Reframing and Repairing Our Relationship to Power With Amanda Aguilera, The Right Use of Power Institute
"Many people view power as a commodity, something that can be acquired or lost. When we conceptualize power in this manner, it inevitably leads to a sense of scarcity." - Dr. Amanda Aguilera
Power is a tricky subject for therapists. If that statement hits close to home, that’s a good thing. As therapists, we're notorious for avoiding our own introspection, which makes us reluctant to admit we hold any power. Even more troubling, we often equate power with cruelty, an assumption that traps us in fear and stagnation. But now that we've pinpointed the problem, we have the opportunity to change it. Dr. Amanda Aguilera is one of my go-to facilitators for addressing these challenges. She serves as the executive director of The Right Use Of Power Institute (RUPI), an international non-profit dedicated to helping people wield their power with "awareness, wisdom, compassion, and skill."
Over the past few months, Sarah’s been engaging with RUPI's training programs and have found them invaluable for bridging many of the gaps in my anti-racism journey. The organization is fully aligned with the vision of its founder, Dr. Cedar Barstow, who aims to inspire and empower anyone committed to using their power ethically. “I feel deeply honored to be able to do this work, to carry on her legacy, and to expand upon it,” says Amanda.
Reframing how we think about power starts with understanding its essence. What is power, exactly? In simple terms, it’s “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.” As Amanda reminds us, power is inherently neutral. The scarcity mentality—a byproduct of capitalism—has exaggerated the value of power, transforming it from a natural state into a commodity to be contested and controlled, rather than as a neutral, dynamic element of our interactions. "This is why fostering cultures of belonging is crucial," Amanda emphasizes, "because it allows people to tap into their own personal power, which helps them to be present, fulfill their purpose in the world, and maintain their health."
I’m grateful to RUPI for their clear articulation of the complexities surrounding power dynamics and for providing a safe, ethical environment where we can engage in collective healing work.
Please enjoy Sarah’s interview with Amanda!
Mentioned in this Episode
GUEST CONTACT AND BIO
Dr. Amanda Aguilera (she/her/ella) is a consultant and facilitator in the area of power-and-equity consciousness and conflict resolution. Driven by her core values of curiosity, courage, and connection, Amanda is adept at putting things together in new ways, creating visuals that help make learning more accessible, and communicating complex ideas in simple ways.
Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places…
