Yesterday I attended a seminar on empowerment. What was supposed to be a seminar quickly became a non-sectarian revival meeting. Ironically, the people who came to learn about reclaiming their power were giving it away to the speaker, who in turn, seemed to enjoy taking it in. We living in a culture of strong media personalities, charismatic religious leaders, politicians, professional athletes, amazing healers, rock stars, physicians and charming social network experts, many of which long for more than their 15 minutes of fame—and will gladly take yours. Sadly, all of this leaves a great many people disempowered and ultimately stressed. The alchemy of empowerment is a carefully crafted (conscious) mixture of high self-esteem, confidence, humility, patience and assertiveness. Metaphorically speaking, empowerment, like tires on a car, needs to be monitored regularly for leaks. Like the air you inhale, empowerment is only a breath away.
• Stress Tip For The Day:
Are you the kind of person who gives your power away? Remember, it is OK to listen to the voice of reason and the wisdom of experience, however, take time each day to discern where truth really lies. Here is a test of leaking air in the tires of your metaphorical car: If you find yourself paying (adoring) more attention to the messenger than the message, there is a good chance you are giving your power away. Gather information from several sources. Question what you think to see if it rings true. Empowerment is an inside job. To reclaim your personal power, you first have to acknowledge that you have it, then embrace it not give it away.
• Links/Books/Movies Worth Noting:
I love movies that using the Hero’s journey template remind us of our own power… For this reason, I highly recommend the movie St. Ralph.
• Quote for the Day:
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel
“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”— Rumi
• Photo of the Day:
I took this photo a few years back in Ke’e Beach, Kauai during a powerful winter storm…Seeing this guy in front of this colossal wave reminded me of Mickey Mouse in the Sorcerer’s Apprentice of the movie Fantasia. Seemed appropriate. You might have to click on the photo to enlarge it, Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 14 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart, A Beautiful World and Managing Stress (7E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
