By BTWC & Carla LunAscention
Have you been feeling stuck lately, like you're moving through life in a fog? That persistent lack of motivation isn't just about needing more coffee or better time management – it might be pointing to a deeper disconnection from your sense of purpose and community. Here at Banyan Tree Women's Collective, we understand how challenging it can be to find your drive when you're feeling spiritually and mentally depleted.
Understanding the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
When we're experiencing a lack of motivation, it often goes beyond simple procrastination. Think of your energy and drive as part of a larger system that connects your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In many ancient traditions, including the chakra system, our crown chakra serves as our connection point to something greater than ourselves – whether that's our sense of purpose, our community, or our spiritual beliefs.
This connection point, located at the top of our head, can become blocked or imbalanced, leading to:
Persistent fatigue and energy depletion
Feelings of isolation and disconnection
Difficulty finding meaning in daily activities
Rigid thinking patterns that keep us stuck
Depression and anxiety symptoms
The Root of Motivation: A Two-Way Energy Flow
Imagine your body as a magnificent tree: your crown chakra represents the branches reaching skyward while your root chakra grounds you firmly in the earth. When we're dealing with a lack of motivation, we often look "up" for solutions – trying to think our way out or seeking spiritual answers. However, one of the most profound insights from ancient wellness traditions is that we can only reach as high as we are willing to ground down.
A fascinating 2020 study found that simply standing barefoot on the ground – a practice known as "earthing" – can have remarkable effects on our wellbeing. Just like plugging in a device to recharge it, connecting our bare feet to the earth allows our bodies to tap into the Earth's natural energy. Researchers found this simple practice can:
Help us sleep better
Reduce stress and anxiety
Decrease body pain and inflammation
Improve blood flow
Boost overall mood and energy
In fact, people who spent just 30 minutes a day in direct contact with the ground reported feeling more energized and motivated throughout their day. This research helps explain why our ancestors' practice of walking barefoot wasn't just about comfort – it was actually recharging their mental and physical batteries!
This has been known by wellness practitioners for decades. Ancient traditions speak of the "energy vertical" – a continuous flow of energy from the earth up through our body and connecting to universal energy above. When this vertical flow is blocked, we often experience:
Mental fog and lack of motivation
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling "spaced out" or ungrounded
Disconnection from our sense of purpose
The Power of Community in Restoring Motivation
One of the most powerful antidotes to lack of motivation is a meaningful connection with others. Recent research has shown that being part of a supportive community significantly impacts our mental health and overall vitality. This isn't just about having people to talk to – it's about feeling part of something larger than ourselves.
Here in the Bay Area, we're fortunate to have access to diverse communities that can help restore our sense of purpose. Whether you're joining a local meditation group, participating in community gardens, or attending BTWC's inclusive wellness workshops, these connections create a foundation for renewed motivation.
Physical Practices for Renewed Energy
When dealing with lack of motivation, it's essential to start with grounding physical practices. Try this simple sequence to begin your day:
Gentle Morning Movement
Stand in mountain pose, feeling your feet firmly on the ground
Take 10 deep breaths, imagining energy flowing from the earth up through your body
Reach your arms up, creating length in your spine
Forward fold to release tension
Nature Connection.
Walking barefoot in nature, even for just five minutes, can help restore your energy and motivation. Find a local park or beach where you can safely practice this grounding technique.
Breathwork for Energy
Simple breathing exercises can shift your energy when motivation is low. Try this: Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. Repeat for 5-10 cycles.
Nourishing Your Brain for Motivation
The crown chakra's connection to our brain means that physical nourishment plays a crucial role in maintaining our motivation and mental clarity. Consider these practical steps:
Include more omega-3 rich foods in your diet (like salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds). These have been proven to boost learning, memory ability, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain.
