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There's a lot of talk about leading an 'authentic' life. Many people I speak with want to create a more authentic life for themselves. Many of those don't really know where to begin. Certainly having your life mirror your passion, talent, and beliefs is an excellent way to create a harmonious energy field, which in turn helps promote a healthy body, mind and sense of spirit. So an authentic life means a good feeling life.
Part of the difficulty people can have in trying to lead a more authentic life can be overcome by exploring personal values. After all an 'authentic' life means your choices and realities are in harmony with your personal values.
During the last century great cultural and social swings have occurred that have shaped what we believe to be acceptable or unacceptable as individuals, communities and nations. In short we continue to become progressively more liberal and tolerant of others different to ourselves. Although this is a key cornerstone of spirituality and most religions, our liberalism has occurred at the same time as our religious or spiritual values and morals have eroded. In the West we are more materialistic, sexualized and immunized to acts of violence. Religious holidays, such as Christmas which once spread messages of peace on earth, are now measured as consumer spending on the news. The role of women and men in society has changed forever. Sex, which we know sells everything, is now used as self publicity by the already rich and famous. Prime time TV is filled with dramas most of which involve serial killers and violent crime and this is our 'entertainment'.
So where do you fit? Do you know?
You're not alone if you don't. I've spoken with many people who have been decimated by some of their personal choices. This is especially so in sexual relationships which once the sexual charge dissipated, deep shame and self loathing remained.
In a time when pretty much anything goes (at least somewhere and with someone) we have an amazing opportunity to experience the new. Be reassured that even if you're not sure where your boundaries are mentally, you come equipped with an internal value alarm system. If it's active before you are about choose something that is not harmonious for yourself your alarm system will alert you via your feelings, instincts or sense of knowing. If it does you will feel a level of emotional distress, uncertainty or a sense of 'not right' before doing or choosing something it is likely to have a negative repercussion for you. If you still choose to go ahead then you are likely to experience the lesson ringing very loudly as shame, guilt, disbelief, self reproach or fear. As bad as this might be, on the up side your alarm system is there to tell you you have violated yourself and so you get to learn a little bit more about you.
As a unique composition of body, mind and spirit, what is 'right' for you may not be right for another. Let your feelings guide you to what feels right or wrong for you- especially when you are mentally uncertain. Over time and with practice you can learn to hear the quiet alarm so you needed hear the louder one.
Sometimes choosing what is right for you can make you feel alienated amongst your peers, family, friends or colleagues. This is may feel sad but is ultimately OK and even positive. Every time you make a choice based on your personal values and what feels right you are creating your authentic life. And authentic means happiness, contentment and fulfillment.
