by Theresa Moore, MA, LPC, NCC

When used as a noun (a person, place or thing); power is defined as: an ability to act or produce an effect; possession of control, authority, or influence over others; or physical might, mental or moral worth, political control or influence.

 

When used as a verb (word used to describe an action or to indicate the existence of a state or condition): power is defined as a means to give impetus (force) to.
As collective individuals, we give up our power to be powerful in creating a healthy, positive existence for ourselves and then wonder why life is gloom. To confront the issues such as drug abuse, unhealthy sexual morality, negative gun violence and other counterproductive activities is often regarded as’ ‘easier said than done’. Yet when examining the definition of power, it truly can begin with a thought, which manifest itself into a feeling that further develops into a spoken affirmation which leads to positive power or actions.

 

Yet many of us relate power to a state of adversity. Power can impact us to have  emotional and psychological states of sadness, stress, fear and unhealthy control. As a Black African I often struggled as a youth with the authority and system I believed to be in power over me. I often battled with the idea of submitting my will to anyone, thing, or idea because I did not trust the source. Being miseducated on slavery and not knowing my native tongue or birth place, hurt me. It wounded me psychologically so much so, that I began to feel as though I were unimportant. Not knowing the source of my origin and going into a school or neighborhood in the various power-full Chicago neighborhoods, where they would speak of ancestors and family members living in these wonderful lands such as Italy, France, Germany, etc. And here I was little Black girl, from Chicago, whose parents parents miraculously appeared on America’s shores and was given names and a place in society to be ‘free’.

 

Free: unrestricted, costing nothing, self-ruling, not regulated, not affected by a particular thing. Free! Wow! To understand and utilize our power means being free. Yet to the basic history of Black in America that is a challenge. Not only is it a challenge to some it is a dream. So, why is it that power has so much power? And why is it that having no awareness of our power leads to more power? Ever notice, that even when we are feeling like there is nothing that can be done to pay that bill, or stop  smoking or stop overeating, or stop feeling so bad about feeling so bad? That’s power. Even the negative thoughts, actions, reactions, and feelings have power.

 

How then do we work to overcome the everyday challenges and become free powerful beings? It first begins with the idea. What do you want: is it happiness, is it love, is it financial freedom, is it success, is it education, what do you want? Next, how do you feel about this want: do you like the idea, are you passionate about it, does it frighten you, and how do you feel about your want? Then, once you have identified your want and recognize how you feel about it, truly feel about it, speak on it, empower the thought by expressing the words to manifest the action. Say to yourself, I am, I can, I have.  Finally, once you have recognized the thought, identified the feeling and begin to speak about the positive power-full ability you have, do it. Become it. Live it. Then we can begin to face our adversity and truly utilize the power of power.

 

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