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Where the Power People Find Power in Their Own Lives

These four women helped us define The O Power List. We asked where they find power in their own lives.


Elizabeth Lesser

Photo: Courtesy of the Omega Institute

Elizabeth Lesser

Cofounder of the Omega Institute and author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow (Villard)

I feel true power when… "I trust my soul's voice. I feel peaceful yet strong, gentle yet courageous."

The most powerful woman I ever met was… "There have been many, like Eve Ensler, Jane Goodall, Oprah, Wangari Maathai, Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Pema Chödrön…."

Too often, people confuse power and… "Ego."

I feel least powerful when… "I am stingy, fearful, or unloving."

When I need a power boost… "I place my hand on my heart, take a deep breath, and feel my connection to everyone."

Elizabeth on the importance of nurture

The O Power List

From the September 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine