Blog Posts
Power
Power… There is a lot if information (and misinformation) out there about power. Because of this, there are a lot of beliefs about power that aren’t true – but that people believe are true.
Culturally, we’ve come to equate power with “power over” and “having power” with being in control. Even those who understand intellectually that this is a lie, often still act on the belief if they are feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.
For example, when a person gets triggered, they often expand their aura. The idea is to have power & control over a space – or a person – in order to stay safe. This is a type of hyper-alertness. They are operating from fear – they believe that they can only be safe if they are in total control of the situation and everything related to it. They must “know what is happening before it happens” to stay safe and be ready to protect themselves – or the person they “love and need to protect.” But total control doesn’t exist – it’s a great big lie – a perfect picture. When someone expands their aura, it only pulls other people’s energy into their space – plus, some people get mad because they feel “invaded,” or “controlled,” or “manipulated.”
Yoda – good old Yoda – says, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering.” But, where does the fear come from? I believe that a lot of it comes from feeling powerless. Feelings of powerlessness lead to feelings of helplessness, anger – suppressed and expressed, and, ultimately, the belief that you are a victim. You will always be at “someone else’s mercy.”
Consider the idea of owning your space. Somehow this often gets translated to “defending your space.” Something that requires constant vigilance (yes that is a reference to Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter), energy, and effort. Making sure that no one sneaks past your guard, or, if they do, expelling them right away.
Ownership is usually linked to something tangible – a bike, a car, a home. Owning your space is a kind of fuzzy concept that is sometimes a bit more difficult to grasp because there isn’t a “tangible object” involved. So instead of talking about owning your space, I’m going to use a tangible example: your home.
Your living space is yours even if you are renting it. There are doors and windows that lock, and you have the keys.
Someone comes and knocks on the door. You choose how to respond – including not to answer or answering and then shutting the door in the person’s face without letting them in. It’s your home after all. No effort – not even any real thought. By not admitting the person, you aren’t pulling out all the stops to “defend your home,” you are simply owning your physical space.
Here’s a secret – you can own your energetic space the same way – without thought or effort. Are there techniques to help when dealing with a persistent “space invader?” Of course – and there are times when you will use those techniques. However, the less effort you expend, the less there is for the person to push against and the harder it is for them to find a foothold.
People rarely think of power as an internal thing. Something that they have. They can recognize it in others – that internal “something” that simmers under the surface – radiating without invading. But see it in themselves? No.
I believe in the idea of the divine spark. That a little piece of the supreme being resides inside each person – even the ones we don’t like. It may be close to the surface (like in an infant) or buried so deep it is undetectable – but the spark is there – providing power and radiance from within. Recognizing that internal power is a big part of remembering that we each have the gift of choice.
Power is neutral. The use (or misuse) of power often isn’t neutral. When power is used to control and manipulate others it gets sticky: power games come into play. But remember, if you have choice, and if it is an energetic game, you can always choose not to play.
