Energy States

Overview

The world is characterized by impermanence. Any reasonably thoughtful person can see that the only constant in our lives is change. This understanding forms the foundation of the Energy States model, which draws from the Sankhya school of philosophical thought from ancient India.

The Sankhya system describes three qualities (gunas) that work together to create impermanence, combining in various degrees to influence all things that end. While they're commonly translated as goodness, passion, and ignorance, a more intuitive way to understand them is through the language of energy transfer: Equilibrium, Exertion, and Exhaustion.

The Three States

Equilibrium

Equilibrium is where we feel happy. Decisions influenced by perfect equilibrium are in harmony with our inner values.

An environment in equilibrium is grounding without being numbing. Things in equilibrium naturally present the right amount of stress to keep you alert but not enough to overwhelm you. It's like Goldilocks' porridge: not too hot, not too cold - it's just right.

Characteristics of Equilibrium:

• Clarity of mind and purpose
• Sense of peace and contentment
• Decisions aligned with inner values
• Sustainable energy and motivation
• At risk of complacency if not engaged

Exertion

Exertion is when we're very active. We work hard - perhaps even too hard - for the things we desire.

Decisions influenced by exertion are more motivated by outer validation than by our inner values. This is why there's always something new to achieve: our inner world hasn't been satisfied.

Characteristics of Exertion:

• High levels of activity and movement
• Driven by desire for achievement
• More stress than can be comfortably handled
• External focus and validation-seeking
• A fire that can burn bright but may consume

Exhaustion

Exhaustion is when we're helpless. We're overcome by our inertia, unable to penetrate the fatigue resulting from our lack of clarity.

Decisions made in exhaustion are blind to both outer validation and inner values, reinforcing a cycle of unhappiness. When appropriately used, exhaustion can facilitate rest, relaxation, and restoration. When misused, it hides the true nature of things.

Characteristics of Exhaustion:

• Numbness or detachment
• Lack of motivation
• Unclear thinking
• Intoxicating in its ease
• Necessary for rest, dangerous when chronic

The Natural Flow of Energy

One of the most practical insights from this model is that the energy of the day follows a natural sequence. As the day progresses, entropy takes its toll:

• Mornings have a natural calm and stillness (Equilibrium)
• Daytime brings the urge to do activities and accomplish tasks (Exertion)
• Evenings invite us to relax and unwind (Exhaustion)

This flow is fairly universal to the human condition. When we align our activities with this natural rhythm, we function better:

| Time of Day | Energy State | Optimal Activities | |-------------|--------------|-------------------| | Morning | Equilibrium | Planning, contemplation, important decisions | | Day | Exertion | Work, tasks, exercise, to-do lists | | Evening | Exhaustion | Rest, relaxation, unwinding |

The Interplay of States

Rarely is just one state acting alone - they combine in various ways over time. For example, someone can work out (Exertion, clearly) to:

• Be healthy (Equilibrium goal)
• Have a great body (Exertion goal - external validation)
• Deal with muscle dysmorphia (Exhaustion - avoiding something deeper)

Understanding which state is dominant in your motivation helps you make better decisions about your activities and their effects on your wellbeing.

Practical Application

Recognizing Your Current State

Ask yourself:

• Am I feeling clear and at peace? → Equilibrium
• Am I driven, restless, seeking something? → Exertion
• Am I numb, foggy, or avoiding? → Exhaustion

Moving Toward Equilibrium

Equilibrium is the goal, but the other two states have their place:

• Sleep is primarily characterized by Exhaustion, but it's necessary for good health
• Exercise is Exertion, but it's required to maintain equilibrium of body and mind

The key is using these states as tools rather than being controlled by them.

Alignment with Natural Rhythm

The more aligned you are with the natural flow of energy throughout the day, the easier it is to function well:

1. Morning: Use the natural clarity for planning, contemplation, and important decisions
2. Daytime: Embrace Exertion - work, knock out your to-do list, exercise
3. Evening: Allow yourself to unwind and rest

When Life Disrupts the Flow

Not everyone has a lifestyle that corresponds to this flow. When you work non-standard hours or travel across time zones, you may need to consciously recreate the rhythm:

• Carve out time for Equilibrium activities regardless of clock time
• Be aware when you're stuck in one state too long
• Use transitions between activities to shift states intentionally

The Path to Balance

Everything degrades over time, so perfect Equilibrium isn't a state most of us can achieve permanently. We'll always have to work to maintain balance.

The goal is not to eliminate Exertion or Exhaustion, but to:

1. Recognize which state you're in
2. Understand what that state is suited for
3. Choose activities that either leverage or shift your state
4. Return to Equilibrium as your baseline

This awareness transforms the inevitable changes of life from something that happens to you into something you can navigate with wisdom.

"After all, you can only create a habit by getting into a flow."

By understanding Energy States, you gain the ability to flow with life's natural rhythms rather than fighting against them.