Interpersonal Energy Harvesting Mental Health Journal Prompt

Interpersonal energy harvesting is when we allow our personal energy (e.g., time, money, attention, knowledge and ideas, physical labor) to be used by others. Others can include individual people such as partners, children, family members, or friends. It also includes social entities such as businesses and stores, workplaces, news and media groups, social clubs and organizations.

First, it is essential to understand "mutuality" when reflecting on interpersonal energy harvesting. Mutuality is when people engage in the loving and reciprocal exchange of giving and receiving energy. Nature is filled with evidence of this universal concept that applies to all living beings. For example, bees take nectar from flowers while also pollinating the plants in return.

When we engage in high mutuality, loving, reciprocal relationships with others - both individuals and social entities, we are participating in the natural beauty of life and experience abundant living. The mutual energy exchange could be in the form of time, money, attention, knowledge and ideas, physical labor, products, services, or a spiritual or emotional experience. The most important thing is that our relationships and interpersonal energy exchanges support our mental health and are aligned with the life we want to create.

When there is low or no mutuality between people, energetic co-opting may occur. Energetic co-opting is when we allow others - both individuals and social entities - to drain our energy (e.g., time, money, attention, knowledge and ideas, physical labor, etc.) for their own gain without giving anything reciprocal and mutually beneficial in return. Low or no mutuality relationships can decrease our creative energy, motivation, and passion.

When we recognize that we are experiencing a low or no mutuality interpersonal energy dynamic, we must take responsibility and make choices to reclaim our power and right to high mutuality relationships.

Complete the following journal exercise to assess your current relationships:

1. Make a list of the following individuals and social entities that are a part of your daily life:

   
   

   • Partner(s) or Spouse

   • Child(ren)

   • Family member(s)

   • Friend(s)

   • Businesses and Stores

   • Workplace(s)

   • News and media groups

   • Social clubs and organizations

     
     

2. Circle or highlight the individuals and social entities that are high mutuality, loving, reciprocal relationships.

   
   

3. Strikethrough or highlight (in a different color) the individuals and social entities that are low mutuality, draining relationships.

   
   

4. Choose one low mutuality relationship from your list. What is one action you will take to stop your energy from being drained?

   
   

5. Choose one high mutuality relationship from your list. What is one thing you will do to continue nurturing this relationship?

   
   

6. Thank yourself for taking the time to complete this mental health reflection.

   
   

Interpersonal Energy Harvesting Journal Prompt (Free Digital Download)

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