Stay hydrated – your brain needs adequate water to function optimally
Choose complex carbohydrates that provide steady energy throughout the day
Mental Practices for Motivation
Opening your mind to new perspectives can reignite your motivation. When you're feeling stuck, try these crown chakra-balancing practices:
Learn something new each day, even if it's small
Read books outside your usual genres
Engage in curious conversations with people from different backgrounds
Question your assumptions with compassion rather than judgment
Daily Rituals for Renewed Purpose
Creating simple daily rituals can help maintain your motivation and energy while balancing your crown chakra.
Consider:
Morning Practice:
Start with 5 minutes of quiet reflection
Speak an empowering affirmation
Take three deep breaths before checking your phone
Evening Practice:
Note three things that inspired you today
Connect with a friend or community member
Set one small, achievable goal for tomorrow
Optional Visualization to Balance Energy
Start your day by feeling your feet firmly on the ground
Imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth
Visualize energy flowing up through your body
Feel your crown opening to universal energy above
Hold this awareness for 3-5 breaths
Mindfulness practices like these have been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, particularly in lowering anxiety and depression, which often go hand in hand with a lack of motivation.
Ground to Rise
When struggling with a lack of motivation, the solution often lies in strengthening both ends of your energy vertical. As our expert guide, Carla teaches, "We can only reach as high as we allow ourselves to ground down." This seemingly paradoxical wisdom reminds us that our very earthly existence – our physical health, our daily habits, our connection to nature – is key to mental, spiritual, and universal expansion.
The Community Connection
Remember, you don't have to navigate a lack of motivation alone. At Banyan Tree Women's Collective, we believe in the power of community to restore energy and purpose. Our diverse and inclusive space welcomes all who seek to reclaim their motivation and vitality.
At BTWC, we understand this delicate balance between grounding and expanding. Our programs integrate both physical wellness practices and spiritual growth opportunities, recognizing that true motivation comes from nurturing both our roots and our crown.
Ready to Restore Your Energy?
If you're struggling with a lack of motivation, start with just one practice from this guide. Notice how it affects your energy and sense of purpose. Then, consider joining our community for additional support and resources.
Continue Your Journey with BTWC
Your path to renewed motivation and spiritual connection doesn't end here. We invite you to:
Join Our Community Events: Visit our events page to find your next opportunity for growth and connection online and in the San Francisco Bay Area. From grounding meditation circles to crown chakra workshops, we offer spaces where your motivation can flourish and your energy can renew.
Deepen Your Practice: Want to dive deeper? Download our BTWC Interactive Workbook with prompts to guide your crown chakra journey and support your motivation practice. Take the first step toward creating the energy and purpose you deserve!
Support Inclusive Wellness
At Banyan Tree Women's Collective, we believe that everyone deserves access to tools for boosting motivation and connecting with their higher purpose. Your support helps us maintain this vision:
You can help us provide continuous wellness programming for all in the community regardless of socio-economic status. Consider donating to our program today!
Just as the crown chakra represents our connection to something greater than ourselves, your journey to renewed motivation is part of our collective growth. Together, we can create a community where energy flows freely and every person has the tools they need to thrive and find their purpose.
References:
Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S, Cole SW et al. Loneliness across phylogeny and a call for comparative studies and animal models. Perspect Psychol Sci 2015; 10: 202-12.
Dighriri, I. M., Alsubaie, A. M., Hakami, F. M., Hamithi, D. M., Alshekh, M. M., Khobrani, F. A., Dalak, F. E., Hakami, A. A., Alsueaadi, E. H., Alsaawi, L. S., Alshammari, S. F., Alqahtani, A. S., Alawi, I. A., Aljuaid, A. A., & Tawhari, M. Q. (2022). Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on brain functions: a systematic review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30091
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Menigoz, W., Latz, T. T., Ely, R. A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G., & Sinatra, D. (2019). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. EXPLORE, 16(3), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005
Mindfulness for your health. (2024, June 18). NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health
Office of the US Surgeon General. Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: the US Surgeon General's Advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. www.hhs.gov.