Power 101 refers to how we define our foundational belief about what power is and what it is not. People talk and write about power all the time. We attend classes, read books, listen to audio, and join master circles of power players. However, bottom line, true power is an inside job.

No one gives me power, and no one takes power away from me. I can ignore and hide my power. And in this manipulative, media-driven society, I am continuously encouraged to give my power away.  However, I know for sure that anyone trying to take my power or anyone who is willing to accept my power given to them, is in no way powerful. They are looking to control.

Power Peers do not do this. Power Peers are collaborative creators seeking peers with whom to explore, share, and plan. We come together to bring the best of ourselves to each other and to our communities. We enjoy engaging in deep, meaningful conversations that help us to understand different perspectives and allow new ideas and solutions to bubble up as we work together.

It is essential to recognize the difference between power and force. What is often called ‘power’ is, in actuality, force. Force is imposed externally to manipulate others in order to achieve material advantage. Money, fame, ownership, information, groupthink, and hierarchical authority do not automatically bring power. Unfortunately, we may operate with a fixed mindset that accepts external structures and competitive advantages as indicators of who has power and who does not.

In his book, Power vs. Force, Dr. David Hawkins gives many examples of how to recognize what is force and how to cultivate power, such as:

“. . . power arises from meaning. It has to do with motive, and it has to do with principle. Power is always associated with that which supports the significance of life itself. It appeals to that part of human nature that we call noble . . .”

Hawkins demonstrates the power inherent in higher levels of consciousness associated with positive, life-affirming behaviors, such as courage, willingness, acceptance, and love. He shares a description of how Mahatma Gandhi’s movement defeated the great material might of the British Empire:

“he did it by simply standing for a principle: the intrinsic dignity of man and his right to freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination. Fundamental to this principle, in Gandhi’s view, was the fact that such rights come to man by virtue of the divinity of his creation. Gandhi believed that human rights aren’t granted by any earthly power, but are ingrained in the nature of man himself because they’re inherent in his creation.”

Wow! How big is that principle? It’s inspiring, right? We can all be inspired, and we can inspire others. Maybe we have forgotten the deep, abiding principles, values, and glorious beliefs that make humans shine and thrive. At heart, we are noble beings.

Let’s start talking about these big, beautiful ideas and ideals again. Let’s talk about the powerful good that we believe in and want for our children. Let’s do it from our hearts in our own individual voices connected to something greater than ourselves.

In the Power Peers Network, we support and cultivate this awareness and connection. Please contact me to learn more about our current offers and comment below to share your thoughts on power.

Thanks for participating in the conversation, Laura