I have been thinking about ‘power’ lately, and the forms of power and how people use power.
The dictionary gives two definitions, of which I prefer the first:
- the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way
- the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events.
The second definition is the form of power that is often corruptible, and could be political or the power traditionally wielded by fat men in grey suits. This power can be aggressive, discompassionate, uncompromising, and a more overpowering kind of leadership.
Power doesn’t have to be leadership or aggressive or overpowering.
There is a power in knowing who you are, and controlling your emotions and how you respond or behave in various situations. This doesn’t inherently influence or control others, but if you choose to act with grace then others may admire you and want to act in a similar way.
When you are living as an empowered woman, you honour your truth, stand up for yourself and set a standard for how you wish to be treated. An empowered woman is courageous, brave, honest and heart-centred. She implements boundaries, has difficult conversations and says no when she needs to in order to honour herself and her needs. She lives in alignment with her inner wisdom and does the inner work to fill herself up from within.
– Connie Chapman
This is what I take the first definition to mean. Because you know yourself, you have enhanced your abilities and capacity for thought or control. The power lies in your ability to do things and act in a particular way. Your power comes from self-control and self-awareness. Your power comes from honest with yourself and others, and living true to yourself.
This kind of power can only come with freedom to be able to think and act as you choose. Although, even in situations where you don’t have complete freedom, your control over your reactions and response to the situation brings you some power.
