What If True Power Is Found in Enoughness and Softness?
- Brainz Magazine
- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
Karina Jaskova is a Nature-Based Therapist, Certified Clinical and Health Psychologist, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy specialist with over a decade of experience. She is the co-founder of the Society of Nature-Based Therapy Latvia and the heart behind the platform, Whisper of the Earth.
I’m sure you’ve noticed and probably experienced our modern world's relentless obsession with productivity. That inner voice constantly whispering, “Do more, achieve more, be more,” leaves many of us feeling drained, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves and the natural world. And no matter how much we accomplish, it never feels like enough. Even worse, this constant push often fuels burnout, perfectionism, unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others, anxiety, depression, and the dangerous illusion that we’ll finally feel satisfied if we just do one more thing. It’s as if we’re trapped in a race we never chose, a race where we never feel truly fulfilled or authentic.
But what if true power isn’t found in pushing harder, controlling more, or constantly striving? What if true power is found in enoughness and softness, a way of being that aligns with the natural flow of life and your deepest values?
This article invites you to challenge the old story that power only comes from dominance and force. Instead, let’s explore the transformative potential of soft power, where strength arises from presence, flexibility, and living in your own balanced rhythm. It’s about trusting yourself, honoring your needs, and creating space for energy to circulate naturally, rather than being trapped in an endless cycle of doing. These two forms of power, dominance and softness, aren’t necessarily opposites. Instead, they can coexist and complement each other, much like the interplay of sun and rain in nature. The sun’s assertive energy nourishes growth, while the rain’s gentle presence replenishes and sustains life. True strength comes from knowing when to shine brightly and when to soften and flow. Soft power invites us to embrace this balance, cultivating a life that feels both strong and nourishing.
What is soft power?
Soft power offers a gentler, wiser way of living. Instead of forcing outcomes or controlling every aspect of our lives, it invites us to move with what’s already present and to trust the natural cycles both around us and within us. To soften means to pause, to give ourselves space and time to breathe and be present. It’s about loosening our grip and meeting tension, emotions, habits, or thoughts with compassion, without rushing to fix or get rid of them. Just as rivers carve through rock over time, or trees bend with the wind yet remain rooted, soft power is about yielding without collapsing and flowing without resistance. It invites us to ground ourselves in our authentic rhythm, to live in harmony with the natural pace of life, and to open ourselves to receiving what we need, rather than constantly pushing for what we think we should have.
Soft power isn’t passive or weak; it embodies resilience through adaptability. Like grasses bending in the wind or willows flexing at the water’s edge, soft power helps us face challenges with calm, absorbing, and integrating experiences rather than breaking under pressure.
It also shapes how we relate to others, inviting us to practice relational power. Influence and inspire through empathy, listening, and connection rather than control or dominance. Think of the mycelium networks beneath the forest floor quietly connecting trees, sharing nutrients, and sustaining life.
Soft power invites a natural balance between giving and receiving. While our culture often emphasizes giving our energy, time, and resources, receiving is equally vital for sustaining power. Just as trees exhale oxygen and the soil absorbs nutrients, a healthy rhythm includes both offering and taking in.
At its heart, soft power holds the radical idea of enoughness the recognition that we are already whole and worthy, without the need to constantly prove our value through relentless action or achievement. When we embrace enoughness, we begin to conserve and direct our energy wisely, creating natural loops of replenishment instead of cycles of depletion. However, in today’s fast-paced world, our energy often leaks away through overcommitting, ignoring natural needs, and chasing external validation.
Trust yourself and the process you’re in. This doesn’t mean surrendering to every challenge or avoiding responsibility. It’s about cultivating deep self-trust believing in your capacity to navigate difficulties with wisdom, adaptability, and resilience. It’s also about letting go of the compulsion to control every outcome while remaining present and accountable for your choices. Like rivers shaping landscapes or seeds sprouting when conditions are right, this quiet confidence in yourself and trust in life’s unfolding bring profound and lasting change.
Soft power strengthens our inner authority and boundaries. Shift from seeking external validation to listening to your own values, needs, and desires. Set natural, porous boundaries like ecosystems’ checks and balances to protect energy and time without harshness or withdrawal.
