This rather well-built guy, about 5'11" and muscular, was standing in front of the instructor, a rather short woman.
"I'm going to try to push you over.
Your job is to keep me from doing it," she said.
He grinned and prepared himself.
His feet were anchored.
He seemed immovable.
"Are you ready?" He nodded.
She pushed him rather hard on his shoulder.
He stood firm and grinned.
A bare second later, before he began to relax, she passed her arm down the front of his chest as if she were slicing the air in front of him.
Then she pushed...
more gently than before...
and he lost his balance and stumbled.
His eyes...
and everyone's...
went round with surprise.
She grinned...
or should I say, "I grinned.
" It's such a little exercise but oh, so dramatic.
We have an energy field that most people can't see, but it is very much present.
If it isn't present that someone is either ill or in emotional turmoil.
This energy field consists of various structures in the body called emotional centers.
(In the Eastern tradition they're called chakras.
) The one in the gut is the solar plexus or personal power center.
When someone passes their hand or arm downwards in front of the person, there is, using Star Wars terminology, a disturbance in the field.
The energy is weakened and they become imbalanced.
Emotions also affect your personal power center.
When you are feeling strong and self-confident, this center is strong.
You look vibrant, energetic.
People can tell you are able to take on the world.
When you feel powerless the energy in your solar plexus is weak.
You feel weak.
You probably are hiding from people, hoping no one notices you.
The solar plexus energy is about how powerful you feel in the inner world of your feelings.
Even if you're good at faking how well you're doing, your gut knows the truth.
Physically "the truth" is shown through stomach problems.
If you have a boss, or someone you think is more powerful than you, and s/he is popping antacids, that is a sign that s/he does not feel as powerful as s/he portrays to the world.
You've probably also learned that when s/he feels threatened you want to stay out of the way.
A person who feels internally powerless will strike out against others with all the "external" power he or she can muster.
What can you do if you are afraid of the world "out there?" First, breathe.
Take deep breaths.
Imagine your breath going all the way to your toes.
When you exhale, imagine in some color the tension, anxiety and fear leaving your body.
Repeat this until you feel more relaxed and stronger.
When you learn to manage you energy field, you will have a greater sense of your personal power.