"how does one achieve this degree of personal power[?]"
Like I said man - meditation, "know thyself" and if you have the will power, learn magick. The latter of those, if you get any good at it, can become a way of directly altering your mind, emotions, etc. The former is a way to still and settle the mind, calm it down, relieve tension and generally balance you out. "Know thyself" is a way to find yourself again, to watch and understand whats going on - thereby allowing new stretegies and methods to arise, and eventually a deeper appreciation for yourself and environment (eventually, it will foster kindness and a real love for yourself, and from there to other people).
all the best!
Rob
Like I said man - meditation, "know thyself" and if you have the will power, learn magick. The latter of those, if you get any good at it, can become a way of directly altering your mind, emotions, etc. The former is a way to still and settle the mind, calm it down, relieve tension and generally balance you out. "Know thyself" is a way to find yourself again, to watch and understand whats going on - thereby allowing new stretegies and methods to arise, and eventually a deeper appreciation for yourself and environment (eventually, it will foster kindness and a real love for yourself, and from there to other people).
all the best!
Rob