Soft power invites us to recognize patterns of depletion and choose a different path: one where we create space for energy to circulate, flow, and return, much like the balanced ecosystems in nature. When we embody soft power, we cultivate a way of living that aligns with both our inner world and the natural world. This approach allows us to replenish and renew ourselves, nurturing a life where we don’t just survive but thrive.
Your presence is enough
Soft power begins with practicing the radical act of saying, “My presence is enough.” Imagine a tree standing tall in the forest. It doesn’t strive to be anything other than what it is. It doesn’t force its growth or compare itself to others. The tree simply grows, nourishes itself with sunlight and water, and contributes to the ecosystem by offering shade, oxygen, and shelter. Importantly, it gives from its natural abundance, its overflow. The tree doesn’t give away its trunk or roots; it remains deeply rooted and nourished, standing strong and steady. It offers only what it can spare: its leaves, fruit, and oxygen, while sustaining its own vitality. It grows, rests, and renews itself with the seasons, flowing with the natural pace of life. This balance is only possible when the tree is healthy, living in alignment with its authentic rhythm, and fully participating in the cycles of nature. Its presence is enough. And we can learn from trees, because we too are nature. By reconnecting with our natural rhythms and honoring our inner needs, we can cultivate the same steady, nourishing presence in our own lives.
Enoughness is more than just a mindset; it’s a practice of soft power in action. By embracing enoughness, we conserve and direct our energy wisely, allowing it to circulate naturally and sustainably. It’s not just about personal well-being; it connects us to the natural flow of life, contributing to environmental and collective harmony. In contrast, the cultural norm of constant striving and overperformance often leads to exhaustion, burnout, and disconnection from both ourselves and nature. Enoughness offers a radical alternative that prioritizes balance, presence, and genuine connection over relentless doing. When we embrace this truth, we naturally stop overextending ourselves. We conserve and honor our energy, offering it only where it feels meaningful and aligned. This shift creates space for groundedness, clarity, and balance. From this foundation, a natural rhythm of energy emerges, a self-sustaining loop where energy circulates with ease. Overflow happens naturally, allowing us to give to others without burning ourselves out. Just like the tree cannot give away its trunk or roots, we too must nourish and sustain ourselves before we can truly give to others. Boundaries, self-care, and honoring our natural needs are essential for us to remain resilient and present.
Enoughness doesn’t mean giving up on ambition, meaningful goals, fulfilling commitments, or continuing to learn and grow. It’s not about indulgence or retreating from life. Instead, it’s about aligning with the natural pace of life, trusting that we are already enough, and recognizing that our worth doesn’t need to be constantly proven. It’s about giving ourselves permission to live in accordance with our own values and rhythms, honoring the natural cycles of effort, rest, and renewal.
Enoughness teaches us to slow down, listen inward, and honor our unique rhythm. It reminds us to:
Pause without guilt.
Rest without having to earn it.
Let go of the need to prove our worth through constant activity.
Say no to what drains us.
Say yes to what nourishes us.
Create space to align our energy with what truly matters.
Feel the freedom to create a healthy, natural life rhythm.
Move through life with softness and strength, trusting that presence, not performance, is the foundation of true power.
From this space of enoughness, we can still pursue growth, achieve goals, care for others, and contribute meaningfully, but we do so from a place of inner balance, not from the relentless pressure to do more or be more. And when we embrace enoughness, we begin to notice the natural flow of energy within and around us, a rhythm that can either nourish or drain us, depending on how we honor it.
Energy loops and leaks
Energy isn’t meant to flow in straight lines. Like rivers, seasons, and the cycles of nature, it moves in loops and spirals. Just as nature thrives through balance (for example, day and night, growth and dormancy), our lives flourish when we honor both action and rest, movement and stillness.
Imagine yourself as part of a forest carpet, a rich, living layer of moss, leaves, and soil that gently absorbs and gives back to the forest. Everything that falls on it, rain, fallen branches, even a decaying animal, is naturally composted and absorbed, fueling new life and circulating energy. Nothing is wasted. Like the forest floor, you are porous and naturally designed to absorb, circulate, and release energy in balance. When the forest floor is intact and healthy, it supports everything growing above it. But when it’s overburdened or eroded, water runs off, nutrients are lost, and vitality leaks away. Your body and mind work the same way. When you nourish your internal landscape with softness, enoughness, and natural rhythms, you become like a healthy forest floor, able to absorb what nourishes, circulate it through your system, and release what no longer serves. But when you’re hardened, overburdened, or disconnected from your natural needs, energy leaks out, and you feel depleted.
