Both the ancient and the current definitions of the word power are “able to.” Of course, there are countless ways to express our ability to do something. Some acts of power will benefit us and others, while others will have an unfavorable impact. We can ask, “What constitutes real power and what makes up provisional acts of power?” There is a nuanced distinction between the two that is easily overlooked. Provisional expressions of power involve other people. Real acts of power reflect our relationship with ourselves, especially how we relate to our inner worlds, as well as how we relate to the external world.