In a society where appearances reign supreme, and superficiality is celebrated, it can be challenging to stay authentic and be yourself. We live in an era that often glorifies fakeness, where we are constantly bombarded with images of airbrushed bodies, curated lifestyles, and carefully crafted personas that often lead us astray from our authentic selves and where facades mask reality.
Yet, amidst this sea of artifice, the yearning for authenticity lingers within us.
We have all been there: sick of being someone we’re not, tired of letting others dictate what we should do and be. Now is the time to embrace our true selves as an act of self-preservation and an essential step towards leading a spiritually fulfilling life.
In this article, we will explore six ways in which we can navigate the current landscape, shed societal expectations, and rekindle the flame of our genuine essence.
1 – The Illusion of Perfection
From glossy magazine covers to carefully crafted Instagram posts, our society is saturated with the illusion of perfection. The explosion of reels and Tik Tok videos have reached epic proportions of influencers engaging in any and all forms of performance entertainment to gain a like or a follow.
Further, the popularity of plastic surgery and fake traits (false eyelashes, hair extensions, fake nails, etc.) in order to stay youthful and attractive in the public eye has led to the mass fear of being ‘normal’ and getting older, with beloved celebrities following the trend to the point that they no longer look like themselves. Many of them end up with the same faces and expressions as half the people in Hollywood, erasing their uniqueness almost entirely. (For the record, this doesn’t reference individuals with conditions such as cancer/chemo who want to look like their usual selves).
This isn’t to say that we should be overly judgemental when we observe appearances or behaviors that seem fake or inauthentic. If anything, these things may give us examples of what we don’t want to be like.
It also doesn’t mean we’re inherently wrong if we do something to augment our natural state. Only perhaps that we should reflect deeply on the reasons WHY.
Beneath the polished surface often lies a void, leaving many feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. Recognizing the hollowness of this pursuit is the first step toward reclaiming authenticity.
Perfection is an unattainable mirage; true beauty lies in embracing imperfections and vulnerabilities.
2 – Unraveling Societal Conditioning
Society often imposes various beliefs, values, and expectations upon individuals, shaping their thoughts, behaviors, and personalities. Breaking free from this conditioning involves challenging these external influences and exploring our true desires, values, and identities.
This is especially apparent in the vast number of dysfunctional relationships we’re now seeing as a direct result of false beliefs, tolerance of abusiveness, and wrong teachings in religious institutions.
In all honesty, though, there are times when we can’t, and perhaps shouldn’t, be our authentic selves. Like the introvert who hates selling but has a sales job. The person who is notoriously late for outings and dates with their friends or family members, but who cannot be late to work (or else). The person who is generally quiet and subdued, but finds themselves becoming an assertive activist over something they’re passionate about.
It is sometimes necessary to wear a mask in certain situations. Still, we should keep ourselves from getting lost in the process. The true self can still be found even when “putting on a show” or conforming to rules and regulations.
Reflect on your upbringing, cultural influences, and the expectations imposed upon you. Identify the beliefs that no longer serve you and release them with compassion. Become aware of the sources of societal conditioning in your current life. It could include family, peers, media, cultural norms, and educational institutions. Recognize how these influences have shaped your beliefs and behaviors.
Authenticity is an ongoing process. As you continue to unravel societal conditioning, remember that personal growth is a lifelong journey. Stay curious, open-minded, and adaptable. Embrace new experiences and perspectives that contribute to your evolving sense of self.
3 – Connecting with Your Inner Essence
Connecting with the courage to be yourself is a powerful journey toward becoming authentic. It involves delving deep within yourself to understand your true nature, values, desires, and passions. Doing so can align your actions and choices with your core being, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Here are some steps to help you connect with your inner essence:
Self-reflection: Set aside regular time for self-reflection and introspection. Find a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts. Ask yourself meaningful questions about who you are, what brings you joy, and what truly matters to you. Reflect on your life experiences, both positive and negative, and how they have shaped you.
Trust your intuition: Your intuition is a valuable compass that can guide you toward your authentic self. Learn to listen to that inner voice and trust your gut feelings. Practice making decisions based on your intuition and notice how it aligns with your true essence. Over time, you’ll develop a stronger connection with your intuition.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek relationships where vulnerability is celebrated, and masks are shed. By fostering such connections, you create a supportive network that affirms your true self and empowers you to be authentic.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion throughout this journey. Embrace imperfections and understand that self-discovery is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way.
Remember, connecting with your inner essence is a personal journey that may take time and effort. Be open to exploration, embrace self-discovery, and trust that by being true to yourself, you’ll create a life that resonates with your deepest desires and values.
4 – Embracing Vulnerability and Imperfection
Society often discourages vulnerability and celebrates perfection. However, genuine authenticity requires embracing both our vulnerabilities and imperfections. Accept that you are a work in progress and that growth is a natural part of life.
Embracing imperfection is a powerful antidote to the culture of fakeness. Understand that your flaws and mistakes do not define you but serve as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Embrace your uniqueness, quirks, and idiosyncrasies, for they are what makes you unique. Celebrate the journey, rather than fixating on an unattainable destination.
5 – Expressing Your Unique Authenticity
Each individual possesses a unique set of gifts, talents, and passions. Embracing your true self involves expressing your authenticity without fear or shame. Discover what brings you joy, ignites your passion, and aligns with your values.
Whether through art, writing, music, or any other form of creative self-expression, allow your true essence to shine. Celebrate your individuality; it is a precious gift only you can offer the world.
6 – Live in Alignment with Your Values
To be your true self, align your actions with your core values. Cultivate a deep understanding of what truly matters to you and let it guide your decisions and pursuits. This might look like leaving relationships that force you to act out of alignment with your beliefs and values.
A sense of purpose and fulfillment naturally follows when your life is in harmony with your values. Embrace authenticity by living a life that is true to your convictions, even if it means challenging societal norms.
Conclusion
In a society that often worships fakeness, the courage to be yourself is a revolutionary act. By recognizing the illusions, unraveling societal conditioning, and connecting with your inner essence, you can transcend the superficial and embrace a deeper, more fulfilling existence.
Accepting your true self does not require you to BECOME anything. If you find that you’re trying to change, modify, or find a more authentic you, it might indicate that you’re on the wrong path. It’s all about who you are right now as you read this article, and it is embracing all of your beauty and awkwardness together in the present moment. It is impossible to experience authenticity without a radical acceptance of all that you are right now.
Many of us are still reeling from the outcome of the pandemic, feeling tired, wearied, and numb. Try to heal the soul-level exhaustion and gently befriend yourself once again. Align with your true, authentic self so you can call in joy and fulfillment that have eluded you…until now.
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