The Power Structures That Live in the Nervous System IV

On reclaiming the instrument you were trained to use for everyone but yourself.

Taryn walks into the restaurant - her shoulders relaxed, chest open, calm.

The dark walls are lit with a faint red light and a waterfall gliding over an ancient deity’s face.

Jim pulls up, valets, and marches in with stilts for legs.

Dinner is pleasant enough: small talk, niceties. Basic project updates.

Ok, give it to me says Jim, as he places knife over fork center of plate.

Simply put, we uncovered an issue that expands the scope.

How much?

500.

Jim’s alertness is high, eyes big, ready to pounce.

Before you pounce, Taryn interjects, look at this Taryn hands Jim a brief.

Jim, waves his hand saying I already know what it say. That’s fine.

Fine?

Yes, fine?

How do you already know what it says?

Because I knew before we signed. I wanted to see if you would say something. If you weren’t going to bring it up, I definitely wasn’t.

Taryn’s blood boiled.

—

Life will test you. This is an simplified account of any number of ways this could’ve played out. It could have gone even simpler if Taryn brought it up earlier or Jim didn’t use intimidation tactics; it could’ve gotten real dark for both sides if Jim continued to play power games, or Taryn opted to hide.

What’s most present for me is that those who seek to find blood sniff it out. They smell fear - and unknown or untapped power held by those carrying the fear is the most pungent.

Sometimes we struggle to see our own power. There are times gaslighting works to undermine one’s power, for some maybe life’s felt hard for a long time and struggle after struggle makes it feel like they’ve lost their magic.

A sneaky one - maybe a person knows they’re dope, but inside of systems not designed for their thriving begin to doubt themselves, become conditioned to believe they have to work harder to be seen, or that it never will be enough.

What if it’s just the wrong fit?

What if something else is at play?

For my paid readers, I want to share insight that can turn this inside up and upside down.