Being ourselves is often not encouraged in our present day world and the concept of expressing what “I feel” is extremely unwelcome in the part of the world that I live in. In fact it is so discouraged that, at times, those who try to be themselves feel the force of being ostracised and not accepted in the system.
I work in the media industry, and in our industry I feel this every day. You may question how this could be, as isn’t there the freedom of speech? Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.
Like many industries, the media industry is built upon the foundation of disregard of ourselves. The disregard exists predominantly because of the acceptance of long hours and a lot of abuse from many directions and levels, and in turn this abuse is hurled back towards those that would accept it. Supremacy rules every newspaper and magazine, and competition between companies is normal and expected.
It has always made sense to me that everyone’s opinions bear equal weight in a meeting, as every one of our opinions matter and we should be equally heard. Recently, however, I experienced a situation where, in a review meeting with my employer and fellow colleagues, my views on how the magazine feels to me were constantly being dismissed, as well as overridden, and it felt like a shock in the body to not be heard. In fact, it was so uncomfortable that I went into reaction afterwards when expressing myself. The truth was, when I was told I could not express how I felt – whether directly so or indirectly so, by dismissal or ignoring – I reacted to this and felt frustration right away.
And this is the truth of the industry that I work in, which often does not allow or encourage us to express how we feel. However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.
So what I started to realise was that my frustration came from being told that the purpose of our meetings was not to talk about what feels important to us personally, but to discuss what would benefit and improve the magazine. But the magazine is made up of the people sitting in the meeting room – the magazine is us. If we disregard and ignore ourselves and each other, and how working here feels like – if we ignore people in general – what is the magazine really expressing? That simply did not make sense to me.
As I felt into this situation more deeply, I understood that when we express truly how things feel, this expression comes from within our body. Connecting with our body like this also means that we feel all of our choices – the wise and the not so wise. Such awareness would arrest our ingrained pattern of relating to the body – that is, keeping it separate and disconnected from us. This new state would mean we could no longer push ourselves to make a magazine that is abusive to us and to our body, as the inner conflict we would feel from this choice would create additional tension for us to deal with.
This realisation has brought me to a deeper understanding, as well as a closeness, to this team I work with. Even though I sometimes feel resistance from the team, I could not resist being myself and just being joyful and sharing myself with them. Coincidentally, what I have found is that the more I share and discuss my own experiences in relation to how I take care of myself with sleep and exercise etc, that the more the team is open to feeling this truth in their own experiences as well.
What I realised from my experiences is there is no need to impose change in the world. We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves. We do not need to always agree with others and we can have very different lifestyles and choices. We may not always even be appreciated. The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.
When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!
I am inspired each and every day by the deepening relationship with my Soul. Through the understanding of how I feel, this relationship opens up to feeling and thus understanding the world.
By Anonymous
The Truth about Serge Benhayon 
anonymous I realised what you are sharing happens at the place where I work too. The company was bought about 3 years ago by a multi million dollar private company that only cares about the amount of money our company makes, so that they can go and buy other companies to add to their portfolio. In the last three years this private company has bought 3 more companies. The greed is palpable. This greed has affected the company I work for to the core because the company always seemed about care for the staff and for all those other companies that relied on the software system that the company sold. The employees are the company as you say, ‘But the magazine is made up of the people sitting in the meeting room – the magazine is us. If we disregard and ignore ourselves and each other, and how working here feels like – if we ignore people in general – what is the magazine really expressing? That simply did not make sense to me.’ This is what I am also finding that there is an air of givenupness as the pressure for sales is relentless, so that everyone gives up and gives in to the pressure and the bickering starts and we attack each other to get the sales that are needed. The word team is banded about but there is no team any more. It’s a great observation to watch how a once caring company can be dismantled.
The lies that come at us today from every angle has become so obvious to see it is incredible how they are not run out of town after being tarred and feathered as that is what they used to do to those who spoke the truth eons ago.
I understand about not being heard, it is something many of us have grown up around. In my current work, I observe the dynamics playing out within the team. Everyone clambering on top of each other to see who’s the best. I’ve felt the dismissal, and in the end I have to smile to myself that they simply being something they are not.
To add to this, we work in industries that are governed by systems, often loveless, even if they have countless policies supporting it.
So how do we survive in this? This statement nailed it for me, ‘when we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!
