As we try to navigate the ups and downs in life, the world around us is constantly changing. Taking a moment to reflect on political and geopolitical developments requires both courage and vulnerability. Most of us have grown up in a time of peace and prosperity, and it is hard to imagine it being any different. Of course, we know the stories of our parents and grandparents about the war, but the thought that we might go through something similar in our own lives still feels far-fetched.
Meanwhile, we see crumbling global powers and new upcoming forces tearing apart everything that was designed after the Second World War to prevent another such global conflict. And this is happening at the world stage. The West presents itself as a peacemaker and a defender of justice, yet it is partial and provocative. There is a shift is taking place, one that could very well lead to confrontation. And as with every conflict, it is the ordinary citizens, people like you and me, who are just minding their own business, who pay the price.
The important question I ask myself is: how do I prepare myself for whatever is ahead? The Dutch Central Bank advises people to keep cash at home in case bank accounts become the target of cyberattacks. Online, there are tips about stocking up on water, food, power supplies, and communication tools. But the real question for me is: how do I prepare myself mentally for difficult times? What if war actually breaks out? Who do I want to be in that moment?
This calls upon my inner leadership, my personal power. A strength that is independent of others. A power that comes from within. No one can give it to me, and no one can take it away. Regardless of my position, status, or circumstances, my personal power remains with me. The only way to lose it is by losing sight of myself—by ignoring my values, by silencing my voice, or acting out of fear instead of authenticity.
Personal power comes from inner freedom, the deep awareness that we always have a choice. It is the fire that burns within us, the force that keeps us standing even when the world around us is shaking. Our strength is not defined by circumstances or the opinions of others but lies in our resilience—our ability to rise after every setback, to speak our truth with courage, and to act with integrity despite fear. It is the freedom we can give ourselves. The freedom to choose how we respond. It is not about controlling others but about self-mastery. Even in times of peace, it is precisely this power that transforms lives, moves mountains, and creates a lasting impact.
The essence of power is nothing more than a feeling. Most of the time, when we talk about power, we mean social power—the kind of power that comes from birth, status, wealth, position, strength, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or even physical beauty. This is the most visible form of power, the kind that society grants. But because it depends on others, it can just as easily be taken away. In that sense, it is harder to hold a high position of power than a lower one. Those in power know that it can be challenged, and they may live in a constant state of alertness and self-doubt, which can be mentally destabilizing. Displays of power often serve as a way to compensate for this.
Julie Diamond speaks about Power Intelligence. Alongside cognitive and emotional intelligence, Power Intelligence is the wisdom to handle the power that has been entrusted to us. Each of us has an area in life where we experience power: as a parent, a child, a caregiver, a teacher, a manager, a customer, a policymaker, an EU citizen, and so on. But at all times, we have our own personal power. Knowing how to cultivate, nurture, and apply it also requires Power Intelligence.
Mindfulness helps me nurture my personal power. Through mindfulness meditation, I develop the ability to face discomfort, pain, loss, uncertainty, and suffering with calm. This allows me more space to consciously choose my response. A beautiful quote by Viktor Frankl says:
Will I react from insecurity? Do I want to prove something? Am I trying to gain control? By simply noticing what is happening within me, I can make a different choice. I can return to my inner calm, to that place within me that does not waver, no matter what happens outside of me.
Nonviolent Communication, also known as Connecting Communication, is the language of free thinkers, giving words to the forces that drive my deepest inner strength. It shows me that self-connection is the source of courage, in small moments and in great challenges. It reminds me that I always have a choice, that no one can own my soul, and that I am responsible for my decisions. It teaches me that power does not have to mean domination over others. True strength is about connection—both with myself and with others. It is the ability to express my feelings and needs without blame, to truly listen, and to stand firmly in my truth.
A silly example, perhaps, but I remember a moment when my position in a workshop was tested. A participant, clearly skeptical of my approach, interrupted me with sharp criticism. A wave of doubt rose in me—was I failing? Should I defend myself? My old response would have been to retreat or to react forcefully. But instead, I took a slow, conscious breath. I felt the tension in my chest and the self-doubt creeping in. I acknowledged my need for confidence and clarity. Instead of reacting impulsively, I chose curiosity. I asked the participant to share more about their concerns and listened sincerely, without defending myself. The energy in the room shifted. What began as a confrontation turned into an open conversation. The participant relaxed and, by the end, was more engaged than ever. That is what happens when I tap into my personal power. Standing firm in my truth without aggression. Meeting resistance with presence and choosing connection over control.
There is so much we cannot influence. I have no illusions about that. But where I do experience power, I can make a difference. And that begins, above all, with myself. Our personal power, which can never be taken away, helps us stay rooted, even when the world around us trembles. It is the path to greater peace, understanding, and connection in the world around us.
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