For full list of articles click here Soulful Power for Our Times By Christian de la Huerta This article has been written in September, 2008, two months prior to historical elections.

There is much confusion in the world about power: what it is, who holds it, how it works. There are also many misconceptions about power: that only the wealthy, the famous or the politically connected wield it, or that it always corrupts. For women in particular, there is another layer of obstacles, such as the belief that power is not feminine, or that all men are threatened by powerful women. Consequently, too many people -- especially, but certainly not exclusively, women -- shy away from their own power.

To a great extent, the confusion arises because there are basically two kinds of power. In contrast to worldly (or egoic) power, soulful (or spiritual) power guides and inspires rather than dominates, controls or manipulates. It is humble, quiet and unassuming, not abusive, arrogant or self-aggrandizing. Soulful power derives its energy, strength and vitality from internal sources, unlike worldly power, whose sources are external, such as fame and money. It is about authentic self-expression, service and making a difference, while egoic power is agenda-driven, selfish and self-serving. Though all humans have access to both expressions of power, one is traditionally associated with feminine energies, while the other is considered more masculine in its approach. Implicitly acknowledging this distinction during his recent speech at the Democratic National Convention, former President Bill Clinton declared: "People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power."

America is at a crossroads. We have abused our power. We have been arrogant and self-righteous, impulsive and reactive. We have taken for granted and alienated friends and allies, squandering the world's goodwill and opinion. We have tried to lead unilaterally and by overwhelming force rather than by inspiration, negotiation and partnership. Striving to go it alone, our approach has backfired, leaving us isolated and with few allies.

The choice is now clear. Perhaps it has never been clearer.

Come November, will we choose more of the same in international relations? More macho, cowboy mentality? More I'm right/You're wrong, black/white, inflexible, self-righteous thinking? More attack first, ask questions later...if at all? More reactive and impulsive policies? Or will we choose more measured, nuanced, proactive strategies? Will we choose violence only as a last resort -- after negotiations have been attempted and the possibility of productive dialogue exhausted?

Will we continue to place countless lives at risk and to squander billions of dollars in Iraq each month, even if that regrettable monumental mess goes on for another 100 years? Will we sign on for "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran", at the same time that China, free to invest its ample resources into its own infrastructure, surpasses us in economic might, world influence and even in sports excellence?

Don't for one minute think that soulful power is wimpy. Simply consider some of its exemplars and practitioners throughout history: Jesus, Gandhi, Dr. King, Mother Theresa. The effect these "community organizers" have had on the world is immeasurable.

Worldly power is about power over; soulful power is about power with. What is evident in this election is that one candidate has helped to unleash the imagination and is channeling the hopes and dreams of millions. It is the power of the collective that is being evoked, while Americans are at last being challenged to fulfill our best and highest potential.

On the anniversary of 9/11, it strikes me that what we are witnessing is a tectonic shift in the power structure of the world, nothing less than symptoms of imploding patriarchal systems. My college friend Michelle once shared her grand gender theory of New York architecture: The Empire State is feminine: elegant, refined, with graceful lines. The World Trade Center she described as masculine: solid, angular, a symbol of strength and power, a global center for finance and commerce. And the Chrysler? A beautiful, flamboyant, over-the-top drag queen!

Viewed in this context, it is interesting that it was the WTC that was attacked by Al Qaeda operatives eight years ago -- as was the Pentagon, also a masculine symbol of strength and worldly power. It is also worth noticing that our response was to attack Afghanistan, whose Taliban leadership operated the single system in the world most oppressive of women. Witness the patriarchy taking itself down.

This November we face a choice, the repercussions of which will be felt for generations to come. This election we face a choice between traditional worldly power and soulful power, between the same old ways of doing things and a fresh, new approach.

Will we choose once again the path of arrogant, violent unilateralism, or will we choose more soulful -- and powerful -- responses appropriate to the needs of our times, responses that reflect an increasingly multilateral and interconnected world, responses that consider the complex and often contradicting needs of one human family?

Soulful power is love-based rather than fear-based, inclusive rather than hierarchical. Not needing to exert itself over others, it stands freely on its own. It simply is. And it is mighty.

The world awaits America's choice with hope, and with baited breath.

info@SoulfulPower.us

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