Hello ,
We all have at least one memory of childhood bliss and wonder – looking up at the stars at night, shooting off fireworks with family, seeing a national park for the first time – these wonders of the world will stay forever golden for us. But do we know exactly when life lost its childlike wonder? When was the last time something so mundane or so natural changed your perspective in an impactful, awe-inspiring, and mindful way?
Let me know your story! I want you all to know that you aren’t alone in this loss – I believe almost everyone goes through it. But there is a way to get that sense of childlike wonder back.
What goes through your mind when you hear the word “awakening” or “enlightenment”? For many, these are exclusively religious terms. For others, they may seem strange or esoteric. For me, awakening is simply a process of reconnecting with our most authentic selves – also called self-actualization. But why is this necessary to live our most honest, fulfilled lives?
As we grew up, we learned. It is one thing children excel at – observing, asking questions, and learning. We saw our role models acting a certain way. We saw and read about our favorite characters behaving a certain way. We saw how our parents or caretakers behaved. We learned how our own behavior was rewarded or punished. A lot of us, unconsciously, internalized certain traits and acted a certain way because it was “right.” We learned how to garner love and acceptance from those around us by behaving in such ways. As we’ve aged, we’ve collected more masks–roles expected of us by others such as our bosses at work, our parents, our partners, and our own internal voice being critical of why we just did this or that.
This routine is so natural for us now, but what did we give up in exchange for the life we have where we try our best to be accepted by those around us? Exchanging these false identities with our authentic selves can take a lot of work, but it leads to a more peaceful, fulfilled life.
Don’t be afraid to start on your path back to authenticity. Embrace who you are (without the masks!) and know that you can be loved and accepted just as you are. Mantra work, journal writing, and adding mindful pauses to your routine can help on this journey. As always, I am here for you and would love to help in any way I can.
Find us on Instagram @recoveryconsultants and let us know you have started the journey!
In love and authenticity,