To prepare for the public practice of Attunement in this modern day, traditional ethics training is not enough. Clients and practitioners need to know what they are working with and both have the right to proper care and protection. International Trainer Cedar Barstow (a Trainer for the Hakomi Institute - providing training in the Hakomi Method of body-centered, mindfulness-based psychotherapy) developed a unique approach to ethics founded in the right use of personal power and influence. Cedar focuses on relationship wisdom, power dynamics and resolving difficulties before they escalate.

What is Power?

Power is the energy of life. It is the energy that grows us. Power is the energy that we use to engage with everything and everyone in our world.

 

We have the capacity for such magnificence in the use of our power. Most likely we have all been wounded or hurt by the misuses and abuses of power on the part of those we trust. There is a right way to use our power - it is the responsible use of personal power in ways that seek to bless and empower rather than cause harm.

 

We human beings are more powerful than we know. The challenge of the right use of our power is one of the most profound we face. Knowing how to realize this power, how to engage with our world and be engaging, is an acquired experience. There is the need to be both inspirational and expirational - to know when to engage and when to disengage.

 

Right use of power and influence is the use of one’s power to heal, protect, teach, bless, inspire and collaborate. It is the use of personal power to express compassion and kindness, and to be of worldly service by manifesting one’s purpose and gifts.

 

This level of integrity is the heart and soul of ethics. We serve in positions of trust, and when we have a felt sense of the impact of this power differential we have a solid foundation for the right use of it. Power is readily available - its transmission is learned.

 

Powerful Benefits

A clear understanding of power, what it is and how to use it rightly, leads to a greater sense of value and accomplishment.

 

Awareness of the power differential benefits participants because you can ensure that personal power is being used rightly and thus track for and attend to difficulties as they arise.

 

Wider understanding of the difference between intention and impact is beneficial because it enhances your sensitivity and enables you to make necessary adjustments in say a counselling process where you can get back into right relationship if a mistake is made.