Finite Energy

Finite Energy

Finite:

Having definite or definable limits or boundaries; not illimitable.

Energy:

Inherent power ~ Vitality.

Often, we step forth in this world with a personal belief in the infinite possibilities. We are young, strong, and embodied with an overflow of power and energy. At points this excess is so extensive that we 'feel' our personal immortality and scoff at the cautious counsel of those older, "have they grown so old they can no longer 'feel' the motion, the indiscernible force that powers through everything? We wonder. Then we move off into the necessities of that which must be done . . . thought diminishes as we dip easily into that endless stream to bend and weave its power into forms of our need and creation.

In the cavalier fashion of most humans, especially in a disposable society, there is a tendency to believe that this energy we use so wantonly is infinite. Though we cannot identify the source or measure this field, we are content in our personal assumption that it is 'without end'. Accepting this assumption allows us to use this energy casually, negligently, and without thought. After all, isn't it free? Isn't something free to some extent without real value?

Energy comes from somewhere. If this were a theological discussion, we might decide to allocate the 'source' as a god power emanating from some divine being. Again, this does little to assuage one's curiosity about the true nature of energy; theology tends to deflect such questions through empirical and often obtuse divine explanations. Science would tell us that energy in any of its many forms is generated through an exchange or trade from one form to another. This we can more easily see and understand since we are marginally competent at 'using' this energy. New things, systems, or forms are created when energy is 'applied' to or toward them. We work. Stuff alters from one thing into another as a product of our work energy.

We fail to consider the possibility that our personal energy is finite until we have already severely depleted its abundance. Every day, we make choices on what, whom, and how we will use our energy. Often, those choices are frivolous and wasteful; sometimes, those choices are propelled through compelling events or great dreams. Without thought, we reach inside and open the valve, powering up our mind and our body. We respond to what our mind or heart tells us is a personal 'need', then we bend that energy as far as our will can forge. We conquer. We overcome. We survive.

But what we use can never be summoned back. It is 'spent' energy. It is the coinage of our spiritual machine. Not free this energy. Not an infinite 'pouring in' from some external source, but the sole measure of that with which we were born. I watched with sadness this week the passage of the 'fastest woman on Earth, and I considered her great gift, the coinage of her life energy that she spent along an oval path that glided through the hearts of millions. She chose to pour it all into her dream, to power her body beyond anything ever seen before. We gloried in her brilliance and truly sorrowed as the light faded.

To some extent, we are our own guardians; it is to ourselves that we must look to make decisions about the usage to which we put this power. To 'give' to all may appear to be the proper choice of an evolving being, but in reality, the effect is random, and the energy will often spray away as 'too weak' to cause action. It makes the energy ineffectual. To 'give' to a singular and chosen few decisions or beings will allow 'more' energy to be placed or allocated toward that upon which you focus your attention. It is to invest your energy well and wisely. To give to that which is worthy. To use that energy in union with other energy to create something of beauty or excellence.

There is a passage from a favorite author of mine which states, "...to clarify your energy, to filter away its impurities, you must lead an impeccable life, a life of honor and character."

Within the BDSM community, there is a growing conscious awareness of the manipulation of energy, the movement of that energy from one person to another and back, as well as the flow or blockage of that energy. We call that energy many things, lots of familiar names, but in the end, it is the 'stuff' with which we create 'things'. Or cause action to occur from. Understanding what energy is, how to husband that energy, and how to direct its use are fundamental to anyone who uses or feels that energy within the dynamic of their relationships or their life. Avoidance of energy vampires or bleeders, sometimes called 'users', becomes equally important in order to maintain functional energy levels. Selecting people who augment, share, or pass energy is often crucial to the long-term sustainability of a relationship.

It was a true honor to watch this woman, Florence Griffith Joyner, transcend our reality with her unique presence. She dominated with grace, dignity, and courage.

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