G.I. Gurdjieff refers to both small and large accumulators in people.
P.D. Ouspensky mapped these out in a three-tiered box representing our three centers—thinking, feeling and moving/instinctive. According to Gurdjieff, each center has two small energy accumulators which connect with the body’s large accumulator.
The accumulators store energy to fuel the functioning of our ordinary lives. When our energy runs low, we tap into an accumulator to keep going. When one of the small accumulators of a center (say moving center) runs low it rests, while the other small accumulator in the center takes over and allows the first to refill. If both accumulators in the moving center run down (pushing that one final lap) they may have to draw from the large accumulator—as in getting a “second wind.” If the large accumulator is continually drawn on and depleted by the smaller ones, our body, mind, or emotional center gets into trouble or may even break down.
This is how we operate in ordinary life, continually cycling between adequate functioning and depletion. We veg-out in front of the TV after a long day, we reward that half-marathon with a beer, we hang with friends after prepping for a big presentation. In this mode, there is little internal resource available for any kind of inner growth or transformation. How do we get out of this cycle?
One way is to work consciously on plugging “leaks” to conserve the energy in our accumulators. Here is a list of common ways in which we leak energy:
Internal and external chatter
Negative thoughts or feelings
Reactions towards people or events
Random associations
Held tensions
Outbursts
Unnecessary talking or actions
Daydreaming
Self-pity
Inner considering (worrying about what others think of us)
Attitudes
Judgements
Repetitive internal monologues or “tapes” (as in holding a grudge)
The first step is to become familiar with your own catalogue of leaks. Simply learning to “see” that you are leaking energy—how and when, is a big deal.
NOTICING is the first step. The second step. And the third step.
One giant leak is negative emotion. It probably robs us of more energy than anything else. Ospensky talked a lot about that and the non expression of negative emotion. Maybe it’s just my type but it has resonated with me.
Thanks for kicking this off, Sam.
Yes, in fact most if not all leaks, when examined, can be considered forms of negative emotion- sometimes just an outlet for some kind of negativity we are holding onto. My most recent observations have to do with catching myself with attitudes. Everything from gazing at a mantle decoration and catching myself thinking it should be straightened, to inwardly dissing someone’s hair. Very minute, very random stuff. But those, I’m realizing, ride around in me and result in tight muscles, which burn energy.
Oh my….I am a very “leaky” sort of being. I have always been extremely sensitive, my mother told me from the first time I was scolded about something. Have always cried extremely easy out of hurt, embarrassment, caring, and in joy as well as witnessing loving deeds and feelings. I worry about others endlessly when I can’t take action to help, or make a difference…those I love, acquaintances and complete strangers. I am a leaky mess!!!
Teresa
Great! That is just how we start- by seeing how we are. We are all “leaky messes” when it comes down to it. So the question is, how do we plug the leaks, to keep our accumulators full enough so that there is energy to work on building our potential as Real People?
Worrying, what good is worrying? It depletes us but doesn’t help anyone. Is there a way to channel that into something real and productive? Start a food-drive, or even write a poem?
OOh, just had a moment—
I walked into the kitchen and threw away a wrapper jack had left on the counter and felt good reflecting how we work as a team. He washes the dishes and I’ll put away the food for example. Another time I’ll wipe crumbs off the counter and feel like he never “finishes” the job. It’s like the same scenario with different energy consequences, all linked to my own attitude.
Thomas Keating refers to this as Catching Yourself in the Act. Noticing that we have slipped into one of our habitual patterns that takes us down the rabbit hole of running our Emotional Programs for Happiness as he calls them. Once we catch ourselves in another about-to-do-it-again moment, we can choose a different response (instead of our habitual reactive one). And it is a life-long journey, we have lots of those pesky habits to unpack.