Ever Feel Like You’re Living in a Constant Buzz?
You know the feeling: you wake up exhausted, your phone is buzzing with messages before you’ve even had a mug of coffee, and by 10 a.m., you’re juggling emails, calendar invites, and a minor existential crisis. At night, you’re reading around social media with one eye open while wondering why your head seems stagnant. Sounds familiar?
We live in a world that values hustling, speed, and being constantly “on.” But, while we’re busy handling notifications and chasing goals, many of us are losing touch with something significant: our ‘Ki’.
Wait… ‘Ki’?
It’s not a fancy supplement or a new productivity hack. “Ki” is an ancient idea with modern significance. When the world becomes loud and chaotic, we rely on our inner energy, balance, and life force for guidance.
And believe me, it’s still in you. It is a little bit buried under the mental clutter of group discussions, deadlines, and other interruptions. So, let us dig it up together.
1. What Is ‘Ki’, Really?
A Definition That Feels Like a Deep Breath
“Ki” (pronounced kee) derives from ancient East Asian philosophies—most notably from Japan, while comparable concepts emerge in China (“Qi” or “Chi”) and Korea (“Gi”). At its essence, ‘Ki’ signifies the vital energy that encompasses all living things. It is the power that drives your physical energy, mental clarity, emotional stability, and even your sense of purpose.
More Than a Buzzword
While it may seem magical, think of ‘Ki’ as:
- Your internal Wi-Fi—connects all aspects of you.
- Your inner compass—alerts you when something is “off”.
- Your battery pack—when drained, everything feels harder.
When is your ‘Ki’ powerful and flowing? You feel a sense of unity. You feel confident. Clear. When is it blocked or depleted? Even if everything appears to be in order, you may feel worn out, unmotivated, or lost.
2. Why We’ve Lost Touch With It
The Overstimulated Life
Let’s get real. You won’t exactly find environments that encourage self-introspection. We are surrounded by digital noise, pressure to always be working, and a culture that views rest as a sign of laziness.
Thus, you are not broken. Instead, you’re overstimulated. Every day, we consume a continual stream of information: news headlines, friend updates, podcasts, TikToks, and Slack pings. Everything is loud. None of it fosters stillness.
We Numb, Not Nourish
When the noise becomes too loud, we do not slow down; rather, we divert ourselves even more. We doomscroll. We binge-watch. We agree to things we don’t even want to do. And we eventually forget what serenity feels like. We forget how our ‘Ki’ feels.
One woman I know—let’s call her Maya—has three planners, five alarms, and a constantly tightened jaw. Her days are hectic, her inbox is overflowing, and she hasn’t had a true moment of silence since 2018. She is not lazy. She’s gotten lost. Her ‘Ki’? On mute.
Does this scenario seem familiar?
3. Find Your ‘Ki’ Again
Spoiler: It’s Not About Doing More
Above all, reconnecting with your ‘Ki’ does not necessitate a silent retreat in the mountains or a major lifestyle transformation. It only requires presence. And also a little permission—to pause, listen, and move with intent.
Here’s how you can start feeling your ‘Ki’ again.
1. Breathe On Purpose
Breath is energy. Most of us aren’t breathing; rather, we’re panting through existence. Close your eyes for two minutes and take deep breaths. Feel your body settle. That is ‘Ki’ arriving.
2. Step Outside
Nature has a way of unwinding the complicated webs in our heads. Go for a walk with no podcasts or playlists. It’s just you, your thoughts, and the breeze.
3. Write It Out
Journaling is like dusting off your Ki’s window. So, ask yourself:
- What have I been desiring lately?
- Where do I feel misaligned?
- What has helped me feel alive this week?
You are not looking for answers. Just write.
4. Move Gently, Move Honestly
Forget calorie counting. Stretch, dance, or practice yoga—whatever gets your energy flowing joyfully and without judgment. ‘Ki’ enjoys flow.
5. Do One Thing Slowly
Make tea. Wash your face. Fold the laundry. The task does not matter. What matters is attention, and ‘Ki’ thrives in slowness.
Tiny ‘Ki’ Challenge:
Today, focus on one task at a time rather than multiple tasks. Simply participate and then feel the difference.
4. What Sven Taught Us
Ice, Silence, and the Courage to Go Inward
In Dr. Loren Jay Chassels’ book “Arctic Sven Finding ‘Ki’,” Sven braves not only the frigid surroundings, but also the landscape within. His journey is not just physical, but also intensely emotional and spiritual. As he experiences other cultures and obstacles, he comes to connect with something deeper: his own ‘Ki’.
It is not loud, nor does it shout. But it is present—in the silence, the connection to nature, and the quiet knowledge of individuals who live in peace with their surroundings. Sven’s journey is a mirror. We may not be trekking across the Arctic, but we are all looking for the moment when the noise diminishes and the truth emerges. When we stop running and begin to listen. And perhaps that’s when we discover our ‘Ki’.
In Conclusion: Your ‘Ki’ Is Waiting—And It’s Not That Far Away
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to embark on a trip to locate your Ki. You only need to remember that it exists—and that it belongs to you. Even in the midst of modern life’s madness, you radiate a peaceful, steady energy. It recognizes when you are on the right path. It surely enhances your joy, focus, and creativity.
Close your laptop for a moment. Breathe. Walk gently. Write something messy but honest. And the next time you feel like the world is whirling too quickly, just say, “I don’t have to keep up. I just need to connect.” Because of your ‘Ki’? And it never actually leaves—it simply waits for you to “come home to yourself.” If you’re looking for a novel that can uplift your spirits and push you out of your comfort zone, Dr. Loren Jay Chassels’ Sven of the Arctic series offers it all—adventure, wisdom, and heart. Reconnect with your ‘Ki’!