If I were to ask you to consider energy exchange in your relationships, what do you think of? Most people probably think of relationships with friends, family, or neighbors. Some might not yet be aware of the energy exchange concept and exactly what it is. So, let’s go ahead and address that first.

An energy exchange is best described as a transaction. What you give and what you’re left with, sometimes the transaction is more of a trade, so you get something else in return. In an energy exchange relationship, the transaction is ongoing. And ideally, it’s a continuous balance of give and take. Though, as you can imagine, sometimes that balance can be off. It’s important to remember that it’s okay for things to be thrown off balance from time to time, but we want to aim for that sweet spot in the middle as often as possible.

Let’s dive deeper, shall we? When people think of energy exchange relationships, they most likely think of relationships between loved ones and other people. However, they don’t just occur between people. They can also exist in different areas of our lives, such as nature, things, and of course with ourselves, but the one I want to tell you about today is your relationship with food.

Journal Prompt:

I want you to take a moment and think about your current relationship with food. Note things that stand out immediately. Then, take a moment to describe your ideal relationship with food, and for you that may already be what’s going on, and for others it may look different. Is the balance off? Is where you are now far from where you want to be? What types of food do you truly enjoy, and what foods make you feel supported? The energy exchange between you and food goes a couple of ways. First, actual energy from calories and the quality of those calories determines the quality of your energy. Next, the true cost of the food you eat is beyond what you pay; it’s either promoting wellness or pushing the pendulum in the opposite direction toward illness.

To be clear, you do not need to earn food or reward yourself with food. You cannot be “bad” if you eat certain foods and eating salads out of duty do not deem you “good.” There is food that is best had in moderation and there is food that is needed often.

A positive relationship with food is the goal.