I'm sorry Mr. Blog. You've been idle for too long.
I spoke with Jennie (my boss/co-worker) the other day. Among other things, like higher education and leadership theory, we were speaking about an exercise that all student workers in the division of student affairs are doing. It was a skills assesment. So we were discussing, and we got on the topic of "being authentic" in the context of human development.
So, "being authentic" means this: You are trying to be true to yourself in all facets of life, in a sincere way. So, at work you're striving to be you. At home your striving to be the same you. At play you are still trying to be that same you. You're trying to synergize your roles in life into one person. This struggle is something that happens for many people during their lifetimes. This is the stage I'm currently at.
What interests me is the transition period. How is it possible to understand when a person makes one jump to the other. Is it a natural process in which one seamlessly passes through? Is it something that must be made discretely and explicitly? I do believe that it is made seamlessly but discretely as wel. I feel that most people mst not reflect to regularly, and thus only figure out that a jump in personal development has been made only after some "significatn" life event has been reached. Like, say an experience like camp. An experience like world traveling. So maybe after a pledge term at a fraternity or a summer abroad will someone get the opportunity, or even force themselves to reflect about what is going on with them in their lives.
However, this is yet another reason that I advocate for regular reflection (a blog is a very good way to reflect)...because with regular reflection, the jump--in personal growth--is constanly being worked on, but also it can be noticed quicker. Then, the skill or growth that has been improved can be exercised more confidently faster. Reflection is the practice in "practice makes perfect". This reminds of another interesting piece of advise that I heard on an NFL commercial; "Ameteurs practice until they get something right, professionals practice until they cant get something wrong".
How true is that. Skills are practiced. Leadership is practiced. Sports are practiced. Studying, writing, researching, and horseshoes are practiced. Everything can be practiced. What cannot be? Grace, i think that's it.
But anyway, how long are these transition periods? Are they turbulent? Do they come with age? Must htey come with age? What is the role of a nurturer or teacher? All these questions are fascinating.
I've also been speculating about what the next possible phase for growth may be, after "authenticity". I have a feeling it might be something along the lines of "finding/living by principle. Being able to live as one person, in a principled way. Then perhaps, being able tolive as one person in a principled way in a manner that benefits others.
It's so exciting...my only qualm is...it takes a long time. And being able to negotiate principles with my lifestyle would be really important in college, right now. I could really use the skill of pushing myself to be disciplined to benefit others. I mean, I wish I was farther in the progression...I could really do alot with those skills now. I feel as if some of these realizations might come too late in life, or they coul dbe better serving if they came erlier in life. What an adventure, what an adventure.
Goodnight moon.
Happy Diwali.
Also, it's sweet typing laying down with your eyes closed. it's so much trust in your mental ability, and a freeing sensation from your eyes and ears. typing without looking with your eyes is like putting a ton of trust into your sense of touch and the sharpness of your mind.
Oh how I miss the blog.
3 comments:
Interesting Neil in regards to this passage here's my take.
"""So, "being authentic" means this: You are trying to be true to yourself in all facets of life, in a sincere way. So, at work you're striving to be you. At home your striving to be the same you. At play you are still trying to be that same you. You're trying to synergize your roles in life into one person. This struggle is something that happens for many people during their lifetimes. This is the stage I'm currently at."""
I have gone through similar "self searching" but my conclusion is this. The more you try to activly synergize the different personalites that we all have in different situations, the further you actually deviate from the path of self authenticity.
explained** How do we go about discovering which facets of these personalities are true to us? I suppose we could assess the good aspects of each and content ourselves to combing these into our personalities, but how do we really know that these traits haven't been heavily tainted by the environment from which they grew?
I argue that the only way to truly be you is to not try at all. Of course, I'm not claiming that we can be authentic by trying not to be ourselves but in every situation for which we activley try to change our personalities, we are betraying the very act for which we are trying to accomplish. I'm going to purposly leave this comment open. We haven't had a good dialogue in a while :-)
-Cheers, Al
Ah, but Mr. Tyus, the key before merging your roles to be "authentic" is to know yourself. So, before synergizing, there is no doubt as to who you are or who you want to be. Since that is the case, you must actively try to "be yourself" otherwise you absolutely will deviate because of external pressures.
And, it is possible to know yourself. You think and reflect, and form beliefs, change your beliefs as you learn more. You investigate and reflect. The web of beliefs and values is complicated yes, but there are nontheless ways to learn what they are. And perhaps its not 100 percent possible to know this. Even so, you still can know yourself enough to have guidance as to the person you are and want to be. So, the premise still stands.
In summary.
You must know yourself before you can move to be "authentic".
Since you know yourself before being authentic, you can know if you are being unauthentic.
Practice and reflection make better.
In regards to your Progression post and self searching etc., Mark Twain once said, 'Be the person you try ot pretend to be" or something to that effect. you get the point. it works out nicely. you rock neil!
tom
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