That’s all we need to be…
I had the same experience in the family I grew up in, of not being allowed to express, ‘ which often does not allow or encourage us to express how we feel.’ Expressing our truth, and being heard is essential for all of us.
Not being allowed to express occurs in all of our surroundings. Whether work, family or relationships and this simply occurs because they themselves were not allowed to express freely. So at some point, it only takes one person to step forward, despite the ramifications, or not, to say I will express from who I truly am. The rest is on to the others as to what they choose to do, but a reflection has been offered.
Shushila, we have witnessed this very occurrence where one person by expressing who they truly are has offered a true reflection back to the world.
We are all part of the media circuit as soon as we open our mouth and broadcast what we are feeling. Who is tuning in to the vibration of our words?
Absoulutely Mary much can be understood by understanding the what that we are dealing with.
There is something in these words that resonated with me today
” the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.”
I can feel a broiling in my body because I’m not living who I truly am. I wonder if this is how the caterpillar feels as it changes into a Butterfly and breaks open the casement of it’s old life to reveal it’s self in all it’s beauty to the watching world.
What is it about us that keeps us from spreading our wings Mary, could it be the what we have aligned to, and thus who we as students are learning to master the magnificence without the aiding or abetting from any resistance from our wayward spirit.
I agree we are so busy trying to fit into the world that we become lost in the systems of wherever we are and work. For so many years I have not been able to truly express and I don’t feel I have mastered it yet either, however I can honestly say I am a lot better then a few years ago. This bodily expression is worth millions and is for the millions as from this, the innate wisdom that is to spoken from is where many needs to be coming from.
When we are connected to our body’s the wisdom that can come through is out of this world, and yet it can also be simple too. From this, what happens around us is quite magical and simple, and you are right, there is no ’trying’, we just need to be who we truly are.
The media can appear like leaches, but if we remain open and see what they are up to, we can cut off their blood supply as it were, by not creating the demand. We are then calling for a change to the current system.
Greg Barnes I totally agree with you it’s all about supply and demand. If we stopped buying newspapers and magazines then these companies would have to change their ways. But while we demand gossip and hearsay that’s what we will be given. We have bought into the spirit’s way of distracting us away from our soul.
The reactions and frustrations actually feed that which rejects our true expression. We can’t change others but we can deal with and understand our reactions.
I agree Leigh we are given a choice too, to either react or to respond. The former fuelled with emotions, the latter supported with love and understanding. I know which I prefer now a days…
Love and understanding supports us to respond; while at the same time making sure we have no conditions.
“The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” How true, as soon as we wobble and lose ourselves we often give the power to the situation to have caused it, when the power is solely with ourselves.
Sharing from our lived experiences is super powerful and is a way to acknowledge that every person is different and expresses and lives in a different way which is to be celebrated, and so when the true expression is allowed, it offers a unity to all.
When true expression is allowed for all, it allows a deeper level of settlement in our bodies, ‘when I was told I could not express how I felt – whether directly so or indirectly so, by dismissal or ignoring – I reacted to this and felt frustration right away.’
Henrietta I am starting to see that our lived experience is super powerful, because people are starting to notice a difference, which shows that our every move matters because everyone can feel the movement. There is an enormous science behind this which is not taught by our current education system. The only person I have heard speak of this science is Serge Benhayon and the teachings of the Ageless Wisdom which means the teachings have been around for thousands of years but the study of the science has always been sidelined by the religious dogma that has held sway over humanity. Look into our history and you will find that it was a religious movement of the day that burned and sacked the Alexandrian Library that held the scrolls and information about the science of the universe for all to read. Take away that knowledge and own it and you can control humanity.
When something does not feel right and we try to ignore it, it builds frustration in the body.
I often find myself reacting and getting frustrated when things do not turn out how I would like them to turn out – for example when someone does not hear what I have to say or when I have spoken about something to someone and then they ignore it and do the opposite of what was discussed. I too feel like I have not been heard nor honoured and so it is easy to get frustrated or angry with this situation. But what I am learning to do little by little is to understand that these situations can crop up to allow us to speak up with more authority – over time I have held back my expression and feelings and so when I first begin to express things then it can take a little before people stop to listen and actually hear what I have to share. It is like things need to catch up to what I am willing to express today. This helps understand the situation and how the change can be gradual sometimes.
