There are two kinds of power: violent and non-violent.

Violent power is harmful to ourselves and to others. It assumes scarcity, disconnection, and the need to power “over” parts of ourselves and others. Violent power denies the voice of truth in ourselves and in others. It seeks control over external conditions. It denies its participation in violent acts and systems to gain and maintain the benefits. Violent power flows from a simple mistake: that we are guilty of attacking our brothers and sisters out of a belief that fear keeps us safe.

Non-violent power comes from solidarity within us and without. It assumes connection, abundance, and agency. Non-violent power speaks, and listens for, the voice of truth. It seeks nothing but remains immovable as it engages with the internal responsibility to refuse participation in violent systems and acts. Non-violent power flows from the simple reality that under our guilt is grief and as we drop in to this we see, feel, and know that: no one stands alone.