In the teachings of Don Juan Matus, as shared by Carlos Castaneda, energy is the fundamental currency of life. Everything we experience—our perceptions, our strength, our clarity—depends on how we manage our personal energy. Most people, Don Juan taught, waste their energy on meaningless thoughts, emotions, and actions, leaving them exhausted and powerless.

To become a warrior—a person of awareness and intent—one must learn to conserve, redirect, and amplify their energy. This is the path to true freedom and power.

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Why Energy Matters

Don Juan described human beings as luminous energy fields, constantly interacting with the world. The quality of our lives depends not on external circumstances, but on how much energy we have available to us.

• Energy determines perception. The more energy you have, the more you can see beyond ordinary reality.
• Energy fuels intent. Strong intent (willpower) requires a surplus of energy.
• Energy dictates freedom. Those who waste energy remain trapped in repetitive patterns; those who save it can change their destiny.

Most people, however, are energy spenders, not energy savers.

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How We Waste Energy (And How to Stop)

1. Internal Dialogue – The Mind’s Chatter

Don Juan taught that the internal dialogue—the constant stream of thoughts—is the primary drain of energy. Worrying, overanalyzing, and rehearsing conversations deplete us.

How to Save Energy:

• Practice inner silence—stop the mental noise through meditation or simply observing thoughts without engaging.
• Replace useless thinking with focused action.

2. Emotional Reactions – The Drain of Petty Emotions

Anger, self-pity, jealousy, and fear consume vast amounts of energy. Don Juan called these indulgences—luxuries a warrior cannot afford.

How to Save Energy:

• Recognize emotions as energy patterns; don’t let them control you.
• Shift from reaction to detached observation. Ask: Is this worth my energy?

3. Social Engagements – The Cost of Unnecessary Interactions

Many social exchanges—gossip, complaining, seeking approval—are energy traps.

How to Save Energy:

• Speak only when necessary; avoid idle talk.
• Surround yourself with people who uplift rather than drain you.

4. Habits and Addictions – Energy Leaks

Repetitive, unconscious behaviors (mindless scrolling, overeating, substance abuse) create energy leaks.

How to Save Energy:

• Break routines that serve no purpose.
• Replace draining habits with disciplined actions.

5. Self-Importance – The Ego’s Tax

Believing that everything revolves around you—taking things personally, needing validation—wastes enormous energy.

How to Save Energy:

• See yourself as part of the infinite, not the center of it.
• Let go of the need to be right or admired.

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How to Reclaim Lost Energy

Don Juan taught that energy lost can be reclaimed through specific practices:

1. Recapitulation – The Energy Retrieval Technique

A powerful exercise where you review past events (especially emotional ones) to reclaim trapped energy.

• How to do it:
  • Breathe slowly while recalling a memory.
  • Turn your head slightly side to side as if “sweeping” the energy back.
  • Release emotional attachments to the event.

2. Dreaming – The Art of Energy Cultivation

Don Juan’s concept of dreaming (lucid awareness in sleep) helps restructure energy.

• How to practice:
  • Before sleep, set the intent to remember dreams.
  • Look at your hands in a dream to gain control.
  • Over time, this strengthens energy awareness.

3. Not-Doing – Breaking Routine Perception

Not-doing means disrupting habitual ways of seeing and acting to free up energy.

• Example:
  • Walk backward in a familiar place.
  • Use your non-dominant hand for tasks.
  • These acts break automatic patterns, releasing stored energy.

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The Warrior’s Energy Discipline

A warrior treats energy as sacred. They know:

• Energy is finite – Every thought, emotion, and action either invests or wastes it.
• Energy can be redirected – By cutting useless behaviors, you reclaim power.
• Energy determines destiny – Those who master it gain clarity, strength, and freedom.

Don Juan’s final lesson on energy was simple:

“You have enough energy for miracles, but you spend it all on nonsense. Save it. Use it. Become impeccable.”

You can start saving energy today.