“Authentic empowerment is the knowing that you are on purpose, doing God’s work, peacefully and harmoniously.” – Wayne Dyer
Empowerment used to be one of the big buzzwords in the personal development world. Because of this, empowerment became cliché and dropped off the radar as a topic of discussion. This is unfortunate because empowerment is the exact frame of reference to help people create the life they deserve and desire. Empowerment is simply feeling a sense of personal power. We feel charged and driven to move forward. We have a sense of self-efficacy and take action toward the attainment of our goals. We are empowered when we are striving toward meaningful goals, and when we feel competent and believe we have what it takes to reach these goals. But what happens when we lose this sense of personal power, or when we start feeling a lack of self-control? When this happens we no longer feel empowered, and why it is often easier to make a change than to maintain one. There will come a point when we get out of balance and feel powerless. So, it’s important to have an “empowerment ritual” to get ourselves back on track. Next time you’re having a pity party and feeling like you don’t have what it takes try these tips as a way to feel empowered and uplifted.
Centering breath
This is a good exercise to start with to clear your head and calm yourself down. When we can control our breathing we can take control of our emotions and behavior. To get centered, take 4 or 5 deep breaths. As you inhale tell yourself “I am calm, centered, and at peace.” As you exhale, breathe out any unsettling or negative feelings.
Do something that makes you feel good
What could you do right now to feel good about yourself? Most of us know what will make us feel more confident and inspired; we just have to do it. Do something that pleases you and make your own well-being a priority. Instead of worrying about pleasing others do something that increases your self-appreciation. There are countless ideas. Engage in a hobby, eat something nourishing, read a book, or do something relaxing or exciting.
Create a healthy environment
The environment we’re surrounded by has an impact on how we feel. Become aware of the people, places, and situations you interact with and how they influence you. Be particularly vigilant of your environment when you’re feeling vulnerable. Eliminate negative people and influences if you’re struggling to filter them out. Is your environment calm and peaceful? Is your environment uplifting and encouraging? Make your environment appeal to your five senses. Eliminate excessive noise. Keep your surroundings clean and organized, and burn incense or other appealing fragrances.
No more taking things personally
Always remember that you deserve good things. When we remember this, it becomes easier to let go of the fear of disapproval, and to not beat ourselves up when we make a mistake. What someone expresses to us is often a projection from their own belief system, so don’t take it personally. When we take things personally we are letting go of our personal power by succumbing to judgment and worry.
Express yourself fully
Stop hiding your passionate thoughts, opinions, and feelings. Expressing ourselves is how we get our needs met and live fully. It is how we live with congruence. Give yourself a voice, express yourself with confidence, and reach out and connect with someone. Creative expression is within you. Explore different outlets for your creativity, such as music, dance, or writing.
Reflect on growth and progress
Give yourself credit for all the hard work and growth you have achieved. Recognize the progress you have made instead of veiling your accomplishments with idealistic expectations. Keep learning from your experiences. Knowledge is a key component to feeling personally empowered. We live in a time where there is no excuse to say “I don’t know how to do this.” We can find the information and gain the knowledge about nearly anything. Hopefully the tips in this article can be integrated into your life and used as tools next time there is an obstacle to be tackled. What else can people do to gain a sense of personal power? What empowerment rituals do you have? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment!
