TELLING THE TRUTH// Softening into Authenticity for Real Connection

Leah Williams, first person view of feet and jeans and a white t-shirt, looking at the sidewalk with hand in pocket. Photography by Leah Williams

Authenticity to me feels like finally stopping after running for a really long time. Breathing. Feeling still in my body, not my mind. A slow inhale and exhale. The place where you don’t have to hold on anymore, a releasing and deep vulnerability towards yourself.

Softening.

This is how I think about letting go- peeling off layers like second skins. Carrying stuff you don’t need is heavy. Opening your hands, allowing invisible travel bags to fall in slow motion, then intentionally stepping forward.

In our stillness, feeling and breathing into where we are actually at in the moment not where we think we should be, without all the words and stories, we can rest and be honest.

This is how we connect, from this gentle open place.

Our authenticity lives right under the shell around our hearts. When we take off the outer layers and guards, let go of mental narrative, we get to the tender places- feeling into that space is the home of our real authenticity, and how we experience true connection. From this place of acceptance, being present in your body, you can see yourself.

If what’s inside your own heart has been too much for you and you've put up a block, then your door is closed not only to you, but to everyone else. And if you can't face who you really are or where you're at, then how can you expect to connect with anyone when you can't even connect with you?

To deeply connect with someone, it’s like you each have doors that allow entry into your authentic heart. But only after you've gone through your own door and held what’s in there, can it be opened for someone else. And even then you both have to open your doors at the same time and meet from that place of stillness for true connection.

I think that deep down we’re all the same, we all want love and to be love, connecting with other people. And it’s these meaningful heart opening moments that are our truest nature.

So, are you telling the truth? Have you gone through your own door?