I’ve been thinking a lot about power.  It began as I ran through White Clay toward my spot, and I really noticed the sun’s heat as it beamed on my forehead.  Its continuous exertion on my body seemed to draw out all of my strength with every step.  But was it really the sun that made my legs want to give in and call it quits?  Or was it my mind?  Mind over matter, right?  But the matter in this case is my body itself.  Think about what a powerhouse machine that is!  So who has the most power?

 

These were my thoughts until I reached the river, rocks, and trees with a familiar face now.  Except there were three strangers swimming in the river.  My first reaction was frustration and annoyance because they were interrupting my quiet time for contemplation.  However, they were merely enjoying nature just as much as I was.  Again, what great influence they had over my thoughts and emotions, as well as the serenity of my spot compared to last week.

 

Each person, body, and mind holds so much power and energy, but its application is different based on the individual, as we discussed in class last week.  Unfortunately in our society, money is equivalent to power.  This is especially true in cases with big businesses and politicians, clearly portrayed in Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt.  Power seems to trickle its way down from money machines through politicians to the people, which leaves individuals feeling powerless.  One person can’t make a difference, right?

 

Wrong.  Think Mahatma Gandhi.  According to Michael Red Cloud, Gandhi was “one of the most powerful men in this world, but he was one of the most humble men that we ever met” (55).  Michael goes on to talk about how some people see humbleness as a weakness in today’s society, that we must be loud and outspoken in order to impact the lives of others.

 

This is something I struggle with.  I’ve never thought of myself as a powerful person.  I’m definitely more shy and quiet, the epitome of an introvert.  However, this doesn’t mean I am not an influential person.  I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world to better lives and the environment, something I am very passionate about.  This is why the section referring to Gandhi spoke to me.  You can be both humble and powerful.  Our society just assumes the opposite.

 

So this “society” everyone speaks of that needs an attitude adjustment – if power comes from money, where does the money come from?  Most of the time, natural resources are the source of revenue.  For example, oil, coal, natural gas, rare minerals, and water!  Don’t even get me started on bottled water.  Based on this logic, nature should be the almighty power we all should protect and cherish rather than deplete and destroy.  Why don’t we (the general population) recognize this?

 

As I sat on my fallen tree over the stream, thinking about all of the above, I never once felt (or ever feel) powerful over nature.  I feel small, but not insignificant.  I feel encompassed, but not overwhelmed.  I feel calm and at peace.

 

For some reason, I needed to touch the water.  As I bent down, I noticed all the little tadpoles swimming by the shallow edge.  It’s amazing how much life is dependent on something as molecularly simple as water.  In such a complex world, our power system has never been simple.  I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but the natural world is dropping hints that it’s strength should not be tampered with.  So, who has the most power?  I think we should start to listen.