The 365 Commitment

Day 133 – Gather Mana

So last night I attended a Luau with my daughter. We got to watch (and participate in) some Polynesian dancing routines and songs. As I watched one particular dance, I noted that some of the motions were definitely about taking inner energy and expressing outward. I thought on this for a while and when I got home started to do a bit of researching on the topic.

I have heard of this before, but one of the words borrowed from Austronesian languages (southeast asia, isles) is that of mana. It has become a popular word with young people due to a heavily reliance on it by the video game culture. The magical energy you can use to cast spells is almost always called mana. Sounds much better then Magic Points! Mana is a interesting concept, and by no means am I anywhere close to knowledgeable on this subject.

One thing is for certain, mana is a representation of power that is accumulated over time. You effectively gain or lose mana in everything that you do. All things you engage in, accomplish, the people you interact with are all chances for you to drain or increase your mana supply. This got me thinking this morning about the 365 commitment and how I might be able to apply this concept in my own thinking.

Funny how we do not have a word in the english language to describe this. We have had to borrow words from other cultures to even get close. I will hear people sometime say, you earned that karma. This concept of gathering a spiritual power, a connection to a harmonious environment and the benefits received from serving others around you seems very foreign to us english speakers. In fact we have not really created words for this, we borrow others and in the process disinherit the true meaning.

I am thinking this morning on what I did, or did not do to acquire more mana yesterday. Was I kind to others? Did I help another that needed help? Did I work on something meaningful and long lasting? Was I living harmoniously? All of these types of things build mana. Whereas disruptive behavior, trivial tasks, being harsh with others, spreading gossip, being mean spirited, and generally doing unimportant activities will all drain mana. I am afraid to say that by the end of the day, my mana was completely drained – and I felt that way!

So this morning I am contemplating how to build my mana, to grow stronger as I live more harmoniously with those around me, to serve and help others, to do meaningful things. Effectively today I am going to gather mana.

Guy Reams (133)
365 Member

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