Hello,
Many of you would have heard me say 'don't let anyone steal your power'. I know there is a school of enlightened thought that states we give our power away or let others take our power. Maybe this is true. To have it pointed out without educating the concept is not responsible.
This is what we are talking about today. Taking responsibility for our truth and encouraging others to do the same. This requires a certain awareness rigor to pay attention to your triggers in conversation and know how to lovingly self-correct.
It is very helpful to have clear boundaries. Most important to have clarity on the meaning you attach to what is being said about you. Once these elements are in place, it is natural to respond to the person's judgment/observation in a way that respects you and them.
Now is a good time to listen to the video above if you haven't done so. This week's Practical Mindfulness exercise gives you the tools to educate yourself on reclaiming your love power in conversation.
Be bold x Anna
RECLAIM MY LOVE POWER
PRACTICAL MINDFULNESS EXERCISE
1. Write the statement that hurt, judged or disempowered you.
Start with (insert name) said ...
Anna's example
John said that I was a bit over the top. Not to my me directly but to my partner. It was hurtful, he didn't know me.What did you have this mean about you? I wasn't acceptable to John. I didn't fit in and I have to fix it,
2. What did you say, do or think to resolve this issue with (insert name)?
Did it work? If so how, if not why not.
Anna's example
I kept my distance from John. I adapted how I behaved in front of him/family.
It worked for awhile but I couldn't relax and be myself. I hardly interacted at all. It didn't work long term as I couldn't keep up the act.
3. RECLAIM YOUR LOVE POWER Choose a statement from the ADD IN THE SAID list below. This is what was not said in the conversation. Adding this statement is one way to take responsibility for your self worth and truth. It encourages others to do the same. This is your gift to them.
ADD IN THE NOT SAID (the missing link) In your opinion. For your comfort. Its for you to resolve. There could be some truth in that, I'll take responsibility for that.
Listen to the video for further options.
4. WHAT COULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY? Write out your first statement again and add the relevant, missing link.
5. MY NEW STATEMENT.
John said that I was a bit over the top. Not to my me directly but to my partner. It was hurtful, he didn't know me. I thought about it and no that wasn't the truth for me. ADD IN : I asked my partner if he had a problem with how I acted. He said no. I continued, well if John thought I was a bit over the top for his comfort zone, then it was his problem to resolve. I trust he can do that.
This is one way to reclaim your sense of worth and power with love and awareness.
Practice this next time.