In the fascinating realm of yoga, there is a fascinating metaphor that speaks of the tremendous power contained in the milk of a lioness.
Legends claim that this powerful elixir is so extraordinary that it defies confinement within anything but pure gold. Only the vessel forged from this precious metal can limit its power.
Perhaps you’ve embarked on an extraordinary journey, immersing yourself in the serenity of a yoga retreat or the introspective realm of a meditation weekend.
The sheer magnitude of inspiration and stimulation you encountered during these immersive experiences seemed poised to revolutionize your entire existence.
Alas, upon returning home, days and weeks passed and you discovered, to your dismay, that the vibrant energy you had so eagerly embraced had departed, leaving you trapped in the mundane pitfalls of your default state.
If this tale resonates with you, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. This poignant experience of energy leaks plagues countless souls, robbing them of the transformative potential they so fervently seek.
Discovering the true nature of energy leaks is the gateway to reclaiming your power. Once you become aware of these insidious culprits, you can begin the transformative journey to shut them down one by one.
When you successfully shut down most of these energy drains, get ready for an amazing phenomenon: your seemingly beloved yogic practices will fill you with an increased sense of power, vitality, and prana.
However, it is important to note that these practices are not necessarily generating more energy; they are simply preventing its loss. Engaging in a systematic process to address these leaks serves as a game changer in the field of spiritual practice.
While solving them may require some time and dedicated effort, rest assured that your investment will yield rich rewards beyond what you may realize. Curiosity calls us to explore the more pervasive energy drains that often hinder our spiritual endeavors.
Below, we present a summary compiled by the revered Śākta-Śaiva Tantrik teacher Dharmabodhi, accompanied by our concise clarification of each major energy discharge.
1. Overtiredness from overdoing and multitasking:
In our modern society, the most prevalent energy drain is undoubtedly the trap of excess. It involves filling our lives to the brim with endless commitments, leaving precious little time for relaxation, play, and the essential social connections that have been woven into the human experience throughout history.
Not only are these elements vital to our overall well-being, but they also provide us with a mind-body nutrient vessel capable of holding the energy generated through our spiritual practices.
In contrast, an exhausted body and soul resemble a vessel full of holes, acting as an escape route for this invaluable energy.
Your conditioned mind may strongly argue that you cannot afford to do less, but the truth is that you cannot afford not to do. (By the way, even if you don’t feel it, daily reliance on stimulants like caffeine puts you in a state of exhaustion.)
As Dharmabodhi wisely says, it’s time to wake up from the dream of excess, take responsibility for the fugitive life, and critically examine the cultural trance that glorifies over-occupation.
Instead, tune in to your energies and embrace a simpler, more natural lifestyle—one that paradoxically proves to be more productive in the long run.
It’s important to note that even if you’re proud of your ability to multitask, research has unequivocally shown that multitasking significantly decreases efficiency across all tasks.
Furthermore, according to the ancient teachings of yoga, maintaining a state of health and sanity requires allocating sufficient time for rest and rejuvenation.
At the very least, it’s essential to set aside four hours each day as dedicated “out” time, set aside an entire day each week for rest, indulge in a full recovery weekend each month, and treat yourself to three weeks of uninterrupted vacation every year.
When I say “off,” I don’t mean simply being physically absent from the office. It means refraining from checking email, disconnecting from the constant stream of to-do lists, and refraining from any form of busyness.
This unplanned time is an opportunity for real connection – with yourself, loved ones, nature, or the arts. Observe the unfettered curiosity and wonder of children who have yet to fall prey to the addictive pull of bright screens.
They effortlessly explore the world around them, unleashing their creative energy through lively imaginative play. It is essential to recognize that this natural state of being is not meant to be lost as we grow older.
We seek this limitless source of creative energy, curiosity, and wonder in order to truly feel that life is worth living.
By intentionally creating space in our lives for connection without any specific agenda, we gradually unlock access to these innate qualities, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
The interweaving of the second energy flow with the first becomes apparent as we delve deeper into its nature. Engaging in excessive pursuit and effort often leads to the appearance of an illness, which can also appear as an independent affliction.
