The Flow of Energy

With absolutely no danger of frost in sight (temperatures are hovering in the high eighties), we are in full swing of the growing season. This week we put the tomato, pepper, okra, cucumber, potato, basil, and marigold plants in the ground. These plants joined the spinach, chard, kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and celery that were planted in the spring. 

We have already harvested the green leafy veggies: some of which were enjoyed in a salad for the Food and Tarot Circle last week. I love witnessing the life cycle unfold right before my eyes. Watching the Shakti community directly benefit from the garden upholds my belief in the power of mutuality: a cycle in which gratitude encourages generosity, and in turn, inspires reciprocity. The below graphic illustrates this flow of energy.

Energy can flow or get stuck. When energy is stuck, one part of the system has more energy than it needs while another part of the system does not have enough. This imbalance of energy creates dysfunction, disease, and discomfort. Recalibration is necessary for the system to achieve health. The question then becomes: How do you find balance?

There are many possible answers to this question, especially because balance, or homeostasis, is constantly fluctuating. Systems are not static, and therefore, neither is balance. Balance is a never a final destination but rather a flow state which invites us to:

• Pay attention to what is promoting flow
• Notice what is preventing flow
• Get curious about what needs to change to remove obstacles to flow

Many years ago I was in a business coaching program that taught new entrepreneurs how to set up efficient systems while also staying value-aligned. In this program I met an Indigenous woman named Sally, who shared how her people addressed lack of flow. Sally told me that whenever she experienced a decline in sales, she donated money or free services. She called this act of generosity a “giveaway,” and said her choice never failed to rebalance the flow of money within her business. 

Ever since meeting Sally, I have practiced the giveaway, and every time I have received more than I could have anticipated. Sometimes, after practicing generosity, I receive money but more often than not I receive delightful invitations, emotional support, volunteer labor, delicious food, garden tools, beautiful artwork, furniture, free services, and magical opportunities. I feel rich in ways that cannot be measured by numbers in a bank account. 

This summer I invite you to practice gratitude, acknowledging what you have that supports you, and generosity, sharing what you have. Make note of your systems, your feelings, and your thoughts. Some questions that may help you with clarity are:

• Do I have any expectations around giving? When I give, do I have any strings (spoken or unspoken) attached?
• When I acknowledge what I already have, do I qualify or minimize my resources? How do I feel about the resources that I have?
• How do I feel and what do I say when I receive? Does receiving make me uncomfortable? If yes, why?
• What is enough? What is the difference between sufficient and abundant for me?

Summer is the season of growth and play. Give yourself permission to do both. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful week.

Love,

Kim

P.S. Would you like to become a Shakti Garden Fairy? Shakti Garden Fairies are people who have a desire to tend to a small part of the garden and make it beautiful. During the harvest, Shakti Garden Fairies will gather around a large table to eat delicious food and to celebrate in community. Contact Cleo or Kim for more information or to volunteer.

For nearly thirty years, Kim Bushore-Maki has served Appalachia as both a pioneer and champion of holistic well-being and community health. 

A licensed clinical counseling professional, she became the first Master level clinician at East Tennessee State University's Counseling Center, where she provided therapeutic services and directed the Sexual Violence Prevention Program and the Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program.

During her tenure at ETSU, she was a founding organizer of the Tennessee Coalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities as well as Tennessee's representative for the National Prevention Network. She drafted ETSU's first Sexual Violence Response Policy and coordinated the region's first "Take Back the Night" program and fundraiser (the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence in all forms), the proceeds of which funded the first SANE nurses at the Johnson City Medical Center. Kim also served as Interim Director of Disability Services for 11 months.

In 2010, Kim followed her intuition and vision to found Shakti in the Mountains, a thriving healing-arts center that draws on somatic expressive therapy, archetypal psychology, wisdom traditions, and regenerative economics. Kim continues to maintain a small private therapy practice and also leads healing programs and retreats, guides the Shakti Stewardship Program, and serves as a community-building consultant to justice-oriented initiatives committed to building safe, inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities.  ​

Sign up here to receive updates on free community events, workshops, and more.