Authentic Self

Teach me how to mirror Your true image and live my life without
pretenses.

In the countryside where we were growing up, we were so close to nature we could play with so many animals and insects in their native habitats. I remember trying to chase a chameleon lizard one day and got frustrated when I lost it in a pile of leaves. My grandfather, a great educator whom I idolized, tried to help me but ended up giving me a valuable lesson in life. He told me that it was the nature of the chameleon to be a master of disguise and camouflage because that is part of its survival mechanism. However, my Tata Enrique added, I should strive not to be a chameleon who hides its true colors for fear of being found out but to fearlessly be what I am in my truest colors. To this day, those words still ring loud in my ears.

No matter how much we try, we can never go far with a pretended, fictional, hollow self. It is only when we are grounded in the truth and authenticity of our being that we could grow and develop into what we are capable of becoming.

What is your authentic self, your wonder divine self?

It is that real you found in your absolute core. That part of you that is not defined by your role, position, function or work. It is a composite of all that is unique about you - your gifts, skills, abilities, interest, talents, insights, brilliance, etc.

It is the wonderful person within which remains unconditioned by life's pains, wounds and vicissitudes.

It is all of your strengths and values that are truly unique to you and can only be expressed by you.

It is the "you" that is spontaneously revealed when you are feeling most fulfilled and happiest.

It s the "you" that wants to be more and to soar without limits or encumbrances.

The fictional self on the other hand is the false self, the wounded child, the person others tell you, you are. It is your wounded, rejected, demeaned, abandoned, and disempowered or deluded, confused persona.

It is that part of your self that has not evolved, is gripped by the deep fear of being inadequate, worthless or unimportant. It is that imprisoned part of your self that remains in the shadow and is playing small and burying your gifts and talents.

Which self would you want to tend or nurture?

Affirmation: I am one of a kind. I value and esteem my true
self.