels energy as ‘vitality’, which is one of the 24-character strengths in the list of Values in Action.[1] Vitality consists in “approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or half-heartedly; … feeling alive and activated.”[2] Other substitute terms for vitality would be zest, enthusiasm, vigour and energy. Vitality presupposes a physiological wellbeing – free from fatigue and illness, and a psychological wellbeing – integration of the self at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels.[3]
Healthy energy is harmonious passion: Positive psychology also suggests that energy, which is also expressed as passion, is healthy when it is harmonious, which is the ability to integrate all dimensions of life. In contrast, obsessive passion that doggedly focuses on one drive and neglects other dimensions tends to be destructive and leads to lack of wellbeing.[4]
Negative Forms of Energy
Acedia or Lethargy: Christian spiritual masters have called the lack of energy, ‘sloth’, and it is one of the cardinal sins. In the words of Bishop Fulton Sheen, “Sloth is the malady of the will which causes us to neglect our duties. Sloth may be either physical or spiritual. It is physical when it manifests itself in laziness, procrastination, idleness, softness, indifference, and nonchalance. It is spiritual when it shows itself in an indifference to character betterment, a distaste for the spiritual, a hurried crowding of devotions, a lukewarmness and failure to cultivate new virtue.”[5] The state of sloth was seen as the “playground of the devil.”
Ego Depletion: In the discourse of modern psychology sloth is actually ‘cognitive depletion.’ According to research, when we are physically tired or lacking in motivation, we could experience what is called cognitive depletion or ego depletion.[6] And when we experience ego depletion our level of self-control comes down because self-control needs energy.[7] For instance, when we experience ego depletion as when we are hungry or thirsty when lack the patience to pay attention to demanding tasks. Even more, when self-control is lost one might indulge in thoughts and actions that are contrary to moral values. Natural drives such as sexual desire might take an upper hand. Therefore, sloth, understood as cognitive depletion, could be the playground of the devil because when my energy level is low, I lack self-control. However, as described above, sloth is not just the absence of physical energy, but it is the lack of self-energising motivation even in the spiritual realm.
Dysphoria: Besides physical fatigue that might lead to loss of energy, and the lack of motivation as in the case of sloth, sometimes it is the indulgence in euphoric experiences of elation that might be followed by dysphoria that is marked by depression in the level of energy. Let us understand these dynamics a little more scientifically. When someone indulges in an induced state of elation as in extreme sports, exaggerated and adventurous sexual pleasure, or loss of normal waking consciousness as in drug-induced state and drunken state, this euphoria is marked by the presence of hormones and/or neurotransmitters in the brain system such as adrenalin (hormone that is active during extreme courage) and dopamine (active during experiences of pleasure). When these neurotransmitters are drained down, euphoria leads to dysphoria, which is also a form of ego depletion. In an attempt to handle the state of dysphoria, individuals might return to that euphoric experience leading to a cycle addiction or find a substitute to deal with the dysphoria that could be functional or dysfunctional, healthy or unhealthy. Euphoria and dysphoria also occur when one is making public appearances and performing shows. Euphoria could be experienced by a priest who makes public appearance in presiding at the Eucharist and preaching. During the subsequent dysphoria, there is a danger of indulging in sexually deviant behaviour, including masturbation, as a release or have recourse to alcohol as dysfunctional strategies in coping with the dysphoria.
Boredom: This is a common lay-person’s terminology for most of the above states of low energy levels. It could be also be a state of dysphoria at a milder level. Boredom can be experienced due to low level of motivation. It could also be an outcome of lack of sufficient challenges commensurate to one’s level of skills and talents in a particular situation. Boredom could also lead to lethargy and ego depletion with the consequences described above. Research suggests that prolonged watching of television and exposure to internet that might be a coping strategy to deal with boredom, might be expressed in purposeless zapping and browsing, and is significantly associated with acute states of depression that is beyond mere boredom.[8]
Bipolar Disorder: Apart from the dynamics of euphoria and dysphoria which form frequent pattern of our life, the acute mood swing between extreme levels of high elation and low depression is an indication of mental disorder referred to as ‘bipolar disorder.’ This state especially in its depressive form paralyses the individual and sometimes leads them to tendencies for self-harm. Very similar to this is the Borderline Personality Disorder which are also marked by swing to depression, however, it is triggered by an event. These two disorders need psychiatric treatment and could be managed thus.
Religious practices and Low Energy: Some extreme spiritual exercises that involve sleep deprivation and prolonged fasting are likely to drastically reduce energy levels in the person. This state of ego depletion is likely to reduce the level of self-control. And temptations are likely to increase. It is the time that someone might seek sexual comfort or pleasurable experiences. A person who is given to explaining everything that happens to them in spiritual terms is likely to call this experience as the devil being against their spiritual exercises.
What is the solution?
The Solution seems simple: to sustain a steady state of personal energy levels. How can this be achieved? First, by the consistent integration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual activities. Exaggeration of one to the detriment of the other seems to lead to low energy state and the consequent negative outcomes. Physical aspects of regular sleep, physical exercise, and balance diet are the basic ingredients of mental wellbeing. Journaling methods could be helpful in dealing with emotions.
Contemplation and contemplative attitude seem to be a valuable solution too. Contemplation is beyond saying prayers. It is marked by a persistent state of inner silence and awareness. Contemplative attitude acts as an inner anchor even amidst exterior activity and busy schedule.
[1] Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2006). The values in action (VIA) classification of strengths. A life worth living: Contributions to positive psychology, 29-48.
[2] Peterson, C. (2006). Values in Action (VIA): classification of strengths. In Csikszentmihalyi, M., & Csikszentmihalyi, I. S (Eds.). A life worth living: contributions to positive psychology, (pp.29-48). U.S.: Oxford University Press. (p.32).
[3] Ryan, R., & Frederick, C. (1997). On Energy, Personality, and Health: Subjective Vitality as a Dynamic Reflection of Well-Being. Journal of Personality, 65(3), 529-565.
[4] Vallerand, R. J. (2015). The psychology of passion: A dualistic model. Oxford, UK: Oxford University.
[5] Sheen, F (2001). The Seven Capital Sins. Mumbai: St Pauls. P.61.
[6] Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Muraven, M., & Tice, D. M. (1998). Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource?. Journal of personality and social psychology, 74(5), 1252.
[7] Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2007). Self‐Regulation, ego depletion, and motivation. Social and personality psychology compass, 1(1), 115-128.
[8] de Wit, L., van Straten, A., Lamers, F., Cuijpers, P., & Penninx, B. (2011). Are sedentary television watching and computer use behaviors associated with anxiety and depressive disorders?. Psychiatry research, 186(2-3), 239-243.
Dittmar, M. L. (1994). Relations among depression, gender, and television viewing of college students. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 9(2), 317.