06/08/2017 “Becoming Authentic” with Diane Wilde

Part 1 of 3 in a series.

How often have we said to ourselves, “If I could only be ME!  If I didn’t have to play a social roll, pretend I am someone I am not, and could be authentic — my life would be so much easier!“ Too often we create endless identities which hide the authentic person we feel inside.

Yet, we continue to conform, continue to hide the depths of our true feelings, and too frequently are unable to experience — both in ourselves as well as externally— the freedom of being “real.”

In this three part series, we will look at what it really means to be authentic, both to ourselves and in the society which we live. We will discuss what authenticity means, and the steps — often challenging— that we need to take to allow ourselves to be truly seen, both internally and externally.  The first in this series will investigate what we mean by “becoming authentic”. The second in this series will address bringing authenticity into the world… especially at this time when it is so needed.  The third in this series will be a community conversation of our own experience with the topic.

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Here is a home practice that was given out after the talk:

• During a meditation, ask the question, “Who Am I?” As your mind slips away, keep coming back to this question.
• What have you discovered about the small self in meditation and in your daily life? Be specific.
•  When have you had the experience of authenticity in meditation and daily life? What took place?
• How honest are you with yourself during meditation?