Once this disease takes root, it exerts a considerable influence, gripping our consciousness while diminishing our prana, the very essence of vitality that flows through us.
It is important to distinguish between illness and disability; these are not synonymous terms. A person can face a disability or endure a chronic condition but not experience the sensation of being sick.
The difference lies in how they navigate their limitations. Factors such as the degree of attention they pay to their condition, the development of a self-concept intertwined with it, and the mental context in which they perceive it – all these elements play a major role.
In essence, the convergence of the first and second energy flows becomes visible through the undeniable connection between our actions, our well-being, and our energy reservoir.
Overextending ourselves creates the ground for diseases to flourish, which, in turn, act as magnets for our focus and erode our life force.
This dynamic interplay illuminates the intricate relationship between the physical, the mental, and the balance of our life force.
3. Excessive emotional reactivity:
Dealing with this topic can be quite complicated. A recent comment by a cognitive neuroscientist resonates with the heart of this issue, saying, “The ability to modulate the intensity of our emotional responses serves us extremely well, preventing an excessive expenditure of our internal resources.”
While the Tantra perspective holds space for the entirety of our emotional spectrum, it is worth acknowledging that specific emotions can be triggered or amplified by adopting mental narratives interwoven with a situation.
This common occurrence leads to what can be described as an energy drain, a disconnection from our innate essence and presence, as we become entangled in stories that evoke powerful emotional responses.
These reactions themselves often culminate in the projection of our scattered energy outward, often targeting the individual we hold responsible for our emotional state.
Cases of speaking words impulsively under the influence of anger, words that later require retractions, serve as vivid cases of emotional reactivity.
Conversely, when we choose to sit with our feelings—neither claiming ownership nor denying them—simply allowing them to exist as pure energy, we start down the path of emotional response.
Shifting from assuming our interpretations as undeniable truths and experiencing a surge of holy anger reflects emotional reactivity.
Rather, nurturing a sense of curiosity about the origins of these intense emotions, even finding amusement in self-reflection, implies a shift away from reactivity.
When we unquestioningly internalize a disparaging remark from a peer, sinking into a realm of suffering punctuated by a cycle of distressing thoughts (“How could they?” “What a horrible person!” “I can’t believe their hostility!” and how), we are immersed in emotional reactivity.
However, choosing to keep our hearts receptive, feeling not only our own pain but empathically connecting with the pain of others, while consciously refraining from embracing their stories, reveals an opposite response— a perspective that casts the beautiful in the midst of struggle and opportunity within pain.
Therefore, the antidote to emotional reactivity ultimately reveals itself as an unchanged human presence. This state of presence appears as the main aspiration of this journey.
In such a state, strong emotions can erupt, yet they are stripped of harmful reactivity that endangers our well-being as well as the harmony of those around us. Clearly, addressing emotional reactivity requires unwavering commitment.
The majority of our planet’s inhabitants, those who habitually reside in the realm of the mind, often fail to grasp the sheer abundance of joy and vitality that eludes them. It is a lamentable reality that holds true for most individuals.
The act of being consumed by vikalpas, those captivating mental images, fantasies, and reveries, stands as the primary obstacle in attaining a deep connection with the sweetness and simplicity of our natural state.
Within this context, let us delve into the different manifestations of vikalpas that contribute to this disconnection.
Firstly, there is the tendency to indulge in the act of imagining potential future scenarios where one envisions a state of greater happiness and fulfillment. This inclination towards fantasy allows the mind to wander into a realm of possibilities that may never come to pass.
Secondly, anxiety takes hold when we become engulfed by thoughts of potential future hardships and suffering. These apprehensions create a sense of unease within us, clouding our perception of the present moment.
Thirdly, daydreaming entices us to reminisce about past moments through a rosy lens, yearning for the nostalgia of bygone days and longing for their return. It is through the prism of daydreams that we unknowingly distance ourselves from the present, yearning for what once was.
