Authenticity happens when you are willing to be your true self at every given moment, wherever you are! Allowing others to see who you really are means letting go of any attachment to your “image”.
We all have an authentic spiritual self; but in daily life, we move through the whole spectrum of feeling really clear and connected sometimes and at other times having a lot of gunk and junk cramping our style. All of us, without exception, go through these variations. Yet we’ve been programmed into thinking, that others should see me only at my best. I should be seen as the one who has figured it all out. We try to hide our vulnerability and weakness, for fear that we’ll be taken advantage of or thought of as “less than”. Consequently, constantly trying to project an image or attempting to hide something creates a lot of stress for ourselves and distances us from others. Questions arise such as when is it safe to be vulnerable and share intimate things and when is it not?
It takes courage to be yourself all the time, to be seen wherever you are for who you are. Interestingly enough, once I’m willing to be seen as imperfect, instead of wearing a mask to appear as I think I should be, I can really experience my inner light! Authenticity is about seeing your light and your darkness. You can’t just feel and see your light, you have to be comfortable when you are seen in your weakness, too. This is what makes us feel connected to each other. It is not about pretending to be anything other than our true, real self. It’s a practice…letting yourself be seen in your weaker and lower moments-combined with a reflective practice of holding your highest vision of yourself–the two together work to nurture your authenticity.
Here’s a short Reflective-Contemplation on Finding Your Authenticity:
“Take a few moments now and unplug from the world around you. Imagine that you are overlooking the ocean at the break of dawn. Slowly as the sun rises over head, you observe a beautiful tableau of pink and copper refections upon the water. As you watch the world glow and awaken, you are inspired to explore your own authenticity.
Take a nice slow breath and while looking out at the beautiful scene in front of you, ask yourself these questions: What is most meaningful to me in my life? What brings joy to my life? Take another deep breath and breathe in the tranquility of the lake and its lovely ambiance.
Keep reflecting on the questions, What brings meaning to my life? What brings joy to my life? Your authentic self can be experienced and expressed when you spend time in silent contemplation like this. The magnificence around you is a reflection of the beauty that lives inside of you. Just as the sun is shining on the lake bold and free, your light, your authentic self is brilliant. This is the real you.
In the silent space, be kind and gentle but firm with yourself and strip away any self-doubt. Strip away your uncertainty and insecurities. As yourself: Who would I be without these resentments, without the baggage I’ve been carrying around? Who would I be when all these flaws fade away? See yourself in your vulnerable state. Give yourself permission to see your light and your darkness. Be completely present in this vulnerable state for a few moments.
Now imagine yourself standing in front of this shimmering expanse of water and ask yourself: When I strip away all the insecurities, what is left? Who am I without my limiting beliefs?
This is the authentic you. Now, allow yourself to see yourself as more than just your physical form. Envision yourself as a light, as spiritual energy. Just as the sun is shining a light on the world, shine a light on your real self–a spiritual being of light and love. This is your authentic self. You are remembering that true authenticity means not to be afraid of the blemishes while radiating your beauty. Bask fully in this awareness of full self acceptance, self respect and self love. Come back to this awareness often until self respect and self acceptance and enjoying and loving your own authenticity becomes totally natural.
