what’s real?

From the title, you might imagine I’m launching into a chopra-esque dialog about creating your own reality. But, I think not. I think this is simpler than that.
I’m reading Gary Zukav’s, Seat of the Soul (along with a half dozen other books.) Actually, I read the first chapter months ago and have been digesting or even embracing Zukav’s perspective on power ever since. Allow me to explain.
Zukav (and I’m drastically paraphrasing here, so you might want to read his words yourself. Here’s a taste.) talks about power- authentic power vs. external power.
What’s your first thought when I use the word power?
What does our world hold up as a standard for power?
What does the media honor as powerful?
I’d guess money is one of your first thoughts. Lots of money seems to say “power” in our world. Money and things… oh yeah. There’s power in things- a big house, great cars, clothes, art… stuff. Yeah, Powerful people have stuff.
Being “famous” might seem like a power factor to you. Being known by a lot of people, being a celebrity of whatever flavor is important to you. Being “somebody” might seem like power.
Having a perfect mate and lovely children might seem like power to you. Women, in particular, can embrace this image of “success” as being part of that perfect family.
If any of these things resonate with you as being important to being a successful, powerful person, think for another moment. All of these conditions are external to you as a person. Things, image, other people… all outside of you, all external. Factors that are outside of you are never under your control. So all these conditions for power can go away.
These external powers are the source of strife in our world today. If he who has the most is best, then what happens… people try to take more for themselves. The more external power we can amass, the safer, the more important we might feel. But underneath all that is an equally powerful emotion, fear. All expressions of external power can be taken, removed, lost. At some level, external powers are based in fear.
Is there power that can’t be taken. Zukav explains that we are using these physical objects, people and conditions to define our spiritual self. Spiritual self? Yes, this is where the true power can be found.
We live in a world that is physical. We get bombarded continually about our physical self. Are we fit enough, young enough, successful enough? All that is packaging. The real you is the internal you, the spiritual you. In this spiritual perspective is where authentic power is found.
What are examples of authentic power? Well, our ability to love, to be compassionate, to value  ourselves and the world. Can we empathize, compromise, cooperate… all authentic powers. Are you intuitive? Are you a healer (of yourself or others?) Are you an encourager, a team-builder? All these are examples of authentic power… power that can’t be taken away.
If external power is based in fear, can you see what these authentic powers are based in? The opposite of fear is love. Love is the basis of all authentic power. When we are based in love, there is a peace, a calm and an inexhaustible supply to our power. How authentic power is expressed is different for all of us, based on our unique skills and talents. Authentic power isn’t about fitting some external image, more of creating your unique expression of authenticity.
So, what is real? You… you can be so real, so authentic and so powerful. Turn within to discover where your true power lies. Open your heart to all that is possible for you. Let go of striving for what others tell you is success. Listen to the suggestions of friends and teachers who resonate with you. But always turn within to find your true path.
Don’t believe the images, stories, “powers” that are blasted in our faces daily. Don’t get lost in fears. Take a deep breath, sit still for a bit and get in touch with your love, your authenticity… your truth. That’s the only real thing you can count on and the most powerful tool you’ll ever have.
have fun
🧡