Soft power invites us to recognize these natural loops and honor them. It’s about creating conditions where energy circulates with ease, not leaks away through habits and patterns that drain us.
What promotes natural energy circulation?
Intentional movement and rest. Just as walking in nature recharges you, so does conscious rest and silence.
Attuning to natural cues. Listening to your body’s signals, moving when energized, pausing when tired.
Deep, mindful breathing. Just as trees exhale oxygen into the air, your breath can ground and reset you.
Meaningful connections. Relationships that feel balanced and reciprocal nourish your energy rather than deplete it.
Adequate sleep and hydration. Restful sleep and enough water keep the body’s energy flowing smoothly.
Nourishing food and mindful eating. Foods that align with your body’s needs fuel natural energy flow.
Mindful time in nature. Exposure to natural environments resets our internal rhythms and restores energy loops.
Creative expression and play. Allowing your mind to create and your body to enjoy supports joyful energy flow.
What creates energy leaks?
Overcommitting, overexplaining, and overgiving. When we push beyond our capacity, energy drains.
Ignoring natural needs. Skipping rest, suppressing emotions, or pushing through fatigue disrupts natural energy loops.
Toxic environments or relationships. Spaces or people that consistently demand more than they give back.
Constant exposure to digital distractions. Overuse of screens or social media drains mental energy.
Perfectionism and people-pleasing. Chronic efforts to meet unrealistic standards or please others drain personal energy.
Neglecting personal boundaries. Allowing your time and energy to be taken without balance creates continual leaks.
Suppressed creativity or unexpressed emotions. Holding back your authentic self can block energy flow.
When we honor the natural rhythm of energy flow, allowing for pauses, replenishment, and joyful expression, we not only restore balance within ourselves but also cultivate a sustainable source of energy to share with others. This is soft power in motion, creating a life that flows naturally and authentically, instead of one trapped in cycles of depletion.
12 simple practices to cultivate soft power
Integrating soft power into your daily life doesn’t require major changes. It’s about simple, intentional actions that help you create your natural rhythm, space for energy flow, and cultivate inner balance. Here are a few practices to begin:
Start your day with presence. Instead of jumping straight into tasks, take a few moments to center yourself. Sit in silence, observe your surroundings, stretch, or take deep, grounding breaths. Let this moment set the tone for your day.
Use an Anchor Word to reset your energy. Choose a simple word that resonates with you, such as “rooted,” “breathe,” “flow,” “clarity,” “enough”, “gentle,” “steady,” or “presence.” Whenever you feel scattered, overwhelmed, or disconnected, quietly repeat your Anchor Word. Imagine it tethering you back to your natural rhythm, like a tree’s roots stabilizing it in the wind. You can write it on a small stone, wear it as a bracelet, or display it as a reminder throughout the day.
Move with intention. Choose physical activity that feels energizing but not depleting—whether it’s a walk in nature, gentle stretching, or mindful movement that allows you to connect with your body and breath.
Pause and reset. Throughout the day, notice when your energy feels scattered or drained. Stop, take three deep breaths, or practice box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4). Gently bring your attention back to the present moment.
Affirm your enoughness. Gently repeat phrases such as:
“My presence is enough,” like a tree simply standing, a mountain offering silent strength, or a flower blooming in its own season.
“I move with life, not against it,” like leaves drifting on a stream, clouds shifting with the wind, or vines climbing naturally toward the light.
“I flow with the natural cycles of life,” like the tide ebbing and returning, trees shedding and budding with the seasons, or rain nourishing the earth.
Listen to natural cues. Pay attention to your body’s signals for rest, nourishment, movement, or reflection. Honor them rather than overriding them with busyness or pressure. One simple method is to pause three times a day, morning, midday, and evening and ask yourself:
What does my body need right now?
What is my energy level?
Am I hungry, thirsty, tense, or tired?
What small action could help me feel more balanced?
Take a moment to respond to these questions with gentle self-care. Whether it’s drinking water, stretching, taking a mindful walk, or resting your eyes from screens, these micro-adjustments help realign you with your natural rhythm.
