How Are You Showing Up?

There is a lot of discussion around the topic of energy. People are becoming more aware of their own energetic systems, or chakras, within their bodies. These energies are so important when considering how healthy we are, and how we feel in our daily lives. There is another energy I would like to discuss with you, and it directly related to our chakra energy, but is controlled by our thinking and attitudes. What I am referring to is your Energetic Self Perception, which is a model developed by Bruce D. Schneider, the founder of iPEC (the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching). 

As an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), I work with people in gaining control over their Energetic Self Perception. Like chakras, there are 7 levels of energy, which I would like to briefly discuss with you here. As I go through the levels, please understand that there are no good or bad energies, and that each level has its purpose, even when it may not feel good to be there. If you recognize these energy levels in yourself, please just look at it from place of curiosity rather than judgment, because every one of us is made up of all of the energy levels in different amounts. And every level has its advantages, as well as disadvantages. I am going to approach this from a practical standpoint, sharing with you how each level may show up in different circumstances in your daily life. This is just a brief overview, to give you a basic understanding of the levels. To really understand your energy, and how you can use it to your best advantage, I would suggest that you take the Energy Leadership Index Assessment, which can only be administered by an ELI-MP. So let’s get started!

The first two levels of energy are considered Catabolic, that is, they can feel draining or resistant. Though catabolic energy has its purpose, over long periods of time, it can be harmful to you mentally, emotionally and physically. Though levels one and two are an "ok" place to visit, you wouldn’t want to live there! “Level one: the victim.” This energy is what is happening when you feel helpless, or that you are a victim to your circumstances, thoughts, or beliefs. This energy keeps you from making decisions or taking action. You may feel like you “have no choice in the matter,” or that it is beyond your control. I know, it sounds like a drag, doesn’t it? Yes, and no. When you are injured or sick, you might experience Level one, because you really just need to step back from your responsibilities, and retreat to your room. This gives you time to heal. When you are experiencing level one for a long time, however, you may feel depressed or lethargic. You may lose all hope. So, this is not a place where you want to spend a great deal of time. Use it sparingly. 

“Level two: mad at the world.” This energy is one of conflict, anger, or defiance. Believe it or not, this is the predominant energy in the workplace, and in life, for the majority of people. This energy makes us feel like we are struggling. We may blame others for how things are in our lives. As leaders, people with a high level of this energy tend to lead by force. It’s the “my way or the highway” kind of leadership, which doesn’t exactly endear people to their bosses. On a personal level, this energy can be extremely helpful in some circumstances. Think of the news story about the woman who lifts a car off of her toddler. Or when you have a deadline, and you push through, barking orders along the way, but you get it done. This is the energy that helps me to get my house clean in a half hour when I find out my mother-in-law is coming over. 

“Level three: It’s fine.” This is the first level that we consider Anabolic, or constructive, healing, and growth-oriented.  Level three energy occurs in people who take responsibility for their actions and feelings. They recognize that what they think and feel is completely their own responsibility, and no one else’s. This person may rationalize their own and others’ behavior, tolerating situations that aren’t ideal, but also aren’t horrible. They like to keep the peace at work and at home, often heard saying things like “it’s fine,” or “I don’t mind.” 

“Level four: the caregiver.” This level is very loving, supportive, and caring. This person is more concerned with the welfare of others before their own well-being. This is the kind of person that managers want on their teams, and employees love to have as a supervisor. This level is very selfless. Beware of the downside here: people with high level four energy can get burned out from taking care of everyone but themselves. Level four is wonderful when the person can recognize and honor their own needs alongside their love of serving others. 

“Level five: finding opportunity instead of problems.” Level five is where people have the attitude of “we all win, or we don’t play.” They look for opportunities in every situation, and will be focused on solutions, rather than placing blame. Level five people take very little personally, and can accept differences in people without judgment. These are the optimists, and are typically very confident, calm people. The disadvantage to this level is that they can experience “paralysis by analysis,” in which they spend a lot of time ruminating on which direction they should take in a situation.  

“Level six: in the zone.” You know that feeling of being in the flow, where you lose track of time because you are so fully engaged in an experience? When that happens, you are in Level six.  This level allows a person to become what they experience, and have high amounts of synthesis when working with others. This person will be very intuitive and is a brilliant leader who can create innovations for the benefit of everyone. The downside can be that others view you as “aloof,” because you don’t react in situations the way most people would. 

“Level seven: Om!” This is the highest level of anabolic energy. When someone becomes a master of this energy level, they are able to tap into any energy level at will. At level seven, a person is able to create anything that he/she chooses at will. They are completely connected to the highest consciousness. They are totally passionate about all aspects of life, and view everything as equal. They will find the same amount of joy in taking out the trash, as they would receiving an Academy Award. Nothing is seen as real, which can make them seem completely disconnected. Nobody operates completely at level 7, as they wouldn’t get anything done. (Think of a Tibetan monk, meditating on a mountaintop) 

This is just a glimpse at the seven levels, but I hope it gives you some insight as to how you are showing up in your life. This is something you can absolutely learn how to control. Only a few years ago, I would say my average resonating level would have been a three-four. Five years ago, it would have been a primary level two. When I took the assessment in 2018, my primary level was six, meaning this is where I spend most of my time. This was after eleven months of meditating, using essential oils, and going through the training program to become a Certified Professional Coach. I have since added yoga and T'ai Chi to my routine, so I am moving toward accessing more level seven. Nothing brings me more joy than coaching someone to higher levels of awareness, which in turn, raises the consciousness of the world, one person at a time.