Search for authenticity
What does being authentic mean to you as an individual?
Authenticity is a concept that I have been carefully exploring, distilling down to its sticky residue, investigating how it works as a larger component of my creative process. This requires me to be mentally and emotionally focused while creating my artwork. I often struggle with questions and challenges from the topography of my work as they seep to the surface, often revealing very enriching insights.
This is a process of constantly removing the outer layers of wisdom, events, and expectations that have been instilled in me. It is believed to be based on facts; Accurate or reliable information was often built entirely on the insecurities of random friends, family, and strangers. These building blocks of fears, disappointments, and never-fulfilled dreams reinforced the powerful words and actions that overshadowed and informed my decisions growing up and still occasionally influence my interactions as an adult.
I have discovered that there are many ways that can nurture true authenticity. The most crucial of all jobs is that you must examine everything, investigating to determine whether your words and actions are based on current feelings or whether your reaction is influenced by factors from past conditioning. This allows the opportunity to create an emotionally appropriate response to what is presented in the moment.
Preserving one’s authenticity is a practice of discarding these layers of good intentions that slowly instilled fear and self-doubt. My authentic self is released as I investigate my daily actions and interactions with fresh eyes and a clear mind. This gives me the opportunity to build new conclusions established from the information I currently have. Reminding me not to let go of the influences of the many layers of socialization infused from my birth.
I have met many people on my journey, who wonders if there is a possibility of becoming 100% authentic? Although, I think we all experience flashes of clarity of true authenticity. Unfortunately, too often these continue to be based on the perceived self of individuals and not on their pure or true self. Achieving authenticity is a process; it requires self-exploration to remove the many levels of conditioning to reveal the true essence of an individual.
Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?
What are the actions you can start taking in your life today to help you become more authentic?