When was the last time you truly considered yourself as an energetic being? Not just a body moving through space, but a network of energy channels, continuously interacting with the world around you. This might seem abstract, yet our energy—something we can’t see but constantly feel—has profound implications for performance, connection, and creativity.
This concept isn’t new. Ancient practices like qigong and modern disciplines such as somatic psychology have long recognised the significance of energy in shaping our experiences. Through the insights of Amanda Brennan, an acting coach who integrates somatic and energetic practices, and the science behind energy, we can explore how understanding and harnessing energy unlocks human potential.
Seeing yourself as an energetic being
When you walk into a room, you often pick up on its atmosphere—tension, excitement, calm—without anyone saying a word. Amanda Brennan explains this as your body’s energy systems at work. She highlights how actors, and by extension, all of us, can benefit from tuning into this energetic flow. For actors, this means understanding how their physical sensations, emotional states, and energy flows contribute to authentic performances.
“It’s not about thinking,” Amanda shares. “It’s about feeling and sensing—what is happening in your breath, your body, and even the environment. Energy grounds performers, helping them step away from overthinking and into a more intuitive space.”
This principle applies far beyond acting. Whether you’re giving a keynote speech, competing in sport, or simply navigating daily life, energy awareness is transformative. It allows you to shed the mental and physical constraints that often hinder performance.
The science of energy: Why it matters
The interplay of energy in human performance is not just anecdotal—it’s scientific. Dr Kira Seto and his team in Japan demonstrated that martial artists produce magnetic fields from their palms that are 1,000 times stronger than a typical human’s bio-magnetic field when focusing their energy. This suggests that harnessing energy involves measurable physiological changes, from brainwave frequencies to electromagnetic activity.
Amanda expands on this with examples from her work in qigong, a practice grounded in ancient Chinese medicine. “The meridians—energy highways in the body—facilitate energetic flow. When actors work on opening these pathways, they often find greater physical freedom and emotional expression,” she explains. For example, grounding exercises like focusing on the breath or the feet help actors stay centred and manage performance anxiety.
Dr James Oschman, a biologist and leading researcher in energy medicine, emphasises the body’s “living matrix” of energy—a web connecting all systems. This matrix allows for communication and adaptation at speeds far beyond traditional nervous system responses, suggesting that energy underpins much of what we perceive as intuition or instinct.
Energy in practice: Connecting performance and flow
Amanda’s work helps performers use energy as a foundation for their craft. “When we start with energy,” she explains, “we bypass the mental barriers and physical tension that often block creativity.” By focusing on sensations, such as the breath or the feeling of weight in the feet, she guides actors into a state of flow—a space where body and mind work in harmony.
In my own practice, I’ve seen how energy awareness can elevate physical performance. For example, Homero Díaz, an eight-time national champion enduro rider, uses a simple yet profound technique before his competitions. He rubs his hands together and focuses on the heat and energy between his palms. This ritual centres him, erases nervousness, and boosts his focus.
“When I feel the energy between my hands,” Homero says, “I cannot be sad or nervous. I feel energised in a good way.” This shift from a chaotic mental state to an energised flow state is a hallmark of what Amanda calls “energetic performers.”
Balancing energy: the role of grounding and recovery
Performing from an energetic perspective is not without challenges. Amanda highlights how actors often store tension or trauma in their bodies, which can hinder performance. Through practices like qigong, she teaches performers to balance their energy, letting go of emotional blockages and finding physical alignment.
“We always end with grounding,” Amanda notes. “Whether it’s through discussion, breathwork, or gentle movement, actors leave the space balanced. It’s about returning to a state where they feel safe and centred.” This practice is equally vital for anyone working in high-stress environments—leaders, athletes, or creatives—where sustained performance requires balance and recovery.
Moving toward flow
Energy awareness is key to achieving flow—the state where everything aligns effortlessly. Amanda describes flow as a space where performers not only embody their characters but also transcend themselves. “In those moments,” she says, “the energy feels intuitive, as if every cell is moving towards one aim.”
Achieving this level of integration requires training. Amanda often introduces her clients to exercises that build sensitivity to energy, such as exploring the sensation of energy between the hands or visualising energetic flow throughout the body. These practices help performers unlock their full potential, moving beyond technique into a space of intuitive action.
The takeaway: seeing energy as a resource
Energy isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a tangible resource we can cultivate and harness. By seeing ourselves primarily as energetic beings, we unlock new levels of performance and creativity. Whether you’re an actor stepping into character, a sportsperson striving for peak performance, or someone seeking more balance in life, energy awareness offers profound benefits.
Start small. Feel the energy in your body. Ground yourself with simple practices like focusing on your breath or sensing the weight in your feet. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper connection to your energy and a greater capacity to flow through life with ease.