Everything is Alive: Energy, Consciousness, and Gratitude

In many spiritual traditions, there's a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all things. My friend, Laura Wilde, holistic performance coach to elite athletes for over 20 years, introduced me to a concept called the "quantum triangle," which illustrates this interconnectedness in a beautiful, practical way. She uses it with athletes, particularly basketball players, encouraging them to engage in a conscious relationship with the ball, the goal, and their own intention. A player, for instance, could ask the goal for permission to throw the ball through it, and similarly, ask the ball for permission to be thrown into the goal. This practice brings a heightened awareness to the moment, transforming an ordinary shot into a dialogue between the player, the object, and the outcome.

When Laura shared this idea, it immediately reminded me of Native American traditions. In many indigenous cultures, everything is alive—imbued with spirit or consciousness. A hunter, for example, might ask his bow and arrow for permission before using them to hunt. Once the hunt is successful, he thanks the buffalo for offering its life and acknowledges the Creator for the abundance provided. This is a form of reciprocity, acknowledging that the relationship between hunter and prey, tools and intention, is not transactional but sacred.

At its core, both the quantum triangle and Native American practices remind us that everything is energy, and energy is consciousness. Every act—whether shooting a basketball, hunting, or simply moving through our daily lives—is a collaboration with the world around us. When we recognize that we are not isolated beings but part of a greater whole, we can approach life with more intention, humility, and gratitude.

This shift in perspective changes the way we interact with the world. Instead of forcing outcomes, we move in harmony with what is already present, seeking permission and expressing gratitude for what we are allowed to do. In sports, this might be seen as a psychological edge, tapping into a flow state where the mind, body, and environment are in sync. But in life, it's much more than that—it’s an acknowledgment of the sacred dance between all living things, seen and unseen.

Whether on the court or in the field, in daily routines or sacred ceremonies, we can learn from these practices. We can invite awareness into every action and approach the world as a living, breathing entity. By doing so, we align with the flow of universal consciousness, moving beyond mere survival into a deeper connection with everything around us. This is where true empowerment lies: in acknowledging that life itself is alive, and in that awareness, finding harmony and balance.

Everything is alive. Everything is energy. Everything is a conversation, waiting to be had.