Authenticity as a Spiritual Practice

Authenticity as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice

By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Authenticity.

It is better to have heart without words than words without heart (Ghandi). Authenticity is living from the heart; whole-heartedness. Authenticity is to know your truth and to have the courage to show up with integrity, genuineness, honesty, and without pretense.

Someone said “to be or not to be, that is the question.” Not only is that the question, but it is the answer. Be willing to be who you are, practice your gift – even if it is unpopular. Find your light, your gift and let it shine continuously. Be positive, and be the best you can be. You are what God created you to be. Your truth, your light, your gift is unique.

Being authentic is not an easy task in a culture bombarded with images of who we need to be via advertisement, music, peers, number of friends on Facebook, number of followers on social media, entertainers as idols, and expectations of family and friends. Authenticity is sacrificed for being liked and accepted by others. Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won’t need to compare himself with someone else. (Galatians 6:4) Who others expect us to be may cause anger, eating disorders, depression, unhappiness, physical ailments, anxiety, addiction, resentment, grief; all as a result of not being true to self. Be more interested in the Creator’s acceptance of you than how others feel about you. Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (Psalm 139:23). We can be “one hundred” with our Creator because our God knows and sees our heart.

Authenticity Practices:

Ø  Affirmation: I am totally independent of the good and bad opinions of others, I am beneath no one, I am fearless in the face of any and all challenges. Do not shrink or swell.

Ø  Make a Vow of Authenticity: To have and to hold, for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health, till death do us part. Be devoted to who you are.

Ø  Authentic Kindness: Relate to everything with kindness. Be kind and honest without making others uncomfortable. Say what’s on your mind with kindness when communicating with others. Communicate without sounding like a know it all and have the courage to kindly disagree with the crowd.

 

Self-Assessment:

How do you remain authentic and not drift back to pretense?

What distracts you from being authentic?

What has God called you to do; what is your gift?

Do people know how you really feel about them?

What is your foundation of truth; what sure thing that will not let you down?

Become who you were born to be and let go of the expectations of how others perceive you to be. Find your truth and live it. No one can tell you what your truth is. We are created as diverse as the fish, flowers, and birds; God loves diversity. Becoming your true self is becoming authentic.

How do you develop the courage to be authentic in a culture that encourages you to fit in? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Blessings