Transforming Power - From Guesswork to Consent

Empower collaboration by transforming authority into mutual respect—embrace the alchemy of AVP for meaningful change.

In the world of nonviolence training (AVP), we talk about a central force called Transforming Power. My journey with this concept has taken me from the quiet Meeting Houses of the Quakers to the intense facilitation circles in correctional facilities, and even to the improvisational yoga mats of Yoga Farm (now Great Energy). Along the way, I’ve adopted a moniker that guides my practice: Ahimsa Alison.

The Mandala of the Self

The AVP Transforming Power Mandala isn’t just a diagram; it’s a blueprint for living. At its heart is the power to change a situation without violence. It is held together by two pillars:

• Respect for Self

• Caring for Others

Surrounding these are the tactical tools: Expect the Best, Think Before Reacting, and—perhaps most importantly—Ask for a Nonviolent Solution.

Power Over vs. Power To

Too often, we operate from a place of "Power Over." We try to control our environment, our schedules, or the people around us to feel safe. But true maturity is moving toward "Power To." This is the power of agency—the power to identify your own needs and the opportunities to ASK.

In my facilitation work, whether in a high-security facility or a community workshop, I see a common trap: people "guessing" what others want or "taking" what they need, assuming they can just ask for forgiveness later. But in my experience, those who skip the "ask" rarely follow up with the "apology."

Consent-Seeking Communication

The foundations of facilitation I learned through Cuddle Party in High Falls, NY, taught me that consent is the ultimate boundary. It’s the difference between guessing and knowing. If you feel oppressed or stuck in your current circumstances, the first step is to identify your power to ask.

Asking isn't a sign of weakness; it’s a disciplined, "Power To" move. It requires a fully developed prefrontal cortex to pause, think, and seek a collaborative path forward.

Plug: This shift from guessing to asking is a major theme in my upcoming Architecture of the Self series. We will practice the "improvisational" art of setting boundaries and transforming our internal power dynamics. Join us starting July 19th.

Finding Your Ahimsa

Sometimes, finding that inner nonviolence (Ahimsa) requires getting out of your head and into your senses. We need to step away from the power struggles of our daily lives and ground ourselves in the literal earth.

Plug: If you need a space to practice "thinking before reacting" while surrounded by the beauty of Ithaca, register for my July 4th Paint Yoga Exploratory Art Walk. We’ll use our tiny art kits to capture the peace that comes when we stop fighting and start observing. Reserve your spot and your original-style kit here.

No judgment for where you are now—just an invitation to transform your power.

A glowing bird of translucent energy takes flight from open hands, soaring into the lush embrace of a vibrant forest.