The Cave of Lost Powers meditation is a guided visualization intended to bring the listener into contact with strengths and abilities that have been repressed or hidden within their soma (a term which refers to the living body-mind) by social and somatic conditioning. Inspired by my recent studies in depth psychology and Processwork coaching, the Cave of Lost Powers is an exercise that uses archetypal images to stimulate the re-membering of our untapped potential and buried strength. Please note that this meditation may stimulate strong emotions and is intended for those interested in personal growth. It may not be suitable for individuals in crisis, and is not a replacement for live coaching or psychotherapy.
Socialization in an oppressive and repressive world requires us to distance ourselves from our innate power and creativity. Many aspects of our embodied selves are shamed and stigmatized as undesirable or unloveable traits. This is especially true for those of us with marginalized identities, which is to say, the majority of people living today. For example: Women and feminine-identified people, for example, are conditioned to push away the qualities of assertiveness and leadership or risk being labelled “bossy” or “bitchy.” Racialized individuals are frequently punished for displaying anger or vulnerability. As we are forced to repeatedly practice dissociating from our embodied capacities, we can start to forget we had them at all.
As we start to reclaim our lost powers, the soma may react with fear or alarm. A lifetime of conditioning has trained many of us to reject our strengths, or to associate them with punishment and loss. Yet the power we push away remains present in the soma, yearning to be called upon.
After listening to this visualization, take some time to reflect and integrate your experience. Art-making and journaling are recommended. Some questions to guide your integration:
What images, symbols, feelings, and/or sensations did you notice while exploring the Cave of Lost Powers?
What hidden strength(s) did you encounter in this practice? What images or metaphors represent this for you?
Did any resistance, worry, or fear come up around reclaiming your lost power(s)?
What does this resistance, worry or fear need from you in order to come along for the journey?
What would be possible for you and the people you care about if you embodied your full empowerment?