Taking good care of ourselves and others involves knowing where we are putting our energy and seeing clearly—mindfully observing—the results of our efforts.

We will then start to understand how to use energy to effect wise results.

The perfection of energy (viriya parami) is simple but not necessarily easy.

If we want to have a healthy body, we eat healthy, prioritize sleep and regular exercise. This may mean setting limits, breaking bad habits, practicing restraint, encouraging ourselves to try new things.

If we want a healthy mind, we need to work out what leads to peace and wisdom. This may mean setting limits around where we place our attention, breaking bad habits of thought, practicing restraint with our thoughts and speech, and encouraging ourselves to try new ways of thinking and being.

“Energy has a fourfold application: first, to put aside what you feel is unhelpful, and secondly to keep guarding the mind against such unskilful influences; then thirdly to establish what you sense is good, and lastly to support and encourage those skilful influences. And it requires wise discernment, advice from experienced people and trial and error to know what’s appropriate in a given situation.” — Ajahn Sucitto

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Image credit: @selfcareexpress