"Energy" and what it means in a spiritual context

In today’s world, the word energy is used in many ways—from physics and fuel to how tired we feel after a long day. But in spiritual circles, energy means something deeper, more subtle, and profoundly personal.

At its core, spiritual energy refers to the unseen force that flows through all living things. Many traditions have their own names for it: Chi in Chinese medicine, Prana in Indian philosophy, Mana in Polynesian cultures, or simply life force in modern spiritual practice. This energy isn’t something that can be seen under a microscope, but many believe it can be felt, sensed, and even moved or directed.

People who work with spiritual energy often describe it as a vibration or frequency. When we’re feeling good—joyful, grateful, peaceful—we’re said to have “high vibrational energy.” When we’re stuck in fear, anger, or sadness, that energy may feel “low” or “blocked.” Practices like meditation, Reiki, yoga, breathwork, or spending time in nature are seen as ways to clear, balance, and raise this energy.

In this view, everything—our thoughts, emotions, even our environments—carries energetic information. That’s why you might feel drained after spending time in a tense space or uplifted in the presence of someone calm and kind. It’s not just psychology—it’s energy exchange.

Ultimately, understanding energy spiritually is about becoming more aware of what we carry, what we absorb, and how we can tune ourselves to live in alignment with something greater. Whether you see that as the universe, God, or simply the wisdom of the body and heart, spiritual energy invites us to explore the unseen—and to take care of what we can’t always explain.