I’ve heard people talk about having given their power away in certain situations. I used to think that way, too, until I realized that there are 2 kinds of power: power over and power from within, and only one can be given away.
Power over is based in limitation and scarcity. It’s based on competition and must have winners and losers. If you have more power, you win, and for you to win, someone else has to lose.
Other terms associated with this type of power are weak and strong, victor and victim, dominant and subservient. Fear is strongly connected as well – including the fears of not having enough power, not using it well and losing what you have.
Wars have been fought over this power. Words and weapons are needed for power over. It doesn’t stand on its own and has to be enforced.
This is what most people think of when they think of power, and, yes, it can be given or taken away.
Power from within is very different.
Your inner power belongs to you alone. It can’t be taken away from you. You can’t even give it away. It’s possible for you not to claim your power, or not to exercise your power, or not to own your power.
It’s impossible for you to lose it. This is your personal power.
This is the power of our greatest leaders, including Jesus, Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Teresa. It’s a power that’s independent of your circumstances and what’s going on around you.
This is the power of peaceful protest, and requires no words or weapons. It’s the power of peace and plenty, of cooperation, compassion and mutual benefit. This type of power benefits when everyone is at their strongest, healthiest and best.
When you own your power from within, everyone benefits – you, your loved ones, your clients, your community. Everyone.
That’s not to say that everyone will like that you’re claiming it. In fact, being in your power can lead you to make some choices that make others uncomfortable, even upset or angry. That’s about them, not about you.
Stepping into your power is a process. It means embodying the truth of who you are, discovering your purpose, taking care of yourself, and listening to and trusting yourself.
To own your power, you have to discover what ISN’T you, like your past, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, fears and worries. These are areas where you’ve stored your power, and it’s up to you to reclaim it.
You’re not taking it back from someone else, but from the illusions you’ve hidden it inside of without realizing it.
THAT’s what we address in this Facebook group:
- areas where we feel stuck
- ways we see ourselves playing small, and don’t know how to change that
- how to trust ourselves more
- what practices, resources and insights have helped us to own our power
- our celebrations and AHAs
I also share insights and teachings via posts and FB Live videos.
This is a safe community where everyone can practice showing up, being vulnerable, supporting and being supported. For the growth and benefit of all.
We’re stronger, healthier and happier together.
I look forward to seeing you there.
