The word authentic pops up frequently, from ethnic restaurants touting “authentic cuisine” to discussions about being true to one’s personality, spirit, or character. But beyond its culinary or surface-level meanings lies a profound crisis of authenticity—one that strikes at the core of our individual lives.
Who Are We, Really?
This question isn’t about social status, our relevance in the community, or where we fit among people, nature, or even the cosmos. Instead, it’s about uncovering and nurturing the authenticity of the Self. It’s a pursuit to live by our genuine values, untethered from societal expectations and external demands.
Too often, the Self we present is a performance, a reflection of how others perceive us or how we believe we should behave. This false Self—crafted to please, conform, or avoid conflict—is far removed from our inner truth.
The Crisis of Inauthenticity
Human existence is often marked by inauthenticity. Social relationships, cultural traditions, and societal norms subtly shape us into versions that may feel alien to our true nature. Over time, the layers of these imposed identities obscure our genuine Self.
To reclaim authenticity, we must embark on a radical reexamination of the cultural frameworks, habitual lifestyles, and entrenched ways of thinking that dictate our behaviors. This recovery isn’t an instant revelation but a gradual journey that requires unlearning, introspection, and courage.
Cultivating the Authentic Self
Authenticity grows as we learn to align our actions with our intrinsic values and moral compass. It’s about living sincerely, embracing vulnerability, and rejecting façades. The process isn’t about perfection but a progression, a continual evolution toward becoming true to ourselves over time.
Merriam-Webster’s decision to crown authentic as the Word of the Year for 2023 is a fitting tribute to its growing relevance. In a world searching for meaning and self-truth, authenticity has become both a guiding principle and a rallying cry—a zeitgeist recognition of our collective yearning for something real.
Let this be a reminder to peel back the layers, confront the falsehoods, and reconnect with the authentic Self waiting within.
Promod Puri.com 