Lastly, the shadow of regret and guilt looms over us as we incessantly reflect on past “mistakes” and obsessively contemplate what could have been done differently or what choices should have been made.
This cycle of self-imposed judgment and remorse perpetuates a sense of dissatisfaction with the present. From the perspective of yogic wisdom, these four tendencies represent the most prevalent forms of madness that afflict humanity.
They serve as barriers to experiencing true peace and contentment, draining our energy and hindering our spiritual progress.
Furthermore, humans possess a striking inability to accurately predict their emotional states in future situations, even when they hold unwavering convictions about their foresight, as demonstrated by the research of Dan Gilbert.
Similarly, our recollection of past events is deeply flawed, with memories shaped by the unique tapestry of individual psychology, akin to dreams woven from fragmented elements of past experiences.
In addition to the four aforementioned forms of vikalpas, there exists a fifth variation that allows individuals to seek solace and distraction within data of all kinds.
By immersing themselves in the constant stream of information, they can temporarily dampen existential anxieties and divert their attention from personal and collective emotions.
Engaging in activities such as crossword puzzles, challenging video games, or consuming daily news may create an illusion of being present in the moment.
However, these pursuits merely keep us locked within the confines of our own thoughts, detached from the fluidity and richness of genuine presence.
Whether lost in thoughts of a potential future, fixated on a memorized past, or entangled in the pursuit of information, the result is the same – a dissociation from the present moment.
Living in the realm of mental worlds and imagined realities takes a significant toll on the energy reserves of a yogi. Unfortunately, this tendency to disconnect from the essence of existence permeates our society at large, hindering our collective evolution toward spiritual enlightenment.
5. Strongly held beliefs/opinions:
This concept is closely intertwined with the previous one, and it can be quite challenging to accept that it’s indeed an energy leak until you personally experience the surge of life force that comes when you wholeheartedly embrace the truth – that you truly know very little for certain.
It’s a profound realization that most of our firmly held beliefs and opinions are merely a product of wishful thinking or fearful thoughts.
When we begin to fathom the immense complexity of the world and the countless variables at play, we come to understand that our relatively small minds cannot form fixed opinions about everything (except, perhaps, our own inner experiences).
It’s important to note that having beliefs or opinions in itself is not inherently draining.
Instead, it is clinging rigidly to these opinions, adopting an inflexible and unyielding attitude, and steadfastly believing that we possess an absolute understanding of reality that proves to be the true energy leak.
The truth is, there is so much more to our shared reality than what meets the eye of each individual.
By letting go of the need to be unwaveringly right and embracing a more open and gentle approach, we free ourselves from this leakage of energy.
It opens up the possibility of exploring the vast expanses of existence that lie beyond our limited perspectives.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of social norms in the 21st century, the dynamics of intimate relationships stand out as an important topic. It’s only natural for the nature of a relationship to remain undefined when you first get to know someone.
However, lingering in a state of uncertainty, where you’re unsure about the desires, needs, and emotions of the other person, can be draining. This state of limbo becomes a powerful drain on your prāṇa – your life force energy.
On the other hand, if you find yourself in a situation where you are clear about your own position but keep the other person in a state of limbo by avoiding any specific form of relationship with clear agreements or boundaries, this too becomes an energy drain.
In constantly using others without providing them the respect they deserve, you exhaust your shakti – your personal power. The obvious solution to these energy drains is communication.
However, many of us struggle with expressing our feelings and needs without resorting to finger-pointing or constructing negative narratives about what the other person is doing wrong, or even what we might be doing wrong ourselves.
This type of blaming and storytelling doesn’t offer any real help. What we truly need is an ongoing dialogue of clarification, one that goes beyond attempts at hurtful psychoanalysis or playing the blame game.
Engaging in a conversation about our wants, needs, and agreements with our partner is crucial for building a solid foundation in our relationships – one that doesn’t deplete our energy reserves.
But sometimes, communication isn’t enough. There are instances where we hold onto relationships well past their “expiration date” due to fear or attachment.
