I’ve been sitting with this question now for some time. I ask myself, “How do I step into my power?” I wonder what it is, what it looks like for me and if it’s the same for everyone? I’ve been thinking about these questions for so long that I feel exasperated at times. Why is it taking so long and will it ever happen for me? How do I step into my power? Inside those questions, I saw myself grasping at straws. I thought, power must be a symbol of status or financial gain. It must be the realization of a dream come true or getting things done, being productive, being fearless in my pursuits, and if I fell short of any of that, I wasn’t in my power. It was an exhausting search which depleted me of all power I could have possibly had. Recently, while I was practicing a Chakra Activation Technique for the Crown Chakra and I was struck by insight! Stepping into my power was not something established outside of myself, and it wasn’t a product of anything I generated to manifest. Taking the first step for me, was defining what my power was and better yet, what is in my power to practice. For me, stepping into my power looks like: 1. Setting Boundaries 2. Going with my personal flow 3. Trusting what I feel 4. Not settling for anything less (than what is listed above) This was a revelation to me, a standard of personal power. “Stepping” into my power had a definition, a face now and “Standing” in my power simply had to be the body, the practice of what the first steps might look like in action. It was clear to me, when you define and begin a practice utilizing your personal power, you find your individual balance and Divine alignment. You become the pillar of steadiness and strength.
STEPPING INTO YOUR POWER: PART II Find out what the different types of boundaries are, what they stand for and the difference between establishing a boundary and the skill of communication. It’s important to understand that establishing boundaries is different than the skill of communication. Although we might communicate boundaries, the two invoke separate and distinct intentions that sometimes, can be confused or disorienting. Communication opens to a flow of potential sharing. Whereas, setting boundaries temporarily stops the flow in effort to conserve. Boundaries are not haphazard, they are put forth with meaning and purpose, to protect and maintain your power. 7 TYPES OF BOUNDARIES
MENTAL Freedom to have your own thoughts, values, and opinions. - Boundary: “I respect your perspective although I do not agree.” - Communication: “I respect your perspective. Would you be willing to hear my thoughts on this subject as well?” EMOTIONAL Reflects how emotionally available you are to others - Boundary: “I want to support you right now. However, I can sense my emotional capacity is not 100% and I will need to come back to this at a time when it is.” - Communication: “I can feel myself getting emotional. Are you okay with me sharing my feelings about this as well?” INTERNAL Self-regulation, energy expended on self vs. others - Boundary: “I’ve worked all week and will need to take the weekend to catch up with myself.” - Communication: “I’ve worked hard and need time for myself. However, I’m happy to check-in and let you know if I might be up for talking or doing something toward the end of the weekend.” PHYSICAL Privacy, personal space, your body - Boundary: “I would like to get to know you more before I decide if I’m comfortable with a hug.” - Communication: “We don’t know each other that long. What are your thoughts about physical expressions like hugging?” TIME How much time you spend with someone or doing something - Boundary: “I can only stay for 30 minutes.” - Communication: “I can only stay a bit but I will call you later to continue the conversation.” CONVERSATIONAL Topics that you do and do not feel comfortable discussing - Boundary: “This subject makes me feel uncomfortable and I would prefer to switch topics.” - Communication: “I can feel a little heated around this subject. Would you be willing to switch topics?” MATERIAL Monetary decisions, giving or lending to others - Boundary: “I’ve lent you money 2x’s now and I am not willing to make it a 3rd time.” - Communication: “I noticed this is the 3rd time you’ve asked for money. I know times can be hard, help me understand what you need the money for, and we can talk about how best I can support you.” Love, Jennifer Jennifer Circosta is our AFSI Blogger, Public Relations Assistant and Emotional Wellness Coach. She is the Owner of GENTLE TOUCH HEALING 💜 Healing through Compassion. She can be reached at: www.jennifersmusing.com.