In science, the law of the conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created or destroyed; rather it transfers from one form to another. 

To say this another way, the amount of energy is finite, and can’t be generated or eliminated, but simply shifts its type.  

There are many examples of this type of change in energy forms

For breakfast, in the morning, you make toast.  A toaster uses electrical energy and changes it to thermal energy to heat and crisp a piece of bread.

A blowtorch changes chemical energy into thermal energy to cut through a piece of metal.

When we eat, our bodies convert the chemical energies from the food we consume, into mechanical energy to be used by our muscles for movement. The chemical energy in food can also be augmented into thermal energy, to keep our bodies warm.

When a plant absorbs light energy, and converts it into chemical energy, or food, through photosynthesis, a change in energy has occurred.

When we add gas to our vehicles, we are preparing to change chemical energy into motion energy.

Through these examples, we can see the initially stated law at work. The energy is changing its form, and not being conjured out of the air.  The make up of energy is being altered but not made or obliterated.

But what if that’s not exactly what was meant by the scientific law? What if there is an unknown loophole, or subsection to this law?  What if we look at it in a slightly different way? What if energy, in a certain form, can be created and destroyed? And what if this form can’t be changed, but, when the word transfer is taken literally, is freely given and taken between two people, or forms?

It’s often quoted that rest is good for the soul, but what if it actually creates soul, or spiritual energy?  Let’s assume that every time you rest, and dream, you’re charging your soul with a particular kind of energy. This energy fuels the intangible ideas of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  

If we slept all the time, we would generate a bank of this energy, but would never have an opportunity to use it, as we would exist in a perpetual dream world.  

If we never slept, we would never generate this energy, we would be devoid of emotion, and never have the fuel for thought. Eventually we would perish from the absence of these critical elements to being human.

So, we exist somewhere in the middle. Some days we rest very little, and find ourselves with the soul energy for only simple thoughts singularly focused on returning to a restful state of recharge.

Other days we sleep incredibly well. We find our outlook positive, our demeanor and emotional state balanced and pleasant, and we find our thoughts productive and optimistic.

If we look at sleep and rest in this way, then we see how energy of the spirit can be created.

How may it be destroyed?

Perhaps you have an excellent nights sleep, and find you soul charged with energy. Suddenly, a commuter rear ends you on the way to work.  Your energy bank is now taxed with anxious thoughts about finances, and your emotional state is vexed and agitated, all of these internal processes much more damaging to your energy than positive, optimistic feelings, and thus the energy is destroyed.

And what about how energy can be transferred to another form?  Let’s say a friend calls you with a problem.  You have choice in how you handle the interaction. Do you give of the energy of your soul, knowing that it may leave a deficiency?  Do you listen with consideration, pouring your emotional energy towards assistance?  Do you produce positivity and hope with your energy, or do you hoard it, knowing you may need it for a social engagement later in the evening?  

Do you often find yourself transferring your energy to a family member or companion?

Do you take too often from a friend, and feel needy and guilty?

Do you find yourself, frequently, the spring of the energy, where people come to quench their thirst? 

Are you the siphon, always needing more and more emotional stimulation to balance your energy?

Can you never seem to get enough rest?  Do you find your spirit constantly in need of recharging? 

Do you find your soul adequately charged, and overflowing with energy, and constantly giving it away?

Or are you somewhere in the middle? Where one day you need, and another day you give. 

I think it likely that the extreme givers and takers of energy are the anomalies.  The key is finding the proper balance day-to-day.  

By viewing this scientific law a different way, we can see how there might be a alternative kind of energy. We see how this kind of energy is very different, and yet also incredibly important.  In light of these observations, I propose a new law of energy, one not grounded in science but in the soul.  

The energy of the soul is renewable, delicate, variable, unique, and essential to every person. It may be given and received freely, between two or many forms, and must be treated with great care and consideration.  

What do you think?

Humbly yours,

J