What I am noticing is that we may live in modern buildings with running water,central heating, toilets inside not outside, drive cars, travel in Airplanes around the world etc., This means nothing it is all smoke and mirrors as there is definitely an energy that has not changed for thousands of years and this energy does not want anyone to be themselves, so much so that anyone who does stand up to live a life of true love and light that they naturally are, feels the force of the energy that is wielded through others to ostracize them from the rest of society.
Honoring what I feel is always a supportive move to make. Even if others don’t like it or ignore it the tension can start to release in me and I get to enjoy life more. Then I enjoy my work and that shows others how we can change the industry by enjoying ourselves in our jobs.
‘Like many industries, the media industry is built upon the foundation of disregard of ourselves.’ By bringing in self-regard into our lives and taking that back into the industries we work in, we can show a way of being that can be different from the one we normally experience. For some, it might inspire them to make subtle differences to their life also.
When we realise, that the moment we connect to our body “we feel all of our choices – the wise and the not so wise” there will be many who instantly disconnect, as what they are feeling is way too revealing and if taken notice of may mean a change in their way of living. I was definitely one of these people until I realised that feeling all my choices gave me a price-less opportunity to honestly explore my life, an opportunity that these days I am saying yes to, a far cry from the days when my reaction was a resounding no.
To expose the corruption in our systems is very much needed, we need to stand up and express the truth… exposing the rot is the only way true change will ever occur.
There is corruption in every industry and the only way to deal with it is to just be ourselves and not tolerate it.
Corruption is indeed endemic, living our true selves reflects a being that is not corrupted.
Yes we cannot impose change on big systems that are held in place by a lot of people wanting these systems to be in place even though they may not truly be supportive of them. The only thing we can do is live how we would like the world to be.
It is revealing isn’t it when we finally see that whole industries are based on the opposite of self-care and self-love.
Especially those that tout such! The medical, health and social care industries are far from healthy at the moment.
Being ourselves in a society that does not encourage this, does not celebrate this and actually fosters the opposite is a challenge indeed – however, once one starts living this then others get inspired and then …watch out!
The key part is to make sure we are ourselves… it very quickly tells us whether we are in the right company, relationship, friend group etc. If we can’t be ourselves we are walking around as lesser… is that really what we want for this life?
Yes, we make a lot of things very important in life so why not make being ourselves equally important. Because when we are living our lives mainly not being ourselves and trying to fit ourselves into everything and anything at the expense that we will it is actually an unhealthy way of living for ourselves and showing to others that its ok to dismiss how we feel. The latter is not really helping anyone.
Indeed it should be paramount, ‘why not make being ourselves equally important’.
Very much appreciate your message Anonymous and totally understand our real role at work is to be ourselves. That for me is commitment, sensitivity, deliver what is being asked, tenderness, harmony, and a exquisite love that can be tangibly felt.
True Anonymous there is no need to impose change in the world, we just have to be ourselves and live the joy and love we feel inside and sometimes we will get caught in ideals and beliefs of how the world or any system we work in should be, we can simply feel the impact this has on our body and others and choose to live what we know is true no more no less.
The more we are ourselves and stay steady without wavering others align and become more themselves too.
It really is that simple.
“Being ourselves is often not encouraged in our present day world” – this is such a powerful statement and one most would have not even considered as they live their lives aligning to the social norms. So, what it is about who we are that society is set up for us not to be able know who we truly are? Perhaps it is simply because we are all so very powerful and if we all connect to that power the world as we know it will change beyond all recognition. That I, for one, would welcome with open arms; and I’m sure I won’t be the only one.
It feels like we are trying to cheat time when we try imposing a change. In that, we are holding a picture of ideal about how things should be and when that should be happening, and it usually very conveniently makes us forget that we all know the same truth bar none.
“We only have to be ourselves.” There is nothing ‘only’ about being ourselves when we appreciate our connection with the Universe.
I think there’s a lot to appreciate of the quality we offer when we are truly being ourself, for we are constantly expressing whether we speak or not and it’s the quality behind that expression that either heals or harms…
We need to develop new foundations and relationships within our communities to start up initiatives, businesses or services that actually support everyone, instead of living in disregard and disconnected and thus allowing abusive set ups to manifest, whether this is a biased local media channel or something else.
