Authentic Self
Just be you, with all the quirky trimmings
How do you feel when you’re around people you can be your natural self with? Does this extend into every area of your life? Or does it feel like you have to wear a mask, dim your light and take on other personas just to move through daily tasks, work, social settings and more.
From left to right, we’re bombarded with images and slogans of who we need to be, how we need to live and what we need to do on a daily basis, but in essence, we are the only one who knows what is right for us at any given moment.
Connecting to self is a non-glossy, necessary and honest way to get where we want to go, attain our goals and simultaneously maintain a high vibration, self-love and good health.
Time alone, travelling solo, meditation, conscious healing from pain, being in stillness, embracing the dark and moments spent away from everyone have often been avoided in our society, but many of us know that this is where we can find true liberation and power. A calm space where we can gently form our own image of self, learn more about who we are at a soul level (our core) and not get absorbed by the external opinions of others, or the stories they create around us which often negatively impact how we move through life. And (important side note) the words we use are incredibly powerful and shape our reality, so we need to be mindful of how we talk to ourselves, and what we accept from others.
Once we tap into our inner world, we start to observe things differently. It might be that we start to feel the hum of our heart wanting to heal and expand, or maybe we start to sense a glimmer of light inside - a flickering flame teasing us to say ‘I’m here if you need me’. But whatever it is, once we choose to accept ourselves fully, shadows and all (and it takes hard work I understand), a silky glistening river of free flowing love, purpose and soul satisfaction awaits us, calling us into perfect alignment with nature. Basically, the quieter we become with ourselves, the more we hear and can do to train our intuition - a powerful tool in understanding what really resonates with us on an individual level.
And, as we grow, it’s our responsibility to keep our self-acceptance and light going as we navigate life, through all the shit that gets fanned our way and during challenging situations where our trauma responses can mislead us, and we behave in immature and inappropriate ways as adults. Because, our inner child will always scream out loud, or shut down completely, if they don’t know that they are loved, heard, accepted and nurtured as we get older.
Ikigai - a beautiful Japanese concept visual that inspired me a few years ago
Allowing ourselves to be, whether we feel fully healed or not, is a sign of strength. And despite our internalised suffering (overactive thought train), we are always whole and it’s important to acknowledge all of the private victories and milestones that we achieve in our personal healing on a daily basis too - sometimes with the help of coaching, sound therapy, or conscious use of plant medicine and psychedelics as well.
Childlike curiosity is one of the most beautiful states of being, and I feel that if we all practiced it, we’d be alot more mindful of how we live and interact with others. The wonderment and gaze of life through innocent eyes is pure bliss, and it’s unfortunate that the systems in place don’t teach, nurture or empower us to listen to ourselves and our true desires from our school years - although I do appreciate there are many bold teachers trying to make changes in this area as I type.
Embodying our authentic self creates internal sensations beyond words, and nothing is greater than owning our unique individuality, flame, spice or however it feels to you inside. With love in our hearts, pure intention, discipline and freedom to explore, we could all be living so differently right now.
Yes, we’ve all made mistakes, said the wrong things in the heat of the moment and buckled under life’s pressures, but when we fully decide that we’ve had enough of our own bullshit, we often realise we’ve been sleeping on ourselves, and our own innate personal power (we all have it). And when we do, life shifts in magnetic, profound and nourishing ways to align with our mission.
When we claim our sovereignty by being exactly who we are, the universe will create magical pathways for us to walk upon for the rest of our days. Being our authentic self helps us to understand our soul purpose, seek out our soul family and helps us flow where our energy is appreciated and reciprocated. And without purpose, life’s not much fun really, is it? We blame others for this and that, and there’s a lack of joy and freedom in our days because we don’t really know where we’re headed (and not in a good flowstate kinda way).
So, what is it that actually draws you in with a smile on your face? What entices you in life and calls to you deeply? What gives you shivers of excitement and a contentment in your heart because you know you’re doing what is best for your soul? Are you open to shaping your life around what you most value?
Being our authentic self benefits the collective too. For me, the exploration of sound, plants, divine feminine, the female form, dance and nurturing creative outlets for me to express this, has brought me to the happiest moments of my life. An innate glow shining from my cells, because I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, in service, loved, open and happy, and it echoes the satisfaction of my soul. True embodiment of what I came here to do - create, inspire, play, entice, grow, succeed, fuck up, learn and rise again.
If we can pull ourselves out of the constraints and limitations of the world we find ourselves in, then slowly but surely we can move towards a life that can fulfil us - heartfelt, honest, fun, sensual and successful. Do one thing every day to move you towards your soul calling, whatever is beckoning you from deep, deep down. It’s hard and requires dedication, but it’s absolutely worth listening to. Nothing of value comes easy.
Be who you know you need to be FOR YOU, it matters more than we’ve ever been taught to understand. And it matters more now than at any other point in history.
