Living in this fast-paced world of plastic, concrete, and hyperspeed communications sometimes makes it difficult to live connected to our authentic selves. We go at breakneck speed living lives with impossible schedules, chasing after a paycheck or something solid that will pay our bills. If we reflect on this life we see that much of our lives has been about this chase. One benefit of getting older is that we have more of this life to reflect upon. If we are honest with ourselves we might see that this chase has not been about who we are deep inside. It has just been what we learned along the way. When we take the time to listen and look at this deep question of who we are, we may find that we don't know very much about the answer. NOW is a good time to start listening and looking. "Later" doesn't get us any closer to the answer.
"Reclaiming the authentic self and developing character are essential tasks in the second half of life. Congruence within our nature fosters authenticity. Acting with integrity is the practice that brings us into alignment and congruence... People who have character and are honest say what they mean, do what they say, and say what's so when it's so.
The practice of being authentic requires us to release outdated or unnecessary patterns and beliefs. It takes daily discipline to stay connected..."
-Angeles Arrien
