Being authentic, real and true to yourself is the ultimate freedom. With nothing to hide and nothing to defend, spontaneity and integrity have space to flourish. Imagine a world where each person is encouraged to be themselves, speak their truth, honor their uniqueness, and follow their dreams. Would competition turn into collaboration, judgment into appreciation, and scorn into love? Are you ready to embark on a journey of authenticity and find out?
What Prevents People from Being Authentic?
It's refreshing when people are authentic, real and truthful. There's no games' being played, nothing to decipher; just clean, clear communication from the heart and soul. So why is it that some people find it difficult to be their true selves in front of others? Is it because there is a history of cultural conformity where people are expected to follow societal rules or risk being ostracized from the community? Is it because uniqueness was at one time judged as different aka wrong? And underneath it all is it because most peoples' basic needs include belonging and feeling loved and accepted, which they will do anything, even compromise their uniqueness, to have?
While some families, communities and societies still encourage following the norms, many others are evolving in consciousness, recognizing the value of diversity and difference as a strength rather than a weakness. The more people that honor their uniqueness, speak their truth, and live life authentically, the more that will feel safe to do the same.
Embrace Your Uniqueness and Be Yourself
To embrace and honor uniqueness, one must discover himself beyond life roles and prescribed identities. Once a person has disrobed from their habitual ways of being, they begin to tune into their true feelings, perspectives and passions in life. They know with crystallized clarity what they want and don't want. They stop putting others' needs ahead of their own and stop compromising their dreams to please others. And they allow others the same freedom to choose a life path.
Being unique is recognizing and honoring one's values, gifts and skills. If each person has a unique finger print, iris and voice pattern, then why not have a distinct personality with behaviors and opinions? Instead of trying to fit in, be nice, and agree with everyone, how about taking a risk to be yourself, stand out from others, and have a few great friends that value your idiosyncrasies rather than a mass of acquaintances who don't know your depth.
Be True to Yourself
In order to be real and true to yourself, it's important to let go of fears about what others think. If a person is constantly concerned about how others view them, if they said the right thing, or behaved appropriately, they'll forget who they truly are and what matters most in their life. They'll twist themselves into a configuration that doesn't resemble their uniqueness at all. Self-acceptance is key.
Take time each day to connect with your true self, whether it's through prayer, contemplation, meditation, gentle exercise or a walk in nature – anything that supports you to center within and provides an opportunity to get in tune with your unique divinity. From this place, it's easier to discern core values and discover true passion.
Take your truth, tastes and talents out into the world. It's generally believed that like attracts like, so those who don't value authenticity will drift away and those who enjoy being real will be drawn to your magnificence.
Gini Grey - Gini Grey is the author of the book From Chaos to Calm, the CD Create What You Want, and audio courses on Spiritual Energy Awareness.
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