Don’t Give Your Power Away

When I was in my doctoral program, I got a bad grade on an early assignment in my theory class. I called the director of the program in tears, hysterical. She firmly, and lovingly said, “Get ahold of yourself!” Scolding me, as a wise elder does, and I froze. She vibrated me back into my power. In the week following the 2024 elections, the dust is beginning to settle. Rested, reflected, I listened to The Daily podcast last night on my way home from teaching Master’s level social work students, thinking about how politics plays out in our classrooms. One episode of the podcast analyzed the losing side and the other offered observations of the leader of the winning party. One side is feeling defeated, some are feeling combative. Many are feeling fear. I say this with gently, and with love: Don’t give your power away. Don’t succumb to fear. Dust yourself off. Use your intelligence, and your power. Breathe into your heart space, stay present. The upcoming years may feel dark and chaotic at times. I plan to use this time to use my tools to stay regulated. Take care of myself. Use my intelligence, stay detached but stay present. Hold space for others and remind them of their divinity.