When I say that love equals power, I am not referring to external power. We all know what external power looks like. It is the capacity and ability to control others – mentally, physically, culturally, religiously, politically, economically. Because it seems so much more desirable to control, rather than be controlled, for eons mankind has yearned for such power.
What has not been realized, till relatively recently, is that the defense against others’ power and control is not even greater power. That’s how wars start. The true defense is authentic power, rooted in Divine Love, which provides us with the inner strength, awareness, knowledge and guidance to preserve our autonomy and to remain free, safe and in harmony with all life.
What is does authentic power look like? What is it and how does it manifest as a life worth living? There are so few models of it around us it can be difficult to conceptualize, let alone embody. In his new book Spiritual Partnership: The Journey to Authentic Power, Gary Zukav brilliantly describes the hallmarks of life lived in authentic power, so much so that I think it is worth this rather extensive quote. I couldn’t articulate it better.
Zukav says:
“The more you cultivate loving parts of your personality and challenge frightened parts the more your personality becomes aligned with your soul. Eventually, the frightened parts of your personality lose their control over you and the loving parts create without limitation. Fear disappears. Your experiences become meaningful. Your attention is in the never-ending miracle of the eternal present moment. Your relationships transform. You are not “connected” to others any more than you are “connected” to your arm, hand or heart. You are part of them, and they are part of you. When they hurt, you feel them. When they are healthy, you are healthy.
Humbleness, clarity, forgiveness, and love replace fear. The world becomes a friendly place. You see the struggles and spiritual potential of others and the complexity and richness of their lives, even if they are not aware of them. Superiority gives way to appreciation. Inferiority disappears. The energy of your soul flows effortlessly through you in to the Earth school like the breath of a musician through a flute. Neither you nor others can tell where your personality ends and your soul begins. Gratitude, joy, meaning, and bliss fill your days. The seasons of your life come and go, carrying you forward like a river returning to the sea.
You consult intuition, choose your intentions consciously, move forward with an empowered heart, and act without attachment to the outcome. You do not presume to know how the Universe works or question the wisdom and compassion that shape your experiences according to the choices that you have made. You do your part and trust your nonphysical guides and Teachers to do theirs, take responsibility for your choices, and strive to contribute compassionately and wisely to Life. Each moment is full and complete. You think in terms of causes (intentions) and effects (experiences) instead of right and wrong, good and bad, fortunate and unfortunate. You know that a factor of karma is involved in your experiences, and so you do not take them personally. You give without expectation and receive without reservation. All that you need is given to you. This is authentic power.”