Nothing beats being authentic. For in authenticity, one has nothing to prove to anyone, no appearances to keep up other than those that are true. The freedom that follows an authentic self makes one unassailable. Yet being authentic is no mean fete. In a world where being a conformist is second nature, being a non-conformist is viewed suspiciously.
The journey to being authentic starts from within self-knowledge.
This is an ongoing journey that is as intentional as it is dynamic. There is no prescribed approach. It is for one to know what works for them and to keep at it. Some would pore over personality tests and their results while others would be audiences of their lives and learn every step of the way. Whichever the approach to self-knowledge, the important thing is that the discovery of self is continual.
As no man is an island, so is the knowledge of self. Allowing for feedback, the constructive kind builds onto self-knowledge. It sheds light onto the ‘blind spots’ according to the Johari Window. Where feedback is not forthcoming, being proactive in seeking it out from trustworthy people and people of goodwill is worthwhile.
Ultimately, regular reflection brings being authentic full circle where a review of the self and one’s life in general, brings to the fore what needs to be improved on.
This makes one a better person. Silence is the basis upon which reflection rests; yet with lives that are constantly ‘plugged in’, where does one get that dose of silence? It could be found in stillness. Whatever one’s definition of stillness is, it could help in not only finding but nourishing the authentic self.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Confucius.