Moving Towards Authenticity: Dismantling Adaptations for Acceptance and Connecting with our Higher Self

Authenticity is the highest state of being that the spiritual practitioner can achieve. In fact, in the years to come, authenticity will become the replacement for enlightenment as the true goal of spiritual practice.

Teal Swan

As humans, we all desire to be loved and accepted by others, which is natural and necessary for our survival. However, when our attachment to external validation becomes too strong, it can lead to a disconnection from our authentic selves and prevent us from living fulfilling lives.

As with every inspired piece of writing, this one left me questioning an interaction I had with a client’s family. On reflection, it was interesting to see how easy it was to sacrifice the voice of my authentic self and instead prioritised attachment as a bonding tool for acceptance. 

So with curiosity, I attempted to unravel the mystery of what makes us human, appreciating that awareness is the first step towards healing

Attachment vs. Authenticity:

Attachment is the need to depend on something or someone for our happiness, while authenticity is the ability to express our true selves and live in alignment with our values and beliefs. When we are attached, we are driven by fear and the need to control our environment, while authenticity requires us to embrace vulnerability and trust in the unknown.

The problem with attachment is that it is unsustainable and can lead to disappointment and pain when our expectations are not met. Authenticity, on the other hand, is a more stable source of happiness because it is rooted in our inner self and not dependent on external factors.

The Role of Higher Self:

Our higher self is our true nature, which is often masked by our attachment to external validation. When we are able to connect with our higher self, we are able to tap into our intuition, creativity, and inner wisdom. This allows us to make decisions that are in alignment with our true purpose and live a more fulfilling life.

Adaptations for Acceptance:

From a young age, we learn to adapt to our environment in order to be accepted by others. We may change our behaviour, beliefs, or appearance to fit in with a particular group or society. While these adaptations may serve us in the short term, they prevent us from living authentically and can lead to a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.

Dismantling Adaptations:

Dismantling our adaptations requires us to be honest with ourselves and recognize the ways in which we have compromised our true selves for external validation. We must be willing to let go of the beliefs and behaviours that no longer serve us and embrace our uniqueness.

This process can be challenging and may require support from others who have gone through a similar journey. By dismantling the adaptations we have made for acceptance, we can live a more fulfilling life and tap into our inner wisdom and creativity.

This requires us to embrace vulnerability and trust in the unknown, but the rewards are worth the effort.