Energy Needs Expression

In May two pivotal experiences reminded me of something profoundly important that I wanted to share:

Energy needs expression.

The first was our Bliss Retreat here at Aruna. Normally, I feel deeply committed to empowering participants with the transformational Energy Alchemy tools I’ve gathered over decades—practices that can create profound states of peace, expansion, and yes bliss.

But this retreat unfolded differently.

What felt equally important this time were the deep, heartfelt conversations taking place. The need to share honestly and vulnerably became such an interwoven thread throughout the weekend that I found myself relaxing my usual desire to pack in as much teaching as I can and instead allowing a much more organic unfolding of what everyone most needed.

And what emerged was beautiful. Instead of bringing the energy down, which sometimes too much talking can do, the sharing kept the energy high.

Then came my next peak adventure: a trip to Atlanta for the best birthday gift ever from my sister—a Bruce Springsteen concert– with a bonus visit from a long time friend.

I’ve been a fan since I was fourteen years old, when a friend handed me a bootleg tape from a dive bar in Philly after sneaking in underage. I instantly knew this rocker was going to be huge.

Over the years, I’ve been to many concerts, but this one touched something especially deep in me. Bruce has always had a way of weaving together raw honesty, rock-and-roll soul, and heartfelt commentary about difficult human realities—without getting stuck in anger or despair.

Again and again, the music spoke some painful truths yet always returned us to hope.

To possibility.

To the reminder that we can create a better world when we have the courage to express ourselves authentically and remember our similar roots.

As a teenager, music was one of my deepest forms of emotional expression. I spent countless hours listening to a wide range of artists. Music gave voice to emotions I couldn’t yet articulate, but somehow knew needed to move through me.

Then another season arrived—a deeply spiritual season.

I immersed myself in esoteric Eastern teachings, mantra, and sacred chant. For over 2 decades, I listened almost exclusively to uplifting chants and devotional music. But this was never about bypassing difficult emotions or pretending everything was love and light all the time.

My spiritual teacher taught us to put everything into the chant—and allow it to be transmuted through sound, awareness, and presence. That teaching has stayed with me. It is so important that we find healthy, embodied ways to express ourselves.

To move and release energy.

To feel. To create.
To sing and dance it out.
To laugh and cry (in a single sound–IYKYK)

To speak our truth respectfully.

For me, singing and rocking out have always been some of my favorite ways.

What are yours?

Rock on!