Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Art Therapy and Being Authentic



How do we know when we are being authentic? We are authentic when we are acting in a way that feels truthful. I know that I am not being authentic when I pretend to be indifferent when I am not. I also can catch myself being inauthentic when I present myself as more or less than I am. When I don’t respect my emotions and I laugh when I need to cry or when I fake beliefs to be accepted, something inside me realizes that I am not being authentic.  I know that I am not being authentic when I fake emotions to please others. When checking in with ourselves to see if we are being authentic, here are some basic questions to consider:

1) Am I honest with others about my feelings in contexts where talking about feelings is appropriate?

2) Do I consciously strive to be truthful in communications?

3) Do I talk openly, and straightforwardly about that which I love and enjoy?

4) If I am honest about saying that I feel hurt, angry, or upset?

5) Do I stick up for myself and honour my needs and interests?



An Art Therapy Exercise For Being Authentic

 Have some art supplies in front of you. Feel your feet on the ground and just sense into them. What do you notice? Take a deep breathe into your stomach, what do you sense there? Bring your attention to your hands. Bring your awareness to your head and notice how it is feeling. Now, gently turn your attention inward. Think of a time when you were not authentic maybe to accommodate someone else’s believes or feeling. Notice, where in your body you sense this memory. Is there an emotional quality to this sensation? Ask this part of you to speak. Without judgment, just staying Present for yourself ask this part of you if there is anything that it is wanting. Gently bring this self-Focusing session to a close. Now reflect on a symbol or image that comes to mind when you think of the word authentic. Draw your personal symbol.

9 comments:

  1. Excellent! Thanks for the great art therapy exercise.

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  2. Thanks. Have a wonderful new year. Hugs

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  3. Just about perfect for me today. And, I LOVE your new header photo!

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  4. This is a wonderful exercise to try out for the new year Karen! I have been working on retaining my authenticity when in the midst of a certain group of people, only to realize that maybe I don't need to be among them if they do not appreciate or honor me, but I also realize that I must HONOR MYSELF at all times, which I plan to work on in 2013 =-)
    Happy New Year to you and may 2013 bring you Abundant Possibilities!

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  5. Oh what a timely post! Love the suggestion. Happy New Year dear dear lady!

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  6. I love that 'when acting in a way that feels truthful.' It clears up so many feelings of not fitting in, and destroys so many questions of acceptance. It's a beautiful philosophy.

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  7. Loved it so much I just quoted you on facebook. ;)

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  8. Hi, I was interested in your work and any workshops but the link below your name doesn't appear to work..? Glad I can still read your blog!
    Emma

    http://growandbegrown.blogspot.com

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