What is authenticity?
The dictionary meaning of being authentic or authenticity is the quality of being genuine or real. In a casual, light-hearted conversation, if any Indian aunty is asked about her silk saree or the gorgeous pair of diamond earrings, the immediate response will be “it is 100% genuine silk, or real diamonds.
As much as we adore all that is real, genuine, or authentic, have you ever wondered how frequently we, as individuals, are exactly the opposite of it? In any social gathering or personal relationship, we tend to become ‘likable’ or ‘acceptable’, thus shielding away from our own true selves.
To live authentically or with authenticity is to be a pure, unapologetic version of ourselves, without donning a mask. It means, you are true to yourself and to your own personality. Being authentic means having a solid foundation of your own beliefs, values, morals, ethics, principles, and interests. It comes from a lot of life experiences and different exposures in life which shapes the individual. To maintain these, one must make a conscious, constant effort to align their thoughts, actions and behaviors in a manner that helps them to be authentic which then becomes a way of life. Now here comes an interesting part- being authentic does not translate to being rigid and obstinate. It is having a curious mind and a sound judgment call on the surroundings and how you can adapt to the changes life brings your way. Being authentic means taking a step away from the herd mentality, observing our priorities and finally shifting to a more real version of ourselves.
That being said, it is not always a cakewalk to be true to the deep core of self. First and foremost, it requires individuals to really know and understand their own self. It means being aware of the flaws of self, accepting them and working on them. Similarly, it is also necessary to understand the goodness that is within each individual. From this knowledge of self, the individuals have strong boundaries and are able to use their voice in turn honoring their authentic self.
A very nagging question starts hitting our mind as we read and understand about authenticity- how do we cultivate it in ourselves? How do we integrate authenticity into our everyday lives? Here are a few simple steps:
Practising Mindfulness: Engage in regular self-reflection and mindfulness practices like breathing exercises, journaling, and disconnecting from the digital world to stay connected with your inner self.
Setting Boundaries: Establish and maintain healthy boundaries that reflect your values and needs.
Seeking Feedback: Engage with trusted individuals who can offer honest feedback and support your growth and everyday progress when needed.
Celebrating Your Uniqueness: Embrace what makes you unique rather than conforming to external expectations. The beauty of life is in enjoying the subtle differences.
Knowing and understanding self: Understanding our true self is a lifelong journey. It begins from the time we ask the difficult question to ourselves: How can I be better? How can I tune in to being the best version of myself where the external factors do not control me? Then starts the small, yet significant steps of being authentic according to our own values, morals and beliefs, principles.
Authenticity is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. It involves a commitment to understanding and expressing our true selves while navigating the complexities of social interactions and personal challenges. By striving for authenticity, we not only enrich our own lives but also create more meaningful and genuine connections with those around us.
