Don’t be fooled by force, be fueled by power
Force is not the same as power.
Jesus exuded power. Nelson Mandela exuded power. Mother Theresa exuded power. Our current administration is using force, and the reason their efforts aren’t landing is because power and force are polar opposites. To truly understand this distinction will give you some hope and optimism for the future.
In 1995, psychiatrist David R. Hawkins pioneered a study on power and force. By combining the principles of kinesiology (muscle testing), nonlinear dynamics and a “Map of Consciousness” to quantify energetic levels of human emotions and statements, Hawkins asserted that force (coercive, lower-energy states like fear and anger) repels and is fleeting while power (positive, higher-energy states like love and truth) attracts and is enduring.
Power is linked to positive inspiration that motivates willing cooperation, whereas force works to intimidate with the goal of creating opposition, divisiveness and conflict. Force often parades around as power by claiming power’s virtues, but it cannot produce long-lasting results or a legacy like true power can.
To bring this home, think about your own life and inner circle. Are you more attracted to people who force you to do things you don’t agree with or want to do, or are you attracted to people who are authentic, bring good energy and go at life with an open heart? Additionally, think about leaders in your own world who have inspired you (teachers, mentors, principals, bosses, parents). Did they lead by oppression or encouragement?
In my opinion, this study matters for voters on both sides of the political aisle. For those living in a state of fear or anxiety due to inflation, the government shutdown, tariffs, layoffs and the list goes on, stay confident that this type of leadership is not sustainable. The level of force and coercion being utilized will implode, although it’s unfortunate that many lives are being affected in the meantime. Conversely, those of you who feel the government is making decisions to “protect” or “preserve,” please beware because anything done by force is ineffective and temporary, at best.
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Sociology and psychology studies routinely find that subjects constrict when told what to do. Our sense of true north and intuition are immediately triggered when we’re coerced — especially if it feels hateful, vengeful or punitive. People can be self-silenced for only so long before something must be said or done. For years or even decades, peaceful people have quietly gone about their lives, turning a blind eye to what’s going on politically, but even they are starting to speak up and question current policies. Even they are using their various layers of privilege to protect the vulnerable.
The way that individuals are turning away from social media is a form of collective power. False propaganda, colored both red and blue, is spreading like wildfire on the internet, but the more we choose real life experiences and connections over online content, the more powerful we become.
As social media is increasingly driven by bots and algorithms, our brains are resisting. Our souls crave realness, rawness and feeling fully alive. Maybe it took something this extreme to wake us up and get us off our devices. I know in my own life, my personal circle and in my community, folks are choosing trivia nights, concerts, storytelling around campfires, meals around a table and novelty, as opposed to being on a phone. Parents of younger children are no longer giving toddlers and young kids devices. Many teachers are moving away from technology and shifting back to reading books and handwriting essays. The pendulum is swinging. I can see it, I can feel it, and it’s wonderful.
I encourage you to read Dr. Hawkins’s full study which is described in detail in his book Power vs. Force. It’s fascinating how our bodies respond with weakness when we’re presented with situations or statements backed by force and our bodies respond with strength when we’re presented with truth and love. Here’s an example that will resonate with many locals. Consider these three famous ACC basketball coaches — Jim Valvano, Mike Krzyzewski, Dean Smith. Did they enlighten and motivate their players or did they belittle and manipulate their players? We all know the answer, and we all know the outcome. Championships, legacies, buildings, domes and statues in their namesakes because they deserved them, not because they paid for them.
While it may appear that many things are out of our control right now, we possess more agency than we realize. Stay alert. Stay aware. Stay curious. And always choose people and circumstances fueled with power over those backed by force. Seeking the enlightened choice becomes addictive, it becomes inspiring, and you’ll be driven to encourage others to do the same. One person at a time, one community at a time, we will get to a better place.
Now more than ever — be bold, be powerful.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer who lives in Haywood County. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
