Embracing Naava | Cultivating Authenticity | Naava Awaken
Often people attempt to live their lives backwards:they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you really need to do, in order to have what you want - Margaret Young
As part of my book haul for the first half of 2018, I read "the Gifts of Imperfections" by Brene' Brown, - needless to say this entire book is like a personal "bible" to me now. It is a "holy grail". It released things and resonated with me so deeply. I am so grateful that I followed my intuition to purchase this book at this phase in my lifestyle and career.
The choice to be seen is something I had to reflect on when I decided to relaunch my blog. To bare myself and my so-called imperfections was something I desired for some reason. But why would I want to expose myself in such a way? Honestly, I thought nobody would pay attention, it was a self endeavor and I wanted to grow in a certain way - a way, I only could if I was willing to be "exposed" ( which was the original name of my first blog).
I wanted a place to express myself creatively, spiritually, physically, and some much more. I wanted a place that I could look back on and see my evolution. I wanted to discover what would come of me and my life if I embraced how I felt and believed I was deep down inside.
In the book, Brene' has a chapter called "Cultivating Authenticity: Letting go of what people think". I think it should also be called "allowing yourself to be". She came up with her own definition of what authenticity is:
"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are". I couldn't agree more with this interpretation. She goes further to explain what making the choices are in your daily practice."
Choosing authenticity means:
Cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable;
Exercicing the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle; and
Nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we believe that we are enough.
photography by imajworx
How do you choose to cultivate yourself?