How authentic are we? In part one of this three-part series on authenticity, we’ll share its definition, its five states, and various examples of those states.
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An education in vacillation.
In our lifetime, and from moment to moment, we may vacillate between states of authenticity, and we may also vacillate within the states. Knowing how to gauge our own state of authenticity is like knowing how to read the gauge on our gas tank. The gauge may show that it’s full, half, or empty. And sometimes, it’s somewhere between half and full. Similarly, there may be times when we’re halfway, or somewhere between, states of authenticity. The more regularly we check our authenticity gauge, the more authentic we can become.
Authenticity defined.
The words used to describe authenticity are: legitimate, genuine, and true. Authenticity is described as “the state of being authentic.” And authentic is described as “being genuine, and of indisputable origin.” In simple slang, authenticity “is what it is.” In general, authenticity isn’t fake or a substitute for the real thing. For example, authentic bacon isn’t turkey bacon. Ham isn’t Spam. Turkey isn’t Tofurkey. In other words, authenticity is the real deal.
Discernment and the disclaimer.
With the definition declared, let’s receive it with a grain of salt. It’s wise to take into account, that a person may be authentic, and not be “true” in the way we may expect. For example, someone may be a genuine liar. That may be their most authentic self at this time. That’s not an excuse for lying, or the person’s behavior. Lies may be all that person knows, all they’ve ever known. To them, lying may be like breathing, it’s genuinely who they are right now. They may neither be aware of their lies, nor care whether they lie. They have no governing conscience for what’s true, and refuse to be accountable. Although the term “liar” would not, at first blush, seem to fit the definition of authenticity, in this case, it is a match. It is scenarios like this, which we will need to discern.
How does authenticity apply to us?
Our souls are all at different stages of spiritual evolution, so what may be genuine for one person is not genuine for another. In general, authenticity within ourself means that we’re real, honest, genuine and open with ourself. How many people consciously and actively choose be aware of how honest, genuine, and open they are? To become more deeply authentic, we need to become more actively aware of ourself.
The first state of authenticity: Being inauthentic.
This first of five states of authenticity is to not be authentic. If we are in this state, authenticity may seem abhorrent, an abomination and not to be trusted. If we identify with this first state of authenticity, we probably aren’t reading this. If we did read it, it would be with the desire to manipulate, control, and/or entertain one’s self. The intention would not be to learn or grow.
The second state of authenticity: Windblown.
In this state, we may, at rare times, be authentic. If we are in this second state of authenticity, we shift who we appear to be, to seemingly agree with people and situations. If confronted, we will not authentically stand for anything. Instead, if faced with conflict or differences, we shift, back down or retreat. Many people in this state are not able to see that they are in this state, since they employ little to no self-reflection. If we are able to identify with this second state, we may see no value in becoming more authentic, because we believe that in order to succeed, we must constantly alter our position and behavior. In this state, there is no quality of being “genuine,” with the exception of a genuinely being inconsistent. In this state, material success is valued over sovereignty. If we are in this second state, we may be totally unaware of other states, and may belittle people who are in other states, while gossiping behind their backs.
The third state of authenticity: Followers.
If we identify with this state, we find validation, connection, and value when fitting in with other people. We value being accepted. Here, we have little value as an individual, except for what we can provide for the group. Differences, and standing out from the crowd, cause discomfort, awkwardness, and envy. If we are in this state, we genuinely, authentically, comingle with others and become one with them. We may have some willingness to be open to other states.
The fourth state of authenticity: Balanced.
This is the most authentic state before becoming totally authentic. If we are in this state, we are appreciative of absolutely All, knowing that everything and everybody together make a more delectable life. In this state, we know our own value, and appreciate our abilities, and the abilities of others.
The fifth state: Total authenticity.
In this state, we may experience all states of authenticity, but do not identify with any of them. When I say we do not “identify with them,” I mean, we do not mistake that we are any state. For example, if we are totally authentic, we may experience sadness like a cloud on a sunny day, but we would not believe that we are the cloud, or the sadness. We would not mistake emotion for ourself. We would not mistake a state of being as our beingness. In other words, when we are totally authentic, our authenticity is not affected by drama, trauma, or perception. In this state of total authenticity, or enlightenment, we are sovereign—meaning, we are steadily clear and supremely effective regarding authentic reality.
What say ye?
What state or states of authenticity are you experiencing? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section so we may learn and grow together…
Always with love,
Next week, we’ll talk about why we benefit from authenticity, and in two weeks, we’ll talk be about ways to be more authentic.
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