Either we are living as our authentic self or we are playing a role in someone else’s drama. When we are living as our authentic self, we are much more intentional about how we live and what we create in our life.
Hence, we are in the conductor’s seat of our life, navigating the adventure at every turn on our own personal hero/shero’s journey. As Joseph Campbell states:
“The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know.”
And yet, what or who is the authentic self? The authentic self represents the true essence of who we are at our core, beyond societal conditioning and external expectations. It is the unfiltered expression of our unique qualities, values, passions, and desires.
Our authentic self is characterized by a deep sense of alignment, fulfillment, and a genuine connection with the truth of who we are. It is the purest manifestation of our soul, untainted by the masks we wear or the roles we play in society.
Denying the Authentic Self
Unfortunately, some individuals deny the very existence of the authentic self. Their inability to accept their authentic self is based on:
- conditioning, mental programming, and external influences leading them to adopt personas they think are “real,”
- the discomfort of self-exploration and transformation,
- confronting deep-seated beliefs and emotions can be daunting,
- lack of spiritual, intrapersonal, and emotional intelligence.
It is through embracing and honoring the authentic self that we align with our life’s purpose, experience deep fulfillment, and contribute to the collective consciousness.
The Authentic Self Authors The Story
When we shift from performing in life to creating and authoring our own story, we tap into the transformative power of our authentic self. By shedding the roles and masks we’ve adopted, we become active participants in our own existence. We recognize that we can shape our reality, choose our experiences, and create meaningful connections.
Furthermore, embracing our authentic self is empowering because when we live our lives from this perspective, we regain agency over our body and mind. As such, we express our creativity, make choices that resonate with our inner truth, and live a life of authenticity and fulfillment.
Through this process, we not only experience personal growth and well-being but also expand our consciousness to see the story playing out on life’s stage.
Shakespeare wrote:
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,”
In the grand theater of life, there exists an invisible boundary called the fourth wall. It separates the stage, where our stories unfold, from the real world that surrounds us. This concept, borrowed from the theater, holds a profound truth that can transform our lives.
By understanding and breaking this symbolic barrier, we unlock the power to reveal our authentic selves and shape our own narratives.
The Fourth Wall – The Symbolic Barrier to the Authentic Self
Imagine a one-way mirror, where we, as the audience, can witness and comprehend the story playing out before us, while the story itself remains oblivious to our presence. This is the essence of the fourth wall – a screen through which we observe the unfolding drama, while the characters and events remain oblivious to our existence.
When we breach this wall, we shatter the illusion of separation and awaken to the truth of our own being.
Breaking the Fourth Wall in Our Life Story
The moment we awaken to the reality of our life story, a remarkable transformation occurs. We begin to shed the roles we’ve played, the masks we’ve worn, and the expectations that have confined us. We embark on a journey homeward, rediscovering our authentic selves along the way.
As we break the fourth wall, the story unveils its hidden depths. We realize that we are not merely players, but creators of our own narratives. We activate our sovereignty and ignite the power to redefine our lives. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of profound change.
Confronting Discomfort and Resistance
When we break the fourth wall, the world around us reacts. The characters who once knew us as the person we pretended to be may struggle to adjust. Friends, lovers, and even family members may find it difficult to accept our newfound authenticity. They may long for the familiarity of the person we were, rather than embracing the person we have become.
I recall a time in my own journey when I decided to prioritize my well-being and live authentically. As I let go of the roles I had played for the sake of others, I witnessed some friendships fade away.
Certainly, it was an uncomfortable and disheartening time, but it was a necessary part of my growth. These friends were accustomed to me dimming my light, always putting their needs above my own.
However, as I stepped into my true self and began living aligned with my hopes, dreams, and aspirations, it became clear that those were incompatible friendships built on a fragile foundation. They were unable to withstand the strength of my authenticity and my refusal to compromise my well-being for the sake of their comfort.
