Be Heard: Using power for greater good

All of us have been given a specific kind of talent, skill and power to use while we live. But what makes it different from others is how that power is used. What is the difference between Adolf Hitler and Mahatma Gandhi? They were both capable of moving people and getting the desired results.

But power directed through love and respect for all humanity is the only power worth recognising. A person is considered powerful and great if he or she can see how others could benefit from him or her. Reaching that state is not impossible.
To recognise your power is not enough. To learn to master it is the second task and the third is to find the reason to finally direct that power, not to benefit you alone, but others as well. This leads to a person’s spiritual growth as well. Only a complete human being would choose to serve others when at a crossroads in his or her life. It takes courage to take the decision.

Leading a selfless life is not a curse or something to be ashamed of. It is unfamiliar territory and if one is asked to take the plunge, they may soon find themselves alone — swimming against the current of societal awe and criticism. The question is: Why would you waste your power by limiting it to yourself? Use it for the greater good.

There are countries that are unable to support their population, yet end up investing in defence capabilities because they feel threatened. But the more they invest in defence capabilities, the more they allow themselves to drift away from the spirit of cooperation that must be present to achieve world peace.

To use your power in a relationship effectively is the only way to keep the relationship balanced. And the only way to do this is to make love the basis of every action, every word and every decision in the relationship. Love brings a unified spirit and competition is replaced by a healthier emotion.

Affection is never wasted. If given and not reciprocated, it comes back to the source twice as strong. Who doesn’t know that? Even animals recognise the emotion of love. When we are young, we recognise our power. We tend to use it early on. As we become adults, we realise that our power can serve the greater good or serve our selfish ends. Then, we choose. Our survival, our choice.

— The writer is a Dubai-based blogger and Gulf News reader.