Gorgeous as always, my friend! I love the question about what longing I've silenced in order to belong. I guess the times I've done this is to feel a belonging with other living humans. How interesting! With non-human and/or non-alive-right-now kin, I feel a sense of belonging no matter what and so can always be authentic. I also remember learning from a teacher once that being authentic with ourselves is really the important thing. So if we're wearing a mask because that's what we need to feel safe, but we acknowledge to ourselves that we're wearing the mask, then we're still in coherence. I rather liked that viewpoint...the allowance that sometimes masks are necessary (as long as we can admit it to ourselves). I'm SO loving this series on the Peter Block aspects of community. Can't wait to see what's next! 💖💖
Thanks Jenna - I'm loving this exploration too... I'm learning so much and it's transforming me!
And I really love what you shared about the mask. I feel a deep truth in that, for sometimes the mask needs to be worn, safety is of high importance. In making that conscious choice there is coherence. And that shifts everything.
As I sit here and consider, can there really ever be a full on definition of authenticity. I feel we all have to come to that on our own. Within this life, within these parameters. With that said, there does need to be the coherence piece and an alignment with the soul.
“What I have discovered is the importance of being true to myself. Moving as love and compassion, honoring the particular way the divine chose to move through me.” Love the way you phrased this, and I have discovered the same. I also LOVE the aboriginal art you shared.
So resonant, Julie - all of it. I love that you've reframed the charlatan as trickster who is here to help us see the ways in which we're susceptible to being seduced from a place of disconnection with ourselves. Right on time for that old trickster Mercury to move into its shadow and start retrograding - a perfect time for reflection on these questions! One of the questions you pose here cuts right to the heart of it: are we choosing from craving, or clarity? If we could all ask ourselves that honestly before leaping, it would go a long way toward alleviating suffering all the way around.
Thanks for bringing so much constancy to your work as a truth-teller, Julie. You are a gem. ✨🕊️💖
Thanks Keith. There is a powerful message in the Seven of Cups. An invitation to see beyond the smoke and mirrors into what is the true offering. And what is the deception, illusion and manipulation that is getting in the way. In the attempt to sway our choices, our allegiance and loyalty. And I agree, what if we all self-examined? Questioned rather than simply accepting something as truth. What shifts someone from being robotic, to being an authentic being?
And I appreciate you too Keith, speaking truth in a time when truth is denied is important. Thanks for being you! 💜🙏🌀
I have a feeling you know this from 12-step-land, but I do believe there's something to the idea that pain so often the touchstone of growth. And I can say for sure that pain kicked off my journey of self-examination. Here's to authenticity, however it comes! ✨🕊️💖
Agree Keith. Pain is a huge motivator! It has been for me too. And as I sit here contemplating, another one is longing. And as you said, Here's to authenticity, however it comes! YES! 💜
So much to ponder here. Thank you! Also, the seven of cups keeps showing up in tarot readings I’ve done for clients this week. It’s interesting to see it appear again in your article.
Wow that's amazing Caitlin. I just did a reading for someone yesterday, and the seven of cups came up there too. Must be a message we and our world need to hear right now! 💜
While my spiritual tradition differs from yours, I think Authenticity is a struggle common to everyone. For me, one of the hardest things has been feeling like in order to do the work I do WHERE I do it, I have to hide parts of myself from some people while finding who I can fully reveal myself to. I can't do it where I am now, but I CAN do it with family, and I do it with my spiritual community (My Church). It doesn't feel good to have to mask..
I appreciate what you brought forth here Jesse. The necessity of feeling comfortable in that revealing of ourselves. It needs to be a safe space. There is way too much trauma in our world, without having to add this to it too. That's why it's important to find our tribe, community, family. Where we can be who and what we are unapologetically and without editing. This doesn't mean being flagrant, for authenticity also considers others as well. For belonging is a key ingredient in authentic community.
