Cultivating Power

Power Painting: Nina Enger

Monday November 4th , 2024

I've been thinking a lot about polarities lately, those seemingly opposites that only exist one with the other. I find it energising to think in this way. And in particular, at the moment, the polarity of strengths and vulnerabilities, and the dance between both. It seems that strong and vulnerable are important qualities for authentic power, the power that I'd respect. Vulnerability bringing a humility to power.

Considering power seems essential when things are suddenly less certain now. Times are darker, more divided than I remember. Things are fraying at the edges, unravelling. The future can look bleaker. It's a time when despair can come more readily than hope. Taking the longer view, perhaps we need to be here right now, as a part of our developmental journey. Part of the trajectory of life. Perhaps, as the Widow Cliquot would say 'the vine needs to struggle for its true character to emerge'.

I've never really thought about power before. Although I remember reading Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power many years ago. Written in 1998, it's a little surprising to see it appearing over 25 years later, in lists of the top 100 books.

I've been a little wary of power, recoiling from the abuses of power. Favouring the more egalitarian ways of working and being. I've been naive! Now I feel I need to rethink my position on power. Explore how power is operating in the world. Embrace my own power, the innerness of power, that strengthens resilience and character. I'm in the mood to be more intentional with my own power. To carefully chose, thoughtfully organise and tenderly cultivate all those sources of power that I can muster. And, I wondered how I might begin. And what practices I would use? Some came to mind.

1. A regular practice of recognising and affirming the grace and virtue of my own character. And recognising and reconciling those darker places of my psyche. Working to come into a healthier relationship will the ALL of me. Knowing that 'like a drunk in a midnight choir' ( L. Cohen) I've always tried to be a positive force in the world. Remembering my own worthiness, flawed but worthy.

2. A regular practice of cultivating my capacity to simply be present. It's always a challenge for me to set aside those chattering thoughts, and be with the moment that is. When I can, it's liberating to be free of any expectation and be alive in a space primed for emergence. Letting the new come into myself, and the world. Letting the right whatever emerge.

3. A regular practice of tuning into myself and the world around me. Not the noise, but the signal. Reflecting on deeper patterns and more nuanced meanings that help me to understand in relationship, through time, and in place. Thoughtfully choosing where to direct my attention and power. Deploying these scarce resources where they matter most. Not wasting any on idle rumination or indulgent dreaming. There is work to be done.

4. A regular practice of recognising the limitations of any illusion (delusion) of independence. There are conditions out of which my power arises. Particularly those relationships that serve as a stable foundation for personal power. Those who have come before and those who are with me now. Remembering to care for the counsel and love of those close to me.

There may be a sense of impending doom out there. But inside, lets be powerful. Take up our responsibilities for the better future that we might imagine, and choose to use our power wisely and gracefully. Even in our vulnerability, with power, we can be irrepressible!

What are you going to cultivate your own power?