“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Great conflict not only has the potential to unleash the secrets in a man’s heart but they can also purge him so that who he really is becomes undeniably apparent. The man then has a choice to demonstrate this part of himself that has become revealed or mask it in an acceptable disguise. Being authentic is not always easy. The process of becoming authentic involves self-discovery that may challenge expectations and require behavioral responses that are more than uncomfortable.
During periods of relative contentment, happiness and authenticity ought to track together. During times when change is needed or taking place, what feels authentic may be anxiety-provoking and associated with negative emotions, depending on how we approach it. In contrast, what is needed to be happy and confident in oneself may feel inauthentic, a betrayal even of oneself.
Brenner, Grant H.(2018). What is Really Happening When We Feel Authentic?(Psychology Today, December).
In times of crisis we are faced with more than a problem. We are faced with ourselves and an opportunity to become more authentic. Einstein stated that no problem can be solved on the same level of consciousness that created it. Going inward rather than reaching outward allows us to discover who we really are and hopefully rise to the occasion. Denial does not change anything and resistance only exacerbates the circumstances. However, when we choose to go with the flow regardless of how unfamiliar and disagreeable the territory may be, we can then stand in our own truth.
At times becoming authentic does not feel like freedom, sunshine, and rainbows. In fact, there are many painful moments along the path. We cannot always move as gracefully as we would like to in life. During these times we should find a safe place to release our emotions if the need arises. We have to allow ourselves the space and time to process our experience so that we can move forward with authentic insight. Howard Falco states in his book I Am,
“Creativity cannot flow from a chaotic and disharmonious state. Emotions when not restrained provide a cleansing and a rebalancing that allows us to be in the best possible frame of mind to accomplish what we desire.” Howard Falco
Copyright by Deana Gordon
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