This is not as simple as it sounds. Connecting with our authentic selves is that cherished state of being home within our own bodies, minds, and souls. It is a very personal experience, akin to a surreal sort of joy whereby we see ourselves at truth. And not just that; we like what we see, not in a proud way, or in an approving way, just in an accepting way.
Connecting with our authentic selves is probably God's idea of the best vantage point from which to view life. From here we tend to view life as God would want us to view life. We are seeing ourselves first, without fear, and then from there we see life, again without fear.
Connecting with our authentic selves, then, is about shoring up our bases for love. God created us to love, in order that we would receive love, in order that we would give love - in seamless ways. Only after we have connected with our authentic selves are we able to see love, be loved, and, then as a result, love back or initiate by love.
Having connected with our authentic selves, we then go on with the desire to connect with our world. We have put things in the proper order. We have commenced from the starting point, and not skipped some of the crucial steps of life. From such a connection point we have wrangled with our fears, taken them to God, and have had them reconciled. We have put our fears to bed in recognition.
As a result, we desire productive interaction, we can look people in the eye, and we can enjoy the moment without pretence. Accepting ourselves, we come to see others accepting us.
From such a comparatively comfortable position through which to view life, we are able to give back to life, because life, and our understanding of God, has given much to us.
ACHIEVING SUCH A CONNECTION WITH OUR AUTHENTIC SELVES
This is not a hard thing to do, but we inevitably make it hard.
It is incredibly simple, but we complicate it. Now, no more. It's best we understand that connecting with our authentic selves is truly about surrendering to truth; to the facts of our fears; to agreeing with God that he made us the way we are; to understanding the purposes of life and the simplicity of truth in the purpose of our specific lives. It's all about truth. We are giving up our delusions - an ongoing practice we become more and more proficient at.
The better connected we are with the truth, the better off we are. It really is that simple.
In such ways of internal congruence we no longer fight God. We have accepted our lives.
See how simple it is. Still, it sounds simple. Let's keep it that way.
It is so simple we are bound to overcomplicate it. It is so simple we will need to come back, daily, and routinely, in reminding ourselves how important self-acceptance is.
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Connecting with our authentic selves is the biggest favour we could ever do for ourselves. When we are so connected, we have a simple joy, and we truly desire connection with our world, our relationships, our God. We love best when we feel loved, and being loved gets no plainer than being loved by God.
© 2013 S. J. Wickham.
Steve Wickham is a Registered Safety Practitioner and holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/
