Being Authentic

*What is Authenticity or Being Authentic?*
In our routine conversations, We often define Authenticity as something being real, or actual or true or not fake. This can be applied easily for objects, for example this object is authentic or genuine. But does Authenticity apply for people or for the Self? What does being authentic self mean? In general terms, for people, we say being authentic means someone who is not pretentious. It is something like being with ones core values, beliefs or principles. Authenticity can also be able to express oneself without any external influence. So Authenticity could mean as being original, being your True self and not a fake one.
So the question arises what would be my authentic self? If there is an authentic Self, then is there a false self too? How do I know what is my authentic self or Am I being inauthentic. What is the truth of who I am. The obvious answer would be that my authenticity is that I am this person with so and so name, gender, work and profession, nationality, culture or with so and so beliefs and ideas. So I am all of these things it seems. That leads me thinking, if one of these attributes change, then shall I also change? But it does not seem likely that I will change. If anything that defines me changes. I would still remain the same. Then how do I know what is my authentic self? How do I define what is authentic to me? If the different identifications of me change, like name or job or ideas and beliefs, will my authenticity change? If so, it would contradict the fundamental definition of authenticity, which means something that is genuine, undisputed and unquestionable, real, verifiable, exactly as what it is claimed. So it seems authenticity must surely be something that cannot be changed.This implies all the things that can be changed or replaced or altered or modified cannot be my authenticity. Then what is it that Truly Am I ? This question seems so familiar, isnt it ? It seems like the age old fundamental question *Who Am I* ?
Here comes the dead end. Where is the answer to this? People have been seeking the answer to this question since ages. Fortunately, there is an answer to this !
The answer to this can be found on this spiritual path known as the *Path of knowledge*. The path of knowledge is a method where one can derive ones True self . This is done by systematically removing whatever is not my true self. Through this process one can arrive at your Authentic self. This is a simple, quick and straightforward method but it is a paradox that majority find it complex or difficult to get. If that is the case, then, to get this knowledge of the self, one may need some help. It would be prudent to find someone who has already undergone and understood this process. We can call this person a Teacher or guide or Guru. The Guru can guide you to find what is your Authentic Self, if you are curious to know.

One may ask, Is there any need to know my Authentic nature ? Well as mentioned just now, only those who are curious and desirous will probe further. It is not necessary that everyone will do so. Mostly people who are inherently curious and intense desire to find out the truth will take up this path.There are some others who will take up this quest because they feel unfulfilled in life despite all material successes. They experience that the wealth, status or pleasures that define them cannot satisfy their existential needs. This dissatisfaction can spark a search for the true self. For some people, this search for their identity begins when there is a struggle or some sort of crisis in life. There are few others want freedom from societal pressures and do not conform to the societal dogmas that define them. Such people also have a desire to find their authentic self.

Can I know if I am being my authentic self or I am expressing as an inauthentic self ? This is a very predictable question. Yes! It is quite easy to find out if you are being authentic or not. If you are in any sort of pain or suffering, it points that you are not your authentic self. It means you are operating from your false or non authentic self. Being authentic is so natural, it feels light. Non authenticity consumes lot of energy. It is very exhausting. One continuously needs to build up what you are not. The false self is way too busy trying to survive and be relevant. Being authentic is very easy and simple. The false self is so difficult to maintain. Being the false self is indeed a hard existence. It is a very sad state to be. The non authentic self is totally occupied in survival, so it is very fearful. It is very unstable because the identities it gave itself are always changing. They will fade or collapse. This fear of collapse makes the false self fearful and it keeps clinging to all temporary things one after the other. The inauthentic self is very self centred and has very little connection with itself and others. So inauthentic beings feel very lonely. They feel empty inside, therefore the inauthentic self tries to fill the emptiness with food, addictions, external validation, prestige etc. They keep chasing things but never seem to achieve anything. They dont feel home, they dont feel peace. 
On the other side, Authentic beings have healthy connections with themselves, their body and emotions. They also feel connected with others. They feel fulfilled and when one is fulfilled to a certain extent, empathy and compassion arise naturally. Authenticity is the highest form of love. Authentic people are fuelled by love. They love themselves and give love unconditionally. 
Doing what you love is a big part of authenticity. Authenticity is all about expressing your true self, expressing your uniqueness. Fitting in is just the opposite of authenticity. You are meant to express your uniqueness and that is also your purpose. Authenticity is also your creative power. Authenticity is to be your true self and express your creativity with freedom. If you are hiding away, you are not authentic. Authenticity is also perfection, which means you are perfect where you are.

Becoming Authentic is an inner journey. It is transformative. The shift from inauthenticity to authenticity can be a painful process. It is like the death of the false self. If one has a desire to take up this journey, you must find a mentor who can lead you through this beautiful path.

टेलीग्राम ब्राउज़र चेतावनी

ज्ञानाक्षर

Being Authentic

Neelam Nimare