Our Vital Force: The Energy of Spirit

Vital force is the conscious energy of Spirit that gives life to the soul. When we are living according to divine guidance, expressing the soul's purpose in thought, word, and action, then we are appropriately using our vital force. 
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book Living the Eternal Way: Spiritual Meaning and Practice for Daily Life. 

The right use of vital force is an important spiritual practice of Kriya Yoga which is spelled out in the scripture of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In the Yoga Sutras it says "Let nothing distract you from right living and experience great vitality." This is about using our energy wisely and focusing on what supports our life purpose. I find that when I overdo, feeling that only I can do a particular task or that this task has to be done at a specific time, or I can't say no to someone, I find that I can get tired and cranky with people and I begin to feel put out and not happy. Others don't want to be around me. When we focus on what is important, that which supports our mental and physical health, connecting with our soul guidance—doing what we know we should do, we are energized in a way that brings a deep sense of fulfillment. Observe what depletes you or energizes you. Follow your inner guidance. When we are connected with that, our thoughts, words and actions benefit those around us and the world. Connect with your inner vital force and experience great vitality.