Coracle Trust E-Reflections
Lives marked by authenticity
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Whatever happens to me in life, I must believe that somewhere in the mess or madness of it all, there is a sacred potential, a possibility for wondrous redemption in the embracing of all that is. Edwina Gateley, The Mystical Heart
Authenticity
In a culture that values image, elevates the importance of appearance and the cult of celebrity, what place has authenticity? An authentic life may be portrayed as ordinary, unexciting, a disappointment even. For some, young adulthood is a time of awakening to jarring incongruence within, a distaste for superficial ways of relating and a desire to live more authentically. Think of someone who you would describe as genuine. What are their gifts to you? What is it like for you to encounter them?
A challenge
It may be that to experience someone as genuine or authentic puts us at ease, there is little reason to fear, we feel safe. Alternatively, being around someone who embodies a genuine openness may leave us feeling unsure of ourselves, nervous that our own lack of authenticity will be exposed. As we grow, have new experiences, form new relationships, are in situations we haven’t encountered before. The challenge to live authentically comes to us in fresh and varied ways. Authenticity often involves vulnerability and risk taking. We are challenged to live in authentic relationship with ourselves, with others and with God. I know a lot of fancy words. I tear them from my heart and my tongue. Then I pray. (Mary Oliver) Jane Edwards