Power: How to Use it

Unlike other spiritual concepts such as Compassion, the nature of Power is less clean cut in its definition and embodiment by examining the word alone.  This may be why even those in the spiritual community have sometimes fallen to its shadow side, as happens in all corners of society.  Power comes from the Latin root, potere, meaning ‘to be able’.  We all aspire to be able to exert our mark on the world, to be empowered in our destiny.  The tricky thing with power is how we use this energy.  This is why it’s beneficial to understand both sides of the fiery coin. 

So, let’s break it down.  There are two types of Power, internal or authentic and external or inauthentic.  Or you could say 5th dimension or 3rd dimensional power for those so inclined. 

Inauthentic power is called as such because it’s not ultimately who we really are or what we’re made of.  It’s external to us and only applies in this one dimension of our existence.  It’s very attractive to the ego as it helps build and sustain it, though it is entirely dependent on circumstances outside of ourselves.  It can be bought, it can be lost, it can be sold.  There are many characters in the world quite literally killing each other for this exact type of power.  The natural world is in peril because of this type of power.  What many find is that even when this power has been accomplished or sustained, it does not satisfy or liberate. 

For our species to evolve, we must start to better understand power and how we embody it.  We must start to prioritize authentic, internal power.  This is really what the power center or solar plexus chakra is all about.  This is where you can light yourself up in all your glory come what may in the external world.  It cannot be bought, sold or lost.  If you are a spiritual seeker, it can be a little intimidating welcoming power because you are so aware of the trappings of the external that we may sometimes cut ourselves off from showing up as our full selves, scared it can trip us onto that path.  We get nervous when the good shows up in our lives.  However, if you center yourself in that authentic power, a deep knowing of who you are and how you show up in the world, this does not exclude you from positive external ramifications.  The difference is what came first. 

When you are in your authentic power, you will always be grounded in who you really are at a soul level which is never anything but kind, sovereign, compassionate, determined, loving and intuitive.  The elevated states of being on all levels.  This embodied power knows no bounds and its ramifications are not just beneficial for you, but for all those you encounter.  You realize that life is not a zero-sum game, but a dance of abundance and grace.  This kind of power is what we speak of in spiritual development.  No one, and no thing can take it away from you.  It exists outside of space and time.  It is simply an embodiment and realization of who it is you are, and it cannot steer you wrong. 

When we talk of power, we inevitably also start talking about boundaries.  There’s a lot of talk about boundaries, but there are some intricacies to be aware of when it comes to your authentic power.  This is also something that can trip spiritual seeks up, it sure did for me.  I thought that as I evolved and was able to hold more and more that pushing back was a sign of failure.  Obviously, this is not the case and having access to what I call an empowered ‘No’ is critical as we navigate this physical dimension.  The difference is that when these boundaries are set and enforced (sometimes we forget that second part) it is not led by the ego, it’s led from the soul, from an aligned power center.  It does not seek retribution or revenge, it’s simple, powerful, full of love for yourself and for whoever else is involved.  Enforcing boundaries is an energetic realignment.

Power is a beautiful thing, and you know who has embodied theirs when you come into contact with them.  You feel at ease with their strength.  But as the ancients have said for thousands of years, with great power comes great responsibility.   It is our responsibility to ensure that our power is authentically integrated and not externally derived or motivated.  That our power lifts others up, not pushes others down.  We need to be aware of when inauthentic power raises its ugly head and inhibits our ability to make soul-led decisions.  And if and when it does, without judgement, we can gracefully find our way back to who we really are.