March 30 – Power

Fight the power.
James Hillman wrote a book called Kinds of Power: A Guide to Its Intelligent Uses. In it, he lays out 20 different styles of power: control, office, prestige, exhibitionism, ambition, reputation, influence, resistance, leadership, concentration, authority, persuasion, charisma, rising, decision, fearsomeness, tyranny, veto, purism, and subtle power. I recommend it. 
The style he calls subtle power reminds me of what I heard a man refer to as “sneaky power.” That is, the power of women in a patriarchal culture. 
The point is, everybody has power. Even powerless people have some kind. You might be using it without even being aware of it. But if you understand the kinds of power and where they come from, you can use them more effectively.
So use your power well. Judiciously. Compassionately. Courageously.
You might not think you have any power, but you do. There may be risks involved, but there always are. So use it well. To help yourself if you need to, to help others if you can.

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