“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
~Aristotle, Greek philosopher

Knowing myself is one of the most amazing journeys I’ve undertaken. On the surface it sounds simple doesn’t it? What I’ve discovered is that, like a spiral, there are deeper and deeper levels of remembering and re-discovery. There are also many layers of letting go of old perceptions, habits, and beliefs. This has been a conscious journey of mine for over 30 years and it continues.

In the beginning I believed that what I did and what others expected of me was who I was. A big part of becoming more of my authentic self has been remembering that I’m not what I do! I do and have done many things. I’m not what others want me to be or think of me either! The real, actual, genuine and authentic me is a foundation of love. I’m choosing to become more loving, kind, accepting, and compassionate with myself and others! Seeking to understand and speaking my truth rather than worry about pleasing someone else or wondering what they will think of me has also been a part of this journey.

Along the way I realized that I feared “being seen as different” and could possibly lose the love of my family. My fear wasn’t real though; however, it played a big role in the story I created. This was something that I had to face and decide what changes I would make in my life to live more authentically. It felt like de-constructing me and who I thought I was after so many years of outside influences. It also created more open and honest communications with my family and others. Being more authentic has enriched my relationships and instilled more confidence in myself.

E.E. Cummings, Poet, painter, author, and playwright reminds us that, “To be nobody-but-yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else – means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” This is so important today. Now is the time to ask, “Who am I? What do I hold dear? What is truth for me? What do I fear? What am I willing to change or compromise and why?” It’s also a time to accept that not everyone will hold the same beliefs and truths. It’s ok to agree to disagree and still be true to oneself. It’s ok to seek to understand differences and find ways to peacefully resolve them.

If you find yourself becoming distracted or going against what you believe in your heart please take a few moments to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Bring your awareness to your heart space and feel the shift in your body. Let your thoughts go for a moment – feel your truth and the love that you are and hold within you. Feel the love that connects you with All That Is. Just breathe and feel until you settle. This exercise, more than some, will help you remember who you are – your true and authentic self. Brene Brown, Author, public speaker, and social worker has said that, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” Are you ready to begin? If you have, are you ready to continue and go deeper?

Tuesday, September 29, 2020 we will offer a channeling and healing experience with Luminus and the Messengers of Light from 2p-3:30p AZ time. This session will be offered via Zoom and recorded. If you are interested in participating or receiving the recording please register at victoriabarna.com