Day 2 - Start With Your Essence
Authenticity is when we're on the path to being as open, honest and vulnerable with ourselves as possible.
In Day 2, you will begin to clarify when you feel most connected to your authenticity; what makes you uniquely "you”. Authenticity can be synonymous with spirit, soul, or essence (use the description that resonates with you the most as we’ll use them interchangeably).
Authenticity is the first key to finding your inner voice. When you do things that you truly, truly love to do, you feel connected to your authenticity. You feel connected to your inner voice. Think of the feeling of being extremely expressive and in love with the moment with what you’re doing, whether it’s creative, being with friends, having incredible conversations, or making things. In those moments, you are fully immersed in the wonderful emotions of joy, love and gratitude.
The more exercises you can do to allow yourself to experience true connection and positivity - the things that make you genuinely happy - it makes way for true expression from your authentic self. Your inner voice is able to shine through and cultivate fresh soil for new thoughts to arise and fresh pages to be turned for you on your journey.
I feel most connected to my authenticity in my own quiet time and self-reflection. Alternatively, when my brain becomes distracted with things that aren’t good for me, I like to dive head first into something creative to get my expression flowing. Often times after social situations or when I’ve been triggered by something, it’s always good for me to take time to reflect. For me? It’s my version of meditation: yoga with my eyes closed. I pause when I want to check in with my body and tell my body how worthy and strong it is or I do something for me that makes me really happy like writing or taking a bath. Any activity I have to fully submerge myself in is the most relaxing way to connect to my essence and release myself from anything that doesn’t need my energy or attention. These moments give me a chance to see what’s really going on and hear my inner voice.
When we dive into conversation and reflection within ourselves, it brings out that authentic part of us that is completely honest and raw. When we can determine that power is in our hands, it's even more special.
I feel most disconnected from my true essence if I let people around me negatively affect my experiences. For example, say a group of friends wants to do something and you don’t exactly. It’s OK to say no. Life is too short. You only have you when you close your eyes. The least you deserve is to have someone listen to you. Why can’t that be yourself?
Listen
Exercises & Journal Prompts
Step 1: Try and recall a moment when you felt immersed in an activity you love or enjoy.
What core feelings or thoughts came up for you?
Form a mantra around those core feelings & thoughts.
Mantras tend to be in the present tense and start with “I…”
Example: I am free and loving in this moment!
Try integrating this mantra today in every experience, especially those that challenge you.
Write this mantra somewhere where you can see it throughout the day as a reminder, an anchor for your authenticity.
Take time to journal about various ways this new mindset helps you act and react in the moment.
Step 2: Plan an activity that lights you up and makes you feel connected to your authentic self.
Before your activity: Set an intention for this activity. How you can show up more fully?
Post activity: What core feeling or thoughts come up for you?
Form a mantra around those core feelings & thoughts.
Example: I flow freely and express myself with ease.
List 5 experiences you could apply this mantra towards in the next few days. (even those experiences that challenge you!)
Ex: upcoming audition, interactions with siblings or parents, challenging work or school assignment
As these experiences take place, remember to journal about various ways this new mindset helps you act and react in the moment.
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Non-professional disclaimer: Instructor is not a licensed health professional. Any advice given is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician.
Content Warning: This workshop content (video, written, audio) discusses body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and strong emotions. If you need help at any time, please call 1-(800) 931-2237 for the National Eating Disorders Hotline or 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.