I'm glad that you have found a place to be you! That is sooo important. 💜
Gorgeous as always, my friend! I love the question about what longing I've silenced in order to belong. I guess the times I've done this is to feel a belonging with other living humans. How interesting! With non-human and/or non-alive-right-now kin, I feel a sense of belonging no matter what and so can always be authentic. I also remember learning from a teacher once that being authentic with ourselves is really the important thing. So if we're wearing a mask because that's what we need to feel safe, but we acknowledge to ourselves that we're wearing the mask, then we're still in coherence. I rather liked that viewpoint...the allowance that sometimes masks are necessary (as long as we can admit it to ourselves). I'm SO loving this series on the Peter Block aspects of community. Can't wait to see what's next! 💖💖
Thanks Jenna - I'm loving this exploration too... I'm learning so much and it's transforming me!
And I really love what you shared about the mask. I feel a deep truth in that, for sometimes the mask needs to be worn, safety is of high importance. In making that conscious choice there is coherence. And that shifts everything.
As I sit here and consider, can there really ever be a full on definition of authenticity. I feel we all have to come to that on our own. Within this life, within these parameters. With that said, there does need to be the coherence piece and an alignment with the soul.
Sending love to you dear sister! 💜
“What I have discovered is the importance of being true to myself. Moving as love and compassion, honoring the particular way the divine chose to move through me.” Love the way you phrased this, and I have discovered the same. I also LOVE the aboriginal art you shared.
Thanks Wendi! When I found this art, there was no need to look further, it took hold of me. I love this art piece! 💜 Sending love…
I feel very aligned with you Julie! (As is the astrology, as both our conditions and reflection!)
Thanks Maria! Glad you are here! 🌀🙏💜
So resonant, Julie - all of it. I love that you've reframed the charlatan as trickster who is here to help us see the ways in which we're susceptible to being seduced from a place of disconnection with ourselves. Right on time for that old trickster Mercury to move into its shadow and start retrograding - a perfect time for reflection on these questions! One of the questions you pose here cuts right to the heart of it: are we choosing from craving, or clarity? If we could all ask ourselves that honestly before leaping, it would go a long way toward alleviating suffering all the way around.
Thanks for bringing so much constancy to your work as a truth-teller, Julie. You are a gem. ✨🕊️💖
Thanks Keith. There is a powerful message in the Seven of Cups. An invitation to see beyond the smoke and mirrors into what is the true offering. And what is the deception, illusion and manipulation that is getting in the way. In the attempt to sway our choices, our allegiance and loyalty. And I agree, what if we all self-examined? Questioned rather than simply accepting something as truth. What shifts someone from being robotic, to being an authentic being?
And I appreciate you too Keith, speaking truth in a time when truth is denied is important. Thanks for being you! 💜🙏🌀
I have a feeling you know this from 12-step-land, but I do believe there's something to the idea that pain so often the touchstone of growth. And I can say for sure that pain kicked off my journey of self-examination. Here's to authenticity, however it comes! ✨🕊️💖
Agree Keith. Pain is a huge motivator! It has been for me too. And as I sit here contemplating, another one is longing. And as you said, Here's to authenticity, however it comes! YES! 💜
So much to ponder here. Thank you! Also, the seven of cups keeps showing up in tarot readings I’ve done for clients this week. It’s interesting to see it appear again in your article.
Wow that's amazing Caitlin. I just did a reading for someone yesterday, and the seven of cups came up there too. Must be a message we and our world need to hear right now! 💜
While my spiritual tradition differs from yours, I think Authenticity is a struggle common to everyone. For me, one of the hardest things has been feeling like in order to do the work I do WHERE I do it, I have to hide parts of myself from some people while finding who I can fully reveal myself to. I can't do it where I am now, but I CAN do it with family, and I do it with my spiritual community (My Church). It doesn't feel good to have to mask..
I appreciate what you brought forth here Jesse. The necessity of feeling comfortable in that revealing of ourselves. It needs to be a safe space. There is way too much trauma in our world, without having to add this to it too. That's why it's important to find our tribe, community, family. Where we can be who and what we are unapologetically and without editing. This doesn't mean being flagrant, for authenticity also considers others as well. For belonging is a key ingredient in authentic community.
I'm glad that you have found a place to be you! That is sooo important. 💜
Your writing makes my heart sing. Gratitude. ❤️