The Energy of Life

Have you ever stopped to consider that all of life has its own energy?

I’m sitting on the balcony of my hotel on Hamilton Island in Australia in the pre-dawn hours and notice millions of stars twinkle in the sky, some bright, but most dim. How much light energy is being reflected to earth?

This small island is on the opposite side of the world from where I call home, but the energy of the universe is the same. The night is silent except for the generator that powers electricity to my hotel. As I sit in silence, I sense the energy surrounding me. Light energy streaming toward the earth from distant stars and planets. The minutes pass as I observed the night sky lighten. Dim stars disappeared, neighboring islands appear as black shadows, and to the east, the sky becomes a rainbow of colors.

Birds awaken and begin their day, squawking in the trees. Their songs drown out the generator.

The sky lightens even more, extinguishing the brightest stars. The water surrounding the island is smooth as glass.

Suddenly, hundreds of sulfur-crested cockatoos take flight, stretching their wings and lungs.

My own body awakens to the energy of life. Inhaling oxygen, I follow my breath through my nostrils to my diaphragm and lungs. As they expand, they massage my heart and other organs. I can feel the blood flowing through my veins and arteries. My skin senses the warm air. My fingers stroke the smooth paper of my journal, sending messages to my brain.

A cockatoo lands on my balcony railing and squawks. I stop to admire the snow white feathers and lemon yellow plume on the top of his head. These birds are as abundant on this island as pigeons along Chicago’s lakefront.


In the distance, the horizon streaks bright orange, announcing the rising sun. The surrounding islands reveal their shades of green foliage and sandy beaches. The air is still, but later the wind will be visible in the sailboats racing around the island. Even invisible energy reveals itself if only we observe.

The sun peeks over the horizon and climbs in the sky – a fiery ball of yellow energy. I take in a deep breath and marvel at its beauty. Its rays shine a stream of golden light upon the water. The day has begun .