Zen Satisfaction, Home Energy Style

Leo Babauta recently posted a list on his blog, Zenhabits, that is worthy in its own right as a guide for what he calls "Can't Get No Satisfaction Syndrome." But we think there is wisdom in looking at each of his recommendations through the lens of Home Energy Efficiency. A place called Energy Circle deserves a little Zen, don't you think? Here's our (shamelessly non-Buddhist, acquisitional in nature) adaptation:

1. Make small, positive changes. Indeed, there is wisdom in starting small. Wisdom that most of us quickly set aside in favor of the Full Out. "The snow has melted. I haven't left my house in two months. I'm going to run 10 miles today!" Or, the home energy version: screw the energy efficient bulbs and timers - I want solar panels.  We say - go for the efficient bulbs and electronic timers. You'll see a difference in your utility bill, you'll give the earth a break, and you will be building momentum - both psychologically and in your wallet - toward those solar panels. (Launch yourself into what Babauta calls the positive spiral of change).

2. Banish negative thinking. Here's how this works: If you KNOW you are thinking bad thoughts, you can replace them with good ones. It's all about awareness.  And in order to be aware, truly aware of your house, you need to know what's going inside. Which means, you need to measure. Hey. Have a home energy audit. Buy an electricity monitor (This video will show you how). Feel the power of knowing. It's all good.

3. Look at the wonderful side of things. I love this. Babauta says, "Everything around you has a wonderful side..."  Well. This is not always clear to me, even if it is always true. Some days my husband has to search like a tripped up Google Search engine for my wonderful side.  The wonderful side of Home Energy Efficiency is much easier to pinpoint. You make a change. Let's say something small like putting rope caulk on a window seal. Maybe it's a nuisance. But you get to say "I did it!" (This is important: there is a critical shortage of chest beating moments in the average lifetime). You will waste less heat (and money). And, mother earth will be relieved. A little piece of tape does all that... how wonderful?

4. Exercise. Well. You just should. But you know that. Just buy an energy efficient fan so you don't stink up the basement when you're sweating in front of the TV. Better yet, go outside and do it.

5. Appreciate loved ones.  What better way to say "I love you" than by teaching your family about efficiency, saving the planet so that your kids can breathe and walk outside at the same time when they grow up, and saving extra cash up so you can spend it on, say ski trips, or ice cream?

6. Pursue a passion. Here's what Babauta says, "Whatever your passion, pursue it with energy." Our take: pursue the energy. Straight up. Your house is full of energy, and chances are, a sizeable chunk of it is going to waste. You've got air conditioning seeping out your windows, or you've got heat shooting up your chimney. You've got an entertainment center sucking electricity through a straw when it's off.  Buy an appliance monitor. Tap into the secret energy world of your house, and reclaim the power. Once you've done that, you can take on anything. Bonzai, even.

7. Talk and work with other excited people. Babauta doesn't know us. But if he did, I'm pretty sure he would mean us. Talk to us. Tell us about your glorious home energy achievements, or share your grueling woes. We're here. We're real. We feel your pain, and we'll beat our chests for you, too.

8. Take time to recharge. Babauta says to go outside to get charged up. Turns out, we sell solar chargers (oh, yes we do!). That means, you can get out into the world, way out... and still listen to music.

9. Get great feedback. Here's how this one works... "Way to go! you're whipping your house into shape! That's really going to make a difference! Did you know that buildings are single biggest risk to the planet? Just think of what you can do! You live in one! Way to go. You are the best. Really."  Now bask.

10. Help others. You know what? Your mother was right (more famously, so was Marianne Williamson). You lead when you least expect it. When you change all your bulbs, install low flow sink and shower features, (here's a video about why) and monitor your home's energy use, you make it seem possible for others to do the same. Help them get started. Expect some number 9. Give some number 9. Then bask.
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