Myth of Power

Recently, a client shared a story with me of the mighty prince and the young peasant boy.  You may have heard it before...if not, you may wish to read it.  

The story reminded me that I've often thought about creating a workshop titled, "The Power of Vulnerability." I wonder who would be brave enough to sign up...including me, if I weren't facilitating it?

We hold such myths about power: "knowledge is power," a man on Wall Street wears a "power suit," our world is powered by electricity, which can be lethal; and yet, what touches you most deeply? What memories do you hold most dear?

For the month of July, I participated in Michael Neill's "Creating the Impossible" program. One support aspect of the program was a forum for participants to post their goals, challenges, and successes. Of all the folks on the forum, I was consistently attracted to this one woman, who is a coach in the Midwest. Each time she shared with the group, you could feel her presence, openness, and trust. There was no shield of protection (power suit), she didn't always have the answers (knowledge is power), and while I perceive her as a dynamo, she shared herself with gentle directness. For me, she illustrated the power of vulnerability beautifully. I felt supported by her and she elicited in me a desire to extend support to her.

I believe we often get caught in power struggle rather than standing in the power of our own vulnerability. The power of vulnerability knows: no matter what happens, we are not defined by anything or anyone outside of us, we simply are. And each time we stand in that space of being, knowing that we are worthy of love and connection, we share ourselves openly and invite others to do the same. The power of that invitation...the power of that beingness is a power born of love.

As corny as it sounds, when we truly love ourselves, we don't feel the desire to have power over another person or a situation. When we truly love ourselves (and this is a moment to moment proposition), we don't beat ourselves up for what we're not or what we think we are (which is usually a learned label that has nothing to do with you). So, for today, I invite you to take a few moments and be in love with you. Appreciate all of who you are so that it fills you from the tips of your toes to the roots of your hair. And bring that feeling with you, out into the world, and see what happens when you stand in your power. That's what the boy in the story did and he could not be conquered.

Just before publishing, I found this fabulous TED video of Brene Brown talking about the "Power of Vulnerability." It's absolutely worth the 20 minutes to watch it.

With the power of love,
Joanne Lutz