Using our Power - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

**Ann** · 10-08-2005, 04:40 AM

You are reading from the book Touchstones.

We cannot avoid
Using power,
Cannot escape the compulsion
To afflict the world,
So let us, cautious in diction
And mighty in contradiction,
Love powerfully.
--Martin Buber

The use and misuse of power by men give us much to weep over and much to admire. In our own families we see how our parents fought over power, how they used it both wisely and abusively. Our problems with power and control are a central part of our addictions and codependency. Admitting our powerlessness has started us toward recovery. Admitting our power will help carry us further.

No one is innocent beyond childhood. We affect the people around us, and it matters how we treat them. We cannot come and go unnoticed. Since we will make an impact, we learn to treat ourselves and the people around us with respect and justice. Our only solution is to learn to love and be loved.

Today, I will be more aware of the power I have in others' lives.

Phinneas · 10-08-2005, 06:55 AM

Like money, power is not inherently bad. It is value-nuetral. What makes it "good" or "bad" is determined by the thoughts, words and actions of an individual and how they use it and apply it in their life.

Caroline Myss has an awesome book on individual power called "Invisible Acts of Power." I highly recommend it.

hugs,

phinny

10-08-2005, 04:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ann Forum Leader Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: By The Lake Posts: 25,227	Using our Power You are reading from the book Touchstones. We cannot avoid Using power, Cannot escape the compulsion To afflict the world, So let us, cautious in diction And mighty in contradiction, Love powerfully. --Martin Buber The use and misuse of power by men give us much to weep over and much to admire. In our own families we see how our parents fought over power, how they used it both wisely and abusively. Our problems with power and control are a central part of our addictions and codependency. Admitting our powerlessness has started us toward recovery. Admitting our power will help carry us further. No one is innocent beyond childhood. We affect the people around us, and it matters how we treat them. We cannot come and go unnoticed. Since we will make an impact, we learn to treat ourselves and the people around us with respect and justice. Our only solution is to learn to love and be loved. Today, I will be more aware of the power I have in others' lives. __________________ “Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~Winnie the Pooh~

10-08-2005, 06:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
Phinneas Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: fumbling towards ecstasy Posts: 2,614	Like money, power is not inherently bad. It is value-nuetral. What makes it "good" or "bad" is determined by the thoughts, words and actions of an individual and how they use it and apply it in their life. Caroline Myss has an awesome book on individual power called "Invisible Acts of Power." I highly recommend it. hugs, phinny __________________ If ten people tell you that you have a tail... you might want to turn around and look.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)