Radical Self-Care and Breaking the Fourth Wall
Both Roslyn and I have shared about it here, it was a part of my radical self-care practice. And that practice was crucial to breaking the fourth wall in my life story.
Losing these friendships was undoubtedly challenging, and there were moments of doubt and loneliness. But through this process, I discovered something remarkable. As I shed the relationships that no longer served me, I made space for new connections that celebrated and nourished my true self.
Consequently, I attracted friends who embraced my authenticity and supported me in my journey of self-recovery and personal growth.
The loss of these friendships was not as important as the loss of who I am.
Thus losing these friendships taught me a few valuable life lessons:
- It is essential to surround ourselves with people who encourage our growth and honor our true selves.
- Authentic relationships are built on mutual respect, acceptance, and a genuine desire for each other’s well-being.
- It may be painful to let go of relationships that cannot meet these criteria, it creates room for the meaningful connections we truly deserve.
But How Do We Break Free?
Start by committing to your self-recovery journey. Once more, as spiritual beings having a human experience, our self-recovery journey is as important as our self-discovery journey. Resilience is key to Intrapersonal Intelligence (knowledge of self).
Document and identify your triggers, feelings, and moments of heightened emotions or sensitivities. By understanding the patterns and triggers, you gain insights into the roles you’ve been playing and the stories you’ve been telling yourself and others in your life.
For me, it was a profound realization that my past struggles with perfectionism, even at the expense of my peace and happiness, stemmed from a fear of abandonment. Recognizing this allowed me to take the first step towards breaking free from that role.
Next, forgiveness becomes a powerful tool for detachment. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning or accepting harmful actions. Instead, it’s a way to release the emotional hold that trauma and pain may have over you.
When we forgive, we reclaim our power, detach from the negative emotions, and acknowledge that the blame lies with the offender, not with you.
In my own journey, I found it essential to forgive my father. It was a process of letting go and freeing myself from the role of the abandoned daughter. By forgiving him, I released the fear of abandonment and allowed myself to step into a new narrative.
As the sun set on that life-changing day in December 2018, I had long ago forgiven my father and released myself from that role that no longer defined me. It was a powerful moment of reclaiming my own identity and the freedom to shape my own story.
Fam, let’s keep it💯 , breaking free from roles and stories that no longer serve you is a courageous act. It may take time and you most certainly have to do the work but trust that you are on a path of self-discovery and empowerment.
Releasing the Creative Power of Your Authentic Self
And I tell you from my own experience, breaking the fourth wall is not simply an act of liberation; it is an act of creation. As we step into our authentic selves, we unleash our creative potential. No longer bound by the expectations and judgments of others, we become the authors of our own stories.
Recognizing ourselves as creators, we gain the ability to shape the narrative that unfolds before us. We refuse to accept predefined roles or limitations imposed by society. Instead, we choose the story we wish to tell, crafting a life that resonates with our deepest desires and values.
Breaking the fourth wall grants us the freedom to step beyond the confines of the roles we’ve played. It invites us to embrace our true selves and author our narratives. While the journey may be met with resistance and discomfort, the reward is an authentic life filled with purpose, joy, and self-fulfillment.
Emitting Self-Worth
Most importantly, by refusing to dim our light, we emit the value of who we are. We send a powerful message to the world that we are worthy of love, respect, and compassion.
As you embark on this journey of self-recovery, we must remember that prioritizing your well-being and embracing your true self is not selfish. Prioritizing our well-being and creating our lives as our true self is an act of self-love and empowerment.
We have the divine right to live a life that gives us the highest joy. And in doing so, we will inspire others to do the same.
So, I implore you to embrace the discomfort and resistance that may arise when you break the fourth wall and choose to live intentionally and authentically.
Trust that the loss of relationships that cannot accept your true self will ultimately lead you to a place of greater fulfillment, surrounded by people who celebrate your authenticity and support your journey.
And remember, your light shines brightest when you honor and embrace the person you truly are.