The flow of energy

From a philosophical and practical perspective, the nature of the universe is energy. Physics describes the four fundamental forces that govern the physical world. These are studied, enumerated and described as gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. Physics also explains that energy and matter can be interchangeable, but can not be created or destroyed. From a metaphysical perspective, many different philosophers and spiritualists have attempted to explain their interpretations of the nature of the universe as well. I am personally not as eloquent or well versed to expound on a topic as deep as this. Instead, I will attempt to describe what the nature of the universe means to me, and perhaps it will get you, the reader, thinking about your own interpretation.

The idea of energy and matter interchangeability is a fascinating one to me. The basic example of this is the way we fuel our entire society through the release of energy from other matter. Our entire planet is powered through the energy of an exothermic nuclear reaction from our sun. All life exists on this planet because of that conversion of energy to matter and back. When we look at the definition of energy, we see a few explanations. Firstly, it is the power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines. Secondly, it is the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity. As we examine the nature of energy, we quickly see that it is cyclical in nature and flows from state to state and from being to being. 

So how do we define and quantify things like ‘strength and vitality’? Typically, we can say that a person is strong because they can accomplish physical feats such as lifting weights, or their mobility. Measuring vitality is very subjective and requires self-reporting in many cases. As a layman, I can only say how my vitality is based on how I feel on that particular day. What that means is that as the energy flows in and out of my being, my vitality ebbs and flows. My capacity for sustained physical and mental activity rises and falls with the energy flowing in and out of my physical and mental being. What also means is that energy can be replenished as well as drained out of my being through physical as well as mental means. 

It is in our best interests to live in a state of vitality as much as possible and therefore, we have to sustain the flow of energy into and out of our beings. We have to replenish our bodies and minds continuously so that we can live to our purpose in the universe. Have you ever noticed that when you’re in an unhappy situation, your mind and body don’t work quite as well? This can manifest in things like depression as well as in quite physical ways such as various illnesses. Many ancient cultures have treated these manifestations through holistic means that address both mental and physical symptoms. Healers in ancient cultures often spoke of the disruption of the flow of energy through the being as a cause of a particular malady. Modern medicine and science has disciplines that treat the symptoms separately, but too often we elect to treat the physical illness and not the mental. 

The word ‘affluence’ comes from the root word ‘affluere’ or to flow. It is no surprise that in our modern world, we define the word to mean a state of wealth or a high standard of living. Those with true affluence understand that in order to sustain that status, the energy in their lives has to flow. As much as is coming in, has to be going out. A key component of the flow of the energy that sustains vitality is the giving component. We have to give of ourselves unselfishly and with no ulterior motives and we have to receive with humble gratitude. In this flow, we will find harmony and balance. Subsequently, when the universe has a being that is in harmony and balance, instead of a blockage in the flow of energy, more energy will flow through, similar to a stream or river that finds the path of least resistance down from the mountain to the ocean.

My Jiu Jitsu practice has been one of seeking this harmony and balance. As a relative new practitioner to Jiu Jitsu, but a seasoned martial artist, I was familiar with the concept of the flow of energy. In Wing Chun, we practice Chi Sao, which is quite literally the practice of touching someone else’s hands, feeling their energy and absorbing it or diverting it in a more harmonious direction to you. While the practice can be used for fighting applications, I prefer to think of it as a conversation with another human being. My training partner is giving me their energy, and I am receiving it and responding with my own energy to them. 

To the untrained eye, a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and a Wing Chun practitioner are doing completely different things. One is standing and touching hands and the other is rolling around on the ground. However, the energy being exchanged between two individuals is still the same. In my personal journey and evolution as a martial artist, it took me years to understand the concept of giving and receiving energy. When I started my Jiu Jitsu practice, I was among the untrained masses who thought that I had to wrestle strength for strength. Being of small stature, I quickly was disabused of this idea through being repeatedly dominated and humbled with those more advanced and larger than me. I realized that no matter how strong I am, and how hard I wrestle against my opponent, there will always be a larger opponent or someone who knows how to apply the proper pressure to overwhelm my strength. I had to figure out a better approach.

I believe that every white belt Jiu Jitsu practitioner will come to a stage in their process where they will realize that strength based approach is not going to be sustainable. I would like to propose a different approach that may work for you. Firstly, approach each roll with gratitude and humility. Your training partner is offering their body to you to train and practice techniques that could potentially injure them, and for that you should be grateful. You are also humbly offering your body to them in kind for them to do the same. Secondly, ask your partner what their intent is in the roll. Are they working on something in particular? How can you help them and be a better training partner? Thirdly, breathe and relax when rolling. If you know your partner’s intent and have the common understanding, you can relax in the fact that they will not attempt to injure you during the roll. You can start breathing and calming yourself. Once you do that, you will start listening and feeling the energy from your partner and start responding accordingly. With rolls like this, your Jiu Jitsu will improve in leaps and bounds as you are not fighting for survival with fear of the unknown intent of your opponent. Instead, you are giving and receiving energy with a friendly partner who has a common understanding of the intent of the roll.

My Jiu Jitsu professor often says that when you exchange energy through Jiu Jitsu, your body will know how to respond intuitively.In the same way, when you learn to give and receive energy in your life with humility and gratitude, your being will know how to respond intuitively and you will find your harmonious place in the universe. With a practice like this, the obvious physical benefits of Jiu Jitsu, as well as the mental wellness benefits of Jiu Jitsu will manifest in a feeling of balance and happiness in your life. Taking this practice and translating it to every aspect of your life will lead you to looking at things differently. For example, does competition become something that you care about? Is professional achievement at the cost of personal relationships worth it? Both of those examples, to me, seem like the flow of energy is out of balance. However, I will let you be the judge and find your own path.