Have you ever reacted in a way that didn’t feel like your true self—only to regret it later? Or found yourself stuck in a pattern, knowing deep down you could do better? These moments reveal a disconnect between our actions and our true nature. The good news? You have the power to change that.
Looking within: Who am I?
Different spiritual traditions invite us to ask the fundamental question: Who am I? This inquiry leads us beyond the surface—beyond the body, fleeting emotions, and passing thoughts—to discover a deeper, unchanging self.
At our core, we are not the limitations we feel. Our inner self is connected to the Source of all Creation—often called Brahman. Just as a child inherits qualities from a parent, every soul carries the power of its Creator. This means that beneath all doubts and fears, our true nature is one of peace, joy, strength, bliss, and love.
Why Do We Struggle?
If our essence is so powerful, why do we often feel weak, anxious, or reactive? The answer lies in layers of conditioning—false beliefs and past habits that cloud our perception, like dust on a mirror.
For instance, love and acceptance are natural to us. Yet, if we’ve grown up believing that being strict or forceful is the only way to be heard, we might respond with anger instead of understanding. Over time, these distortions shape our responses, pulling us away from our true self.
What Challenges Us the Most?
Some common triggers make it harder to stay connected to our best self:
- Difficult people
- Injustice or unkindness
- The suffering of loved ones
- Workplace stress
- Anxiety about health or the future
These challenges often bring out emotions like anger, anxiety, regret, indifference, mistrust, and guilt—which are not our true nature. So how do we realign with our inner strength?
Reclaiming Your Superpowers
Like a superhero, you have hidden strengths that help you rise above life’s struggles. These “superpowers” enable you to stay anchored in peace and joy—no matter what’s happening around you. The Brahma Kumaris articulate these powers as the “eight powers of the soul”. A concept that is echoed in other spiritual traditions and modern psychology as well. What are these powers?
- Power to withdraw: Like a turtle, we have the power to withdraw from negative situations, conversations and behaviors. It doesn’t mean a physical withdrawal or running away from situations, but to stay unaffected even in the midst of such situations. To remember that we are actors on this life stage. The costume we wear and the roles we play are only temporary. The roles change, the characters changes, but the soul within stays unaffected.
2. Power to pack up: To end thoughts and actions that do not serve our life purpose. The power to cut habits, or mental states that drain our constructive powers. To change our course and make new beginnings without any baggage of past memories. This power comes with courage, forgiveness, faith and purity of intentions.
3. Power to accommodate: Like the ocean, we have the power to expand our heart – to accept others, their ideas, their needs and desires. To be a reservoir of comfort, peace and strength to the world around.
Accommodating others often helps us grow. Discover strengths we didn’t know we had. An open heart also attracts support from unexpected places as the universe conspires to help those who help others.
4. Power to discriminate: The power to distinguish the lasting happiness from the fleeting pleasures. The power to distinguish the truth from falsity.
5. Power to judge: The power to judge the quality of choices and decisions we make. The strength to not just know what is right, but to make the right choice. Even in the face of discomfort or opposition.
6. Power to face: the courage to withstand obstacles, challenges. Without fear. With the faith in the higher power that everything will eventually resolve.
7. Power to cooperate: to work with others, adjusting and being flexible. To offer cooperation in intention, ideas and action. And to do so without any expectation of praise or acknowledgement. To operate as an instrument of the Universe.
8. Power to tolerate: Power to accept others, despite the differences in views and values. To be able to see that life teaches everyone. That everyone is on the journey towards finding their true self. And being able to move beyond judging or looking at their flaws. To be able to offer support to others that takes them forward in their journey.
Strengthening Your Inner Powers
Like any skill, your inner powers grow stronger with practice. The key is using the right power at the right time. If we withdraw when we should engage, or resist when we should surrender, we may feel stuck. But when we learn to apply your strengths wisely, our spirit becomes more resilient, reflecting the divine light within us.
This journey isn’t about instant perfection—it unfolds over time, even across lifetimes. What matters is moving in the right direction. Even if you forget to use your powers in one moment, the next moment offers another chance. Progress is not about never stumbling; it’s about standing up one more time after you fall.
Swami Yogananda Paramhansa beautifully captures this idea in his Scientific Affirmations:
Since Your indelible image of perfection is in me, teach me to wipe away the superficial stains of ignorance and see that You and I are One.
You already have everything you need within you. The journey is about remembering, reclaiming, and radiating your true self.
References
Brahma Kumaris. n.d. “The Eight Powers of the Soul.” SV Brahma Kumaris. Accessed March 16, 2025.
Brahma Kumaris. 2021. 8 Powers of the Soul | How to Use Them? YouTube video, January 19, 2021.
Reflection question
What superpower are you currently practising? In what ways is it helping you find greater peace amidst challenges?
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