This week Oprah invites best-selling author Gary Zukav for an all-new "Under the Oaks" interview in the serenity of an oak grove at her California home to discuss authentic power and how to find more meaning and purpose in our lives. Gary believes that what you put out into the world directly relates to what you get back, and he says owning your intentions will lift your soul. Find out what Oprah believes is the most important lesson she's taken away from Gary and what A-HA moments she's still learning!
Authentic power is the real deal. You can't inherit it, buy it, or win it. You also can't lose it. You don't need to build your body, reputation, wealth, or charisma to get it. None of that can help you when it comes to creating authentic power. Anyone can become authentically powerful. Even a rock star or the president of the United States can become authentically powerful, although just being a rock star or president is no guarantee of authentic power.
The only way to become authentically powerful is to create authentic power. You cannot wish, want, or command authentic power into your life, although you can try. Wishing, wanting, and commanding don't give you any traction when it comes to creating authentic power. Creating authentic power requires commitment, courage, and discipline that far exceed those of a professional athlete or accomplished artist. The skills that athletics and art -- or any other profession -- require are limited in usefulness to athletics, art, or the profession. The skills that are required to create authentic power can be used in every circumstance, every situation, with every person. They are 1) the ability to distinguish within yourself the difference between love and fear, and 2) choosing love all the time no matter what is happening inside you or outside you.
When the pain of anger, guilt, loss, grief, resentment, fear, jealousy or rage stab, throb, ach, and tear at you, that is the time to create authentic power by not acting on it. When chaos, dissolution, dysfunction, or violence surround you, that is the time to create authentic power by not reacting to it. You decide what you will say and do, not your internal or external circumstances. You choose to be patient when impatience roars through you, silent when you want to shout, listen when you feel compelled to speak. You choose the healthiest intentions and actions you can reach for, no matter what. Like an accomplished athlete or professional, your performances are dazzling, but only you see them. They are not to manipulate or control others, not to vanquish, gain, impress, or win the prize. They are to stand on the ground of your own sanity and humanity, no matter what. This is the real deal.
Are you interested?
Sneak Preview: Finding Your Authentic Power
This Sunday morning at 11/10c, Oprah sits down with best-selling author Gary Zukav, and he reveals the principle he taught Oprah that guides her life.