Life expresses itself in both overt and covert ways. Nature is powerful both in its ferocity and its quiet adaptability. We can give by giving, and we can give by receiving. We can attack with action and with the absence of it.
We tend to associate the qualities we seek with their overt expressions—attention is the attention we receive when we are in the centre of the room, we are seen and heard when others extend their care to us.
But we’re also seen and hard when we see and hear other people. As we are in the centre of attention when we hold space for someone else to step into the centre of attention. We hold power when we express ourselves, but also when we suppress ourselves and allow someone else to explore and connect with themselves.
If we haven’t been able to align with one of the qualities of our essence—power, love, creativity, belonging—the answer may be in changing the mode of expression. If we’ve been looking to connect with the overt qualities, we can try to step into the cover ones or vice versa.
Rather than look for love in the receiving of it, receive it by giving it. Instead of leading from the front, Lead by letting someone else take charge. Create energy by spending energy. Solve the problem by not looking for a solution but allowing it to come to you. Find by not seeking. Succeed by stopping to push for success.
True power, being, belonging is not to the exclusion of anything but to the inclusion of everything.