Use Your Energy Wisely

Right use of vital force, at the core of the practice, is concerned with appropriate channeling of the energy of our life toward our life purpose. It is concerned with not allowing our vital energy to be depleted or dispersed, but to remain pure (i.e. singular) to one's spiritual focus.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (Living the Eternal Way, p.119)

At a basic level, the yogic practice of right use of vital force (right use of our energy) boils down to good time management. What is the best use of my energy to enhance living my best life. Attention to this practice helps me keep on track in all aspects of my life. On another level, it helps me observe emotions. As I watch my mental state and notice if I am afraid or angry I find it helpful to use mantra to clear my mind. But for me the greatest benefit of this practice is simply paying attention to what is really important. I have to be able to give a clear answer to the question of what is my life's purpose, to awaken to the knowing of the spiritual being that I am, and then act on that basis. Isn't everything else simply a waste of time?