Authenticity: Balance Between Self and the Other | MindsetOpediaDMHC Blogs

The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are

-Carl Jung

We live in a world where the only constant is change, a world where people are surrounded with constant flux and chaos. Amidst this constant variability anchoring oneself or staying connected to one's true nature becomes a necessity in order to live by your values and beliefs. This quality of owning one's subjective experiences and acting in accordance to one's true nature is referred to as authenticity.

How to Practice Authenticity?

• People can become authentic if their inner experiences and their outward expression of those experiences is in harmony

• Authenticity can be achieved if people are honest about their needs and feelings

• To become authentic people, need to stay true to their strongly held beliefs and values

• Authentic people set firm boundaries and steer away from distressing situations

• People who are authentic tend to be assertive while also being open to the views of others

Balance Between the Other and One's Self

Authenticity is not just about giving in to one's own selfish desires, authenticity requires people to find the right balance between external and internal influences. People are a part of a larger society which is governed by its own rules and regulations. To function in a society people are expected to abide by these restrictions. Being authentic does not mean that the individual is no longer responsible for the consequences of their actions or is free from environmental constraints, an authentic person is able to find the right balance between freedom and responsibility.

Authentic Relationships

For a relationship to unfold in a healthy manner people involved in the relationship need to strike a balance between their own needs and the needs of their partner. When both the partners compromise rather than being selfish, a positive and constructive solution can be reached.

• If both the partners remain completely self-focused and refuse to incorporate the needs of the other, a mutually beneficial solution will never be reached and it can result in a sense of animosity towards their partner

• If one partner keeps on compromising while the other gets his or her demands fulfilled, the person compromising would never be able to be honest and happy in the relationship, they will keep on suppressing their true desires and would continually feel that their needs are being overlooked

• If both the partners can compromise and reach a mutually beneficial solution then they can both feel heard and get their needs fulfilled.

Hence, it is important to grasp the true essence of the concept of authenticity in order to form relationships which are built on mutual respect and understanding.

Written By, Soumya Sardana

Council Member, WICCI-DMHC