Begin to build authentic power —the kind of power that comes from inside. It cannot be lost like a set of keys. Gary Zukav says the creation of authentic power is a process. Once you create it, it can never be taken away from you.

Every time you lose control to negative emotions like anger, fear, jealousy or rage, you allow those feelings to have power over you. When you allow yourself to feel those emotions—instead of just acting out—you begin to create authentic power.

She survived a brutal rape and overcame it...to become more powerful than ever.

When this mother lost one infant twin, she felt like she lost all control in her life. What can she do to restore her power and her joy?

More "soul tools" to build real power in your life.

In 1997, Gina Cotroneo was brutally raped. Once strong, empowered and independent, Gina felt angry, powerless, fearful and ashamed. Then she began her journey to get her power back.

During her ordeal, Gina focused on a picture of an angel she had on her wall and remained calm enough to gather evidence that eventually led to the conviction of the rapist.

Gina confronted the rapist in court two years later. "I told him he had taken a piece of my soul and that I wanted it back. I reached forward and grabbed the air in front of him ... and I brought it back to myself."

Gina let go of her anger and guilt. She looks at her rape now as an opportunity, "the biggest one of my life—it just came really well disguised."

Where could she have been after that rape? According to Gary Zukav, Gina was spiraling downward into depression, consumed with grief, anger or rage against men, rage against the Universe. If Gina had done that, she would not have tapped into or created the power that she has created in her life.

"You've got a right to be angry," Gary says. "You've got a right to be loving. You have a lot of rights. Which one are you going to take? Gina took one of her rights and it led her to authentic power. There are always choices."

Get Your Power Back | Recover After Heartbreak | Discover Real Power in Your Life

Jody and Ira were overjoyed when they learned they were having twin boys. Tragedy struck when the babies were born 14 weeks premature. Three days later, the smaller twin, Ryan, went into cardiac arrest. The doctors were unable to save him.

Although they lost one child, they still have baby Spencer and their daughter, Haley. For Jody, though, it's hard to feel happiness. For her, sadness and grief are so much more powerful.

Gary Zukav's suggestions for Jody:

• Look at your lost son as a soul like yourself.
• Be open to your souls interaction. You can find appreciation and power in a lost one's soul. You can then receive their gifts.
• Look at your lost one's soul as more than a personality. That diminishes its power and presence in your life.
• Let the power of his soul into your life as something that's coming to be with you. You are gaining from its strength and wisdom.

Get Your Power Back | More Powerful Than Ever | Discover Real Power in Your Life

Every time you lose control to anger, fear, jealousy and rage, you allow those feelings to have power over you. When you allow yourself to feel those emotions, instead of just "acting out," you can start to recreate authentic power.

Creating Authentic Power
Step One: Whenever you are feeling a painful feeling, stop and become aware of what you are feeling.

Step Two: Remind yourself that the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing are coming from a part of you that's frightened by the thought that you're not good enough.

Step Three: Ask yourself: "Do I want my decisions to be made by a part of me that is frightened?"

Step Four: Ask yourself: "What would I do in this situation if I were compassionate and wise?"

There is learning potential in every decision you make, as well as consequences. You must accept the responsibility for every one of your decisions.

Get Your Power Back | More Powerful Than Ever | Recover After Heartbreak