A recent extended period of the loss of electrical power has shed a new light on the significance of maintaining a consistent flow of energy. Many of us in Ohio and surrounding areas were caught off guard and unprepared for the effects of Hurricane Ike. The experience was unpleasant for some to say the least; however, I now see it as a worthy encounter.

It was kind of like signing up for a resort vacation and suddenly learning we had agreed to participate as a Survivor contestant. Our fast pace, stressed out, convenience packaged lives were suddenly thrown into reverse. Our priorities were flipped up side down. As a family, we were sharing meals that were cooked with an alternative resource, reading by candlelight instead of watching TV and checking in with our neighbors.

For some reason, many people were eager for this vacation to end so they could get back to their normal lives. The concern for most wasn’t so much about not having electricity, but more of not knowing when this interruption to their daily routines would end. Just as I came to the realization that the main objective of this exercise should be to sustain a constant positive energy flow, the lights came on.

Although we may not always be able to resolve an issue, we can control our thoughts and responses. With a little help from a higher power, we can make the best of most circumstances.

Here are a few observations:

* In a crisis, some assembly is required.
* A voltage regulator may reduce the amount of blown fuses.
* An occasional brownout is inevitable.
* Every obstacle or challenge can be converted to a positive charge.
* We all have a battery back up; we just need to seek a connection.
* Use caution when approaching objects without a grounded source.
* Critical thinking is good when it leads to a positive change.
* Repeated resistance may induce an electrical shock.
* Sometimes a complete shut down and reboot, is essential.
* Contrary to what I learned in sixth-grade science, superior energy flow requires a positive charge and a ground wire.

About Julie K. Shirk, LMT: After 20 years in the corporate world, I have learned that being my own boss is harder than I imagined. Maintaining a private massage therapy practice in Dayton, Ohio, has its challenges, but it is by far the best thing I have ever done. Julie can be reached at jshirklmt@gmail.com.