What are the Energization Exercises?

What are the Energization Exercises?
Photo by Leon-Pascal Janjic / Unsplash

Great question, but first, I will turn it back to you -

What do you currently do to energize yourself?

How do you recharge yourself?

Do you have a daily routine that supports you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?

Or...

Do you try to run on empty too often?

I now realise that for years my body was running on adrenaline and cortisol overload as I juggled running two businesses and a home whilst home educating and being mum taxi for two kids.

Oh and let's not forget a pony that needed feeding and exercising🙄

The really crazy thing is one of those businesses was my yoga classes and retreats - all aimed at helping others to switch off and relax!

It is probably no wonder that I got ill in 2020.

It was a combination of things that led to me being confined to my bed for almost 18 months.

I knew of the Energization Exercises, but I had never fully got to grips with practising them.

I had become more used to relying on coffee to keep me going.

Now, I cannot imagine life without the Energization Exercises.

In fact, you would not be reading this blog if it weren't for the effect they have had on me.

My life is so much improved, I have energy for work, I can spend more time with my family without getting tired and my concentration is back to a level that allows me to do all the things that I love.

The effect on my life has been so remarkable that I decided to complete the teacher training course with Ananda Worldwide.

This allows me to share the wonderful effects of practising Energization Exercises.

For latest in person or Zoom classes, please ask in the comments.

Once learnt, the Energization sequence takes approx. 10– 12 minutes to complete the series of exercises.

Less time than it takes to brew a decent cup of coffee, and far more effective at reviving and recharging you.

Is this a new fad?

Far from being the latest fitness or mind/body craze, the Energization Exercises that I teach were initially called Yogoda having been developed (discovered?) and taught by Paramhansa Yogananda in 1916.

He started using them whilst in charge of a school for boys in Ranchi.

Young boys full of energy but in need of a way to channel that energy, as he writes in his Autobiography of a Yogi.

In time he expanded them into a set of 49 exercises, which, once you become familiar with the routine takes about 10–12 minutes to complete.

So, what is the theory behind the exercises?

We are made of energy and our bodies are the outward expression of that energy.

Everything we do, say, and think is determined by the level of our energy and the direction it is moving - either inward or outward (more on that to come).

Once we understand how our energy patterns work, and how energy is at the root of everything then it is possible for us to use that knowledge and apply it to change our lives.

We already know and control our energy by will - imagine coming home from a long day at work to a sink full of dirty dishes. Most of us would just want to flop on the sofa, having no energy to tackle the washing up. Then, if the phone rang (or more likely WhatsApp pinged) and a friend you hadn't seen for ages, whose company you love, is in town for just tonight, how much energy would you now have to get up and go meet them?

Energization Exercises are like that call from a long-lost friend.

What do these techniques offer?

For the Body, Mind and Soul

To quote the back of the booklet Energization Exercises available from Ananda

In the Body: boundless energy, vibrant good health
In the Mind: better focus, overcoming habits and attitudes
In the Soul: stillness and openness

For the Body

  • Vibrant good health and wellbeing from daily recharge of body cells
  • High and consistent energy levels
  • Release physical, mental, and emotional tension trapped in the body
  • Recharge the body batteries instantaneously
  • Direct healing energy and get better quickly

This isn't exercise like you are probably used to, this is exercise that anyone can do, that is simple to fit into your daily life and will give you benefits beyond your imagination.

“The whole purpose of true exercise is to awaken the inner source of energy which we have ignored throughout our lives.”
Paramhansa Yogananda 

The Energization Exercises of Yogananda teach us how to recharge our body battery and gain control over our subtle energy (prana - see upcoming blog).

We do this by using will, with awareness of energy, to consciously draw cosmic energy into the body and direct it to specific body parts. 

When we learn to control our energy we can also control our thoughts.

For the Mind

  • Focus with ease
  • Guaranteed success in any endeavor by applying energy needed to overcome any obstacle
  • Absence or decrease of negative moods
  • Ability to overcome unwanted habits or attitudes
  • Attract the right people and circumstances in your life

This technique can help you develop positive habits and attitudes. Leading to a feeling of fulfillment in the present, and helping achieve success in any endeavor.

For the Soul

  • Increased control of energy deepens meditation
  • Quickly attain stillness of mind and openness of heart
  • Attract the blessings of God, saints, and masters
  • Deeper connection and harmony with the universe, your higher Self, and God

Who wouldn't want all that?....but

How much time will it take out of my day?

The full set of the Energization Exercises of Paramhansa Yogananda comprises 39 individual exercises.

Once you become familiar with the routine it takes about 10–12 minutes to complete.

What exactly do you do in the sequence?

The main technique is tensing and relaxing specific body parts in turn.

If you have ever practiced relaxation with me then you will recognise this way of working with your body.

How much space do I need?

You only need enough room to swing your arms and to be able to step forward one stride.

Do I need to buy special equipment?

No, all you need is your body and the willingness to try.

Where can I learn how to do them?

You can join me in person or via Zoom on a Monday evening at 8pm.

You can join me on a bespoke retreat in the beautiful Langdale Valley in the Lake District.

Can't wait to join a session with me?

Here is a great video from the school that I trained with and the teachings that I follow.

"When your body becomes recharged from the Infinite Source, then you will learn to smile from your soul."
Paramhansa Yogananda

Want to try a class?

Join me at the hall or via Zoom - click the link to book