Authentic living embraces a life that embodies who you truly are from the inside out. You feel yourself deeply and you know who you are beyond roles and perceptions. One of the many benefits of being emboldened to be truly you is that it guides and leads you to your unique purpose in life. This can be displayed in the form of your passion in your work, in a family and community or in ways unseen by others.
Authentic Living is Boundless and Limitless
Being authentically you can come with its own challenges, which eventually leads one deeper into their unique truth within. In a society that is becoming increasingly dominated by followers and people spending endless time on social media, step out. To be yourself, there is great strength in not doing what everyone else is doing. You never have to follow a trend that leads only to what others are doing.
Being authentic means you first need to step away for awhile. No one can teach you how to get to know yourself and what makes you, you. That is your unique and sacred journey. The following are some compassionate pointers to assist you in becoming in-tune with your unique inner and outer path.
Authentic Living through Sacred Space photographed by CottonBro
- SACRED SPACE – Discover and create a space where you can be you without the voices of the world. This can be anything from a private workspace to an empty room with nothing or the things you love.
As much as possible, have it be a quiet space where outside city noise cannot penetrate. If it is in nature, then the outer environmental flutters of birds and rainfall can be very beneficial.
Make this space either an empty vessel or a full imprint of you. When you enter it, enter as if you are completely naked and that the energy of the space is your clothing. Become one with it, and focus on your heart and breathing, while you embody all of you.
Activities such as silent meditation, conscious breathing, creating art, writing and contemplating can be very beneficial to get to the depths of your authentic Soul.
Playing instrumental, classical or meditative music without words can be very supportive. Words directly influence us. In music, it is an unconscious influence that we cannot control. The purpose in this space is to turn off all influences that do not come from within you.
Simply be and follow your inner musings.
Authentic Living through Conscious Breathing photographed by Life of Pix
- CONSCIOUS BREATHING – While alone, focus on your breath. There are many different breathing techniques to ground yourself within yourself and to expand your conscious awareness. I find this to be incredibly important when around other people. With a focused and calm breath, you can stay in tune with you even in the busiest atmospheres.
During episodes of pain, fear or arising anxiety- to name just a few unpleasant emotions and sensations, conscious breathing is what can transform it all. Placing your complete attention and awareness on your breathing not only is grounding you, but also protecting you.
The conscious, aware and consistently calm breath guides you ever deeper within your true Self. At the same time, it also assists you in being ever more present with yourself and the world around you.
In the company of others, practice breathing slowing, consistently and consciously while being completely present with yourself and those in your company. This deepens your relationships, while also keeping you in your own unique energy field.
While alone in your sacred space and at home, there are a wide range of breathing exercises to calm your nervous system and deepen your intuition. Breathing slowly with awareness in and out of the space between your eyebrows, also known in yogic terms as your third eye, can be an incredible experience. Another space to focus your breath, is in and out of the top of your head, the crown of your being.
Practicing breathing in a calm and focused manner has enormous benefits, and with practice it becomes your conscious way of being.
This leads to deeper awareness of your authentic Self.
Authentic Living through your own leadership photographed by Nina Hill
- BE YOUR OWN LEADER – There is no need to do what other people are doing. In fact, it can at times be non-beneficial. When you truly get to know yourself, you lead yourself and others automatically by being uniquely you. When you know yourself, there is no one else you can be.
Limiting the input of others into your decision-making is important when you are authentic. The support and opinions of well-intentioned and caring people in your life is incredible. However, left unchecked can leave your inner voice dominated by the voices of others.
Making all decisions yours alone, while consulting when necessary where your decisions may affect others, gives you self-responsibility and the sole influence over your life. No one knows you like you. Consult with others where necessary, but the ultimate choices in life come down to you.
No matter what happens in life, love yourself and lead your Self from your heart and Soul. Love yourself like your life depends on it and be happy. Making your life your priority will benefit you and all of your relationships.
Create your life from scratch and do not seek to imitate nor compare. You are unique and there is no one else like you. Get out a clean and empty sheet of paper, and write down your own personal leadership goals for you.
Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken. -Oscar Wilde
Live your life like you are making love. Be present, with yourself and others, and be fully and consciously aware of it all. Life is an incredible experience. Living authentically gives you the freedom to embrace it all, while completely enjoying the ride.
The breath is the guide and the space is your heart. Breathe into it fully and do only that which brings you deeper to your center. Life’s a mystery and the very tendency to try to predict and understand it, can dim our light. Embrace the journey and the mystery.
This life is a gift.
Views expressed belong to the author. Copyright: ©Ulonda Faye, 2022, All Rights Reserved.
