The enticement of attaining personal and even collective power is seemingly attractive to many animals, including humans. This blog was written because I wonder if power has a place in a Utopian world that is balanced and peaceful or if the inevitable shifts that bring change are a catalyst for desiring power and perpetuating the act of resistance.
In our everyday lives, we see examples of power at the most basic level. Animals get protected over food sources, and political leaders flex their muscles in the global arms race. Our personal athletic events and intellectual pursuits also demonstrate successful acts of strategy, strength, and power. Even in religious and spiritual experiences, personal power is promised.
To be sure, there are many ways you can feel powerful. For example, when you achieve a physical goal, like climbing a mountain, it is a gratifying and empowering experience. Yet, even in this instance, there is at least a small amount of resistance towards the challenge. I will confess to my love of physical feats but not so much other forms of resistance.
Some acts of power can’t be mistaken, for example, when people attempt to manipulate or control others. I often wonder, if we all recognized our energetic connection, would the strife settle down?
Some might think all acts of power are derived from our ego. I believe we must look deeper. Fear is a strong motivator for attempting to control others, but just as powerful is that amazing feeling of self-empowerment when you accomplish a personal goal. The feeling of gratitude and joy gets radiated out into the world with every moment of self-empowerment.
I think power can shine a light of joy in our world just as often as it can cast shadows on humanity. The key is personal power for doing something that brings you joy, like finishing a marathon, versus strategizing to take control of another person’s livelihood or resisting what is fearful.
My Story
Three of us were headed north to the border of Arizona and Utah. We had enough gear for 4 or 5 days of car camping and hiking. Two of us had only a rough idea of what we would be experiencing; the third person had created an agenda for the next couple of days. All we knew for sure was we would be in the desert exploring different canyons.
We were all excited to hopefully discover new routes from the rim that might lead to art on the canyon walls, pottery shards, or ruins from long ago. All in all, the experience is timeless and has a great way of erasing the mundane from your thinking.
We saw our usual landmarks on our drive North. One of these markers is a sign with an arrow that points to a revival tent that promises personal power. This tent is on a dirt road but visible from the two-lane highway. Our conversation transitioned to the question: is humanity destined to weave a never-ending story of attempting to influence and even control something in ourselves and others?
We fueled up on food and water as we drove to the first camping spot. When we arrived, there was enough light to go for a quick hike and plan our next day’s adventure. That evening, we unloaded the gear on an almost full moon.
Sometimes, I wish it was possible to capture just one moment of the moonlight, the night sky, the chill in the air, the feeling of excitement for a new adventure, and a tired body ready for sleep.
The next morning, after the best cowboy coffee in the world and some questionable oatmeal, we were ready to find routes that drop into the nearest canyon. Here’s where it gets interesting. To be clear, I basically follow the people I’m with. This has been their practice for over thirty years, and I have learned to trust them, even when the 600-foot sheer drop-off makes it look crazy and impossible to find a safe way into the canyon floor. Sometimes, this means scrambling over boulders, sliding through knee-high scree fields, or balancing on foot holds carved into the stone walls years ago.
These footholds, or Moki steps, are an example of the power and strength required of the indigenous people living off the land. What other forms of power took place 1200 years ago? Sometimes, we find beautiful pieces of pottery and structures that provided shelter long ago. We also find points used for hunting and possibly protecting their homes from predators.
Does our current life experience use the same power structures to thrive, like 1000 years ago? Maybe the only difference is the number of people and the amount of land involved.
One afternoon, I chose not to do part of a hike. It was going to include a very exposed cliff wall, and I didn’t have the mental strength to focus on all the detailed movements of my hands, feet, and other parts of my body. One wrong move could result in a crash landing far below.
I stayed on top of a plateau mostly surrounded by blue sky. It was silent except for the occasional big gusts of wind that made me think I needed another layer of clothing on. Sometimes, a swift would fly over my head, close enough that I could hear the power of their wings as they soared into nothingness.
In those couple hours by myself, I realized how it was impossible for my mind to be anywhere except in that moment, with those sounds and visions all around me. I also recognize it’s impossible for me to be anywhere else when I’m touching the Earth rocks and moving my body up or down a route that demands all my focus.
Maybe that’s why I love nature so much; there are rules that are unyielding. The natural world is not attempting to break us; we simply need to move in a way that honors and does not resist the power of all that is.
Wrapping It Up
If you are familiar with my writing, you will know I believe a peaceful world is possible; it begins with our mindset and what we believe deep in our hearts. Go out and do what makes you feel empowered and joyful; notice the resistance melting away:)
Thank you for reading this article. May your energy be loving and powerful as you shine through the day.
Read Polly Wirum’s blog on The Eden Magazine blog page.
by Polly Wirum
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