Create clear boundaries. Say no to tasks, people, or situations that drain your energy, and yes to those that nourish you and align with your values. A practical method to plan your week or month with boundaries in mind:
At the start of each week or month, set aside 10–15 minutes to review your schedule.
Identify your non-negotiables: the activities, work, or connections that align with your values and nourish you.
Block time on your calendar for these priorities, including rest, self-care, and play.
Next, review invitations, obligations, and tasks. Ask yourself: Does this nourish me or deplete me?
Practice saying no or setting limits on draining commitments, and communicate your boundaries with kindness.
Keep your plan flexible, adjusting it as needed to maintain balance and honor your natural rhythm.
This method helps you create a rhythm that supports both your well-being and your energy flow, reinforcing soft power in your daily life.
Reflect with gratitude. At the end of the day, write down three moments when you felt connected, present, or at ease. Let this practice anchor you in the sense of enoughness and flow.
Align with your natural rhythm. Design your daily schedule to reflect periods of focused work and intentional rest. Consider incorporating cyclical practices such as weekly digital detoxes, monthly nature walks, or seasonal self-care rituals to deepen your connection to natural rhythms.
Ground yourself through nature connection. Take a few minutes each day to connect with nature, even if it’s just a houseplant or stepping outside. Place your bare feet on the ground, hold a stone, or observe a tree or flower. Let nature’s steady presence remind you to return to your own groundedness and rhythm.
Create a “Soft power check-in” ritual. At the end of each week, set aside 10-15 minutes for a personal check-in. Reflect on questions like:
Did I honor my natural rhythms?
Where did I give from overflow, and where did I overextend?
What can I release, and what do I want to cultivate next week?
Write your reflections in a journal or planner. This helps you stay aligned with your values, make gentle adjustments, and live intentionally.
Embrace the art of doing nothing. Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to do absolutely nothing. No phone, no tasks, no agenda, just sit, lie down, or gaze out the window. This practice teaches you to trust that your worth isn’t tied to constant action. It helps you reconnect with your natural rhythm, recharge your energy, and cultivate presence, the true heart of soft power.
These practices aren’t about doing more, they’re about doing less, with greater presence and purpose. They offer a starting point to reflect on your weekly, monthly, and seasonal rhythms. By integrating and regularly practicing the principles of soft power, you’ll foster a natural, self-sustaining energy flow that nourishes you and everyone around you, helping you live in alignment with your true values and rhythms.
In a world that often confuses power with force and success with endless striving, soft power offers a radically different path, one of presence, adaptability, and trust in natural rhythms. It teaches us that true strength comes not from overexertion or control, but from alignment, clarity, and the ability to flow with life’s natural cycles. By embracing enoughness and practicing soft power daily, we cultivate a deep, sustainable wellspring of energy that nurtures us and those around us. We reconnect with what truly matters, break free from the constant pressure to prove our worth, and create space for meaningful growth, connection, and contribution. This is not just a personal shift—it’s a quiet revolution that invites us to live more authentically, in harmony with both ourselves and the world around us.
If you’re inspired to deepen your connection with nature or curious about nature-based therapy, explore more in my articles, “Why Reconnecting With Nature Is Key To Our Health And Environmental Well-Being” and “A Beginner’s Guide to Nature-Based Therapy Activities”. These pieces offer deeper insights, practical tools, and science-backed benefits to help you integrate nature into your daily life.
The Aligned with Nature planner invites you to explore the rhythms of the earth, nurture your personal growth, and live more intentionally with nature as your guide. Available in Digital, Printable, and Paperback versions on Whisper of the Earth and Amazon.
Read more from Karina Jaskova
Karina Jaskova, Nature-Based Therapist, Clinical Psychologist
Karina Jaskova is a Certified Clinical and Health Psychologist, as well as a practitioner of Nature-Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Since entering the field of psychology in 2006, she has been dedicated to guiding individuals from all walks of life toward mental well-being. Her deep connection to nature, nurtured since childhood, inspired her to explore Nature-Based Therapy and Ecopsychology, leading to the co-founding of the Society of Nature-Based Therapy Latvia. Through her platform, Whisper of the Earth, Karina shares practical insights to help people reconnect with nature, fostering personal healing and respectful relationships with the natural world while reminding us that we are an integral part of nature.
