Hello!
Here we are at the close of another week. We’re also at the close of Mercury Retrograde. In the past we’ve tracked the retrograde with journal prompts, but this time it seemed there was enough celestial discussion happening online and I didn’t feel the need to add to the conversation.
Still, today’s journal prompt feels related to our recent mercurial experience. Mercury Retrograde calls into question the flow of energy and our ever-shifting relationship with the rest of the world.
Traveling to New York (on a red eye) (at the end of Mercury Retrograde) for 36 hours was absolutely bonkers. There were some really sweet moments, but being dead tired in NY is so tough because the city asks so much of you at the most basic level. It made me think a lot about the flow of energy, the inputs and outputs.
Having a slow solo breakfast today was very needed. I just sat in front of my eggs and sipped my coffee at a snail’s pace. Every so often a thought would come for something I’m working on and I would casually jot it down.
For the first time in a couple weeks I found a new angle, even unlocked a stairwell leading towards an idea.
I often think our subconscious likes to putter away, building little projects. This can sometimes result in an Ah ha! moment, which feels elusive and by chance.
Suddenly inspiration strikes!
But I think when we need ideas for specific things, we can assign the subconscious homework. It gets excited to have a collab going with the externally facing mind. For once, a recognition of the subconscious’ genius! But it does what it does out of love, not for the acclaim.
The subconscious will always be a quiet force. We need to create space to actually listen. Overcrowding our brains with tasks and busywork will drown out the its gentle voice. This is a shame, because when you give the subconscious a project, I believe it works closely with our collective consciousness.
SO. In the spirit of welcoming intentional collabs with the subconscious, today’s journal prompt asks us to examine where our energy is being funneled and how much of it we are receiving in return.
Energy Spent
This refers to the feeling of using up energy or giving it away for free.
This can happen when you don’t really feel like you’ve agreed to contributing your energy, but things are set in motion. Ultimately you keep going because it’s part of the process you’re already involved in.
It is when you don’t feel a sense of anything being generated from the energy you’ve expended or if something is created it doesn’t feel like a balanced dance is unfolding.
Energy Given
This is energy that we have willingly offered, either to a project or a person, perhaps to yourself.
This is energy that feels good to give, often because it is nourishing something that you believe in.
Energy Received
What elements are currently providing rest and care for you?
It can be a person, place, practice.
Are you open to actually accepting that which is being offered?
Energy Grounded
These are neutral experiences, ones that leave you feeling centered.
Often found in chosen routines, these little hints of peace can sometimes be overlooked or taken for granted, but their presence is impactful.
It is in these moments that we usually hear the subconscious’ contributions to your ongoing collaborations.
I hope this exercise sheds some light on the ways your energy is currently in play. The first step to anything is recognizing the picture. Then we can get to changing whatever we need to.
xx
James