This clinging to something that no longer serves us becomes a significant energy leak. In such cases, the solution lies in finding the strength to let go and walk away.
By recognizing the importance of clear communication and having the courage to release what no longer nourishes us, we can create relationships that are energizing and fulfilling.
These relationships become a source of empowerment rather than a drain on our vital energy.
7. Unconscious or excessive speech and gossiping:
In our society, there’s a prevalent and challenging energy leak that many struggle to overcome. The overwhelming social pressure to conform to the way others around us use language makes it difficult to break away from excessive speech.
However, Āyurveda teaches us that excessive speech is a significant drain on our energy, often leading to various forms of illness, particularly by aggravating the vāta dosha.
If we observe the masters of yoga and meditation, we’ll notice that they speak less and with great care. Swāmī Muktānanda once wisely stated, “The power of your words increases in direct proportion to the silence you keep.”
This highlights the importance of mindful speech and the impact it has on our energy levels. Before engaging in conversation, it is ideal to ask ourselves four crucial questions, known as the four doors of speech.
Firstly, we should consider if what we are about to say is true. Secondly, we must evaluate if it is necessary or beneficial to share this information.
Thirdly, we must examine if we have found a loving and compassionate way to express ourselves.
Finally, we should contemplate if it is the right time to initiate the conversation. By keeping these four key terms in mind – truth, necessity, kindness, and timing – we can avoid unnecessary energy leaks through our speech.
Now, how do we effectively plug these energy leaks? The suggestions provided earlier can serve as a starting point, but it’s essential to complement them with your own research, intuitive knowledge, and guidance from a qualified teacher.
The tradition of Tantrik Yoga offers valuable tools for addressing and resolving energy leaks. There is so much more to explore and discuss on these subjects than what we have covered here.
Interestingly, by addressing these traps, we can unlock sustainable awakening and personal growth. Energy leaks are just one facet of these eight key areas.
Some of these traps may seem obvious, such as a distorted understanding of the student-teacher relationship.
Yet, others may not be as apparent, like the lack of alignment between our views, practices, and goals, or even possessing an unclear motive for our spiritual practice.
By exploring and addressing these aspects, we can truly embark on a transformative journey toward a more fulfilling and awakened life.
Within the realm of energy leaks, there exist several factors that contribute to this phenomenon. These include but are not limited to:
8. Addictions that drain our vital life force and divert our attention from spiritual growth.
9. Habitual behavior patterns that both stem from and reinforce negative imprints, known as samskāras.
10. Inadequate management of sexual energy, which can result in wasted vitality and hinder spiritual progress.
11. Excessive reliance on divination tools, such as astrology, tarot, or psychic readings, instead of trusting our own innate intuitive abilities, thus relinquishing personal power to external sources.
12. Misguided execution of spiritual practices, often resulting from erroneous instructions or inadequate understanding.
13. Falling prey to the influence and thought patterns originating from other realms, wherein the concept of “kingdom” holds significance in tantric psychology.
14. Holding the mistaken belief that our conditioned view of reality reflects the ultimate truth, referred to as ajñāna.
It is crucial to take note of a warning associated with plugging these energy leaks.
Although successfully addressing these leaks can boost our energy and potential significantly, failure to dissolve self-images and remain cognizant of the pitfalls outlined in the teachings of the Six Realms (number 13) can amplify existing tendencies and latent harm.
An astute observation made by Dharmabodhi illustrates this concept eloquently: “If we neglect to dismantle the central model of our self-perception and relational frameworks, the power unleashed through shakti sādhanā—the practice of awakening the divine feminine energy—may inadvertently inflate our preexisting egoic patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior.
This, in turn, can lead to harm for the practitioner, manifesting as obstacles or mere prowess and achievements that serve as distractions from genuine spiritual progress.”
Is on a mission to make the world a better place, one happy soul at a time. She is a qualified yoga teacher, Reiki Master, spiritual coach, and author of many spiritual articles in famous online journals.
