Abuse of Power Worksheet
Power, empowerment and releasing the effects of abuse of power.
Overview
The abuse of power is deeply embedded in our culture. From being the victim of it or as the bully in school, from dictatorial and controlling parents, to those in authority everywhere, we see use of power over others permeating society. Last century there were several major world wars and 50+ genocides all playing out this issue and prior to this there have been thousands of years of oppression of women, slavery and all forms of discrimination. The Power resonances are about regaining personal power and releasing abusing or being abused, in the widest sense.
Power Exercises:
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In the spirit of observing and witnessing rather than judging or blaming, notice ways in which you use power over others in your life. This is deeply
embedded in our culture and can be very subtle. See if you can spot the pattern in your relationship with others - and with yourself. It may be talking
over someone or dismissing their ideas, derogatory remarks and put-downs, assuming that you know the best way to do something or some much more obvious
form of imposing power over another.
Through the week make a list of what you notice. Bringing these patterns to awareness gives you choice - are they serving you and others or not? -
The counter-side of releasing abuse of power is stepping into our true inner empowerment. Look at the list you have made and choose one thing that you
would like to do differently. What is a small step that you could take, and when could you do it?
Keep it achievable and realistic - something that you
feel inspired about and will actually do.
Imagine what it would feel like to achieve this. Step fully into this feeling and embody it. If you find this difficult to relate to and the step you have planned just feels overwhelming it is probably too big for a first step, so chunk it down until it feels achievable.
When you have taken that step, pause and allow yourself to appreciate what you have done. Notice how this feels.