7 Ways to Live More Authentically

Moving form Performance to Personal Power

Shifting cultural and societal paradigms starts with questioning our beliefs

As a women raised in the U.S., I was taught from an early age to be seen and not heard, to put others' needs before my own, and that in order to be valued, I needed to produce. Upon reading Anita Moorjani's book, Dying to Be Me, I was confronted with an altogether different belief system, one that begins with inherent worth, self-love, and permission to live authentically. Here are a few ways to practice living from this place of authenticity. 

Reconnect with Your True Self: Powerful Practices for Cultivating Self Trust

1. Stop abandoning yourself: Say what you actually feel and notice when you're choosing approval over your truth. Even tiny moments of honesty allow you to live more authentically.
2. Use love, not fear, as your litmus: We are programmed for survival (that lovely amygdala) to scan the environment for threats. Before making a decision, feel into your body and ask "Does this feel right, true, expansive"? We're not looking to  eliminate or deny fear — simply, don't let it lead. 
3. Stop punishing yourself for not being "enough": Notice your inner dialog and instead of criticism, ask "Would I say that to a dear friend?". I often find it helpful to envision that person in my mind and conjure up my feelings of fondness for them. I then, imagine what they might think of me, how they might see me through their eyes. This opens up a completely different perspective — one that is altogether softer and kinder. Self-love is a behavior, not just a feeling, and one that often takes mindful practice.
4. Allow joy and ease in your life: Let yourself feel good without explaining, justifying, or feeling the need to earn it. You don't need to turn everything into a goal or outcome. Do something enjoyable simply for the joy of it — without productivity attached. In doing so, you celebrate life and partake in its raison d'etre. I have to admit, this one takes consistent practice as it's difficult to overcome the programmed priming for productivity. 
5. Question your conditioning: We are often shaped by cultural conditioning and our family's belief systems and expectations. Rather than "shoulding" all over yourself, notice "Is this my belief, or something I was taught or absorbed?". Awareness alone starts to loosen the hold of these systemic, cultural expectations and our identification with whom we "should" be.
6. Listen to your body and your energy: This one is both easy and fun (IMO)—notice what drains you and what gives you energy. Notice when you are engaged in an activity and completely lose track of time. Do more of THAT, and reduce what leaves you feeling depleted. Let your body be your guide.

7. Allow yourself to shine: Many of us spend our life shrinking in an attempt to "not be too much" or in order to not be a burden. We censor ourselves, we over-edit, we attempt to orchestrate how we'll be perceived or received. Instead, speak up boldly and with pride, share your ideas, and let your personality come alive. Being visible can be uncomfortable at first, but also deeply affirming and extremely liberating. 

Living Authentically—Through Self-Love, Honesty, and Presence—Can Transform the Way You Experience Life

Life doesn't have to feel performative, and, you don't have to overhaul your life to live authentically. Start by shifting one attitude, one knee-jerk reaction, one self-critical thought at a time. These small course corrections will change how you show up each day and the cumulative effect can shift the entire trajectory of your life.

If you'd like to bring more presence into your life, honor your intentions, and celebrate self-expression, choose a consciously-crafted piece from one of our collections as a gentle reminder to live from your authenticity.