Absolutely Susie. And once people have experienced a business that actually cares about them and their needs, I am sure that they would be very reluctant to return to one which doesn’t. People care about being cared for but for too long we have accepted a quality of service from many businesses which is way below what we all deserve.
What I have noticed in the industry I work in, that it is not about people anymore and building lasting relationships but all about money and profit. And company knows it has the upper hand in this situation because for the majority of us we all have mortgages and families to support and so we put security above what we know in our hearts is not a true way to be. There must come a time when this model of life crumbles just through the sheer pressure we put ourselves into to make the monthly, quarterly, annual figures.
When I look around there are so many businesses that are operating the same way, the people who work for them becoming disposable as the profit becomes the driving force. I worked for charitable institution for a few months last year and even though it was set up to care for people in the community the care for the hard working and very wonderful staff was almost absent. Not strange then, that people kept leaving, with the feeling of not being valued. If we value the people who work for us first and foremost, the profit will naturally follow.
Hi Ingrid, what I have found is no one believes in the theory that
‘If we value the people who work for us first and foremost, the profit will naturally follow.’
We have all contributed to making this profit monster. We then continue to feed it, to the detriment of our own health, because we get very stressed out trying to find new ways to make money.
Yes, unfortunately disregard is still endemic in many industries, ‘Like many industries, the media industry is built upon the foundation of disregard of ourselves.’
The world does not yet know the power of freedom of speech and what it can do for us all.
Actually, I think it does Eduardo, and hence why there is such an mass effort to keep things under ‘control’ for true freedom, energetic freedom would mean the end of the controlling forces. Many are afraid of their own power.
I agree with you Henrietta Chang, especially at this moment in history there is a huge effort by the consciousness that makes up the astral plane to control humanity, currently by restricting movement all around the world. But I question the word ‘freedom’ . What does that word actually mean because we are conduits of energy so which energy are we aligned too? We are nothing if we do not have energy passing through us so where is the freedom we all talk about? To me there is no freedom, only alignment to our soul or the astral plane.
Media is an industry where Truth should be expressed as it is the channel where humanity gets information. But are we honest and truthful to ourselves and to the public?
This is very supportive to hear and I love how you have come to this realisation, that it is enough being ourselves. And how very logical and true, because there are so many things in the world that are not ok or beyond ok, but it does not help to fervently want to change it to be the best right now, however we can always start with ourselves and simply live our truth with every step we take. Life is not about the perfect picture, it is about living our truth again and that then will become the world we are living in.
“our ingrained pattern of relating to the body – that is, keeping it separate and disconnected from us”
This is such a pattern for so many of us around the world. And quite an evil one because when we disconnect from our bodies, we don’t feel the truth of what is going on for ourselves and around us and we can then turn a blind eye. An example of this is the alarming figure that around 80% of illness and disease is lifestyle related. We are going to overwhelm our hospital system because our our disconnection with our bodies. ‘No…the way I live is not affecting my body…nothing to see hear!”.
Truly being ourselves, honouring our values and standards in all areas of our life truly does make a difference and is important to appreciate…
Exactly Fiona… It’s the appreciation is the foundation of the reconnection.
It’s great when we can trace back reactions like frustration and see where they are coming from and what has triggered them. Expecting people to be a certain way sets us up from day one and yet we may so want them to be different from how they present. Remembering that everyone is a vehicle of energy and is always expressing from one source or another helps us to see what is really going on and allows us distance from otherwise conceived disappointments, excitement and hurts.
It is always important to remember that we are only capable of abuse when we disconnect from ourselves. We are not innately abuse. We are love.
A simple revelation “When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else;”
“We only have to be ourselves” . . . this is all that is ever required.
“It has always made sense to me that everyone’s opinions bear equal weight in a meeting, as every one of our opinions matter and we should be equally heard.” This is very true and it is the only way that true community can ever come about.
Bringing back equality and brotherhood will be a game changer that is much needed, ‘Supremacy rules every newspaper and magazine, and competition between companies is normal and expected.’
When we know who we are and live this truth we inspire others to reconnect to and live who they are also.
We don’t need to react to these systems, we need to bring our love and truth into these systems and eventually they will begin to crack open, making it easier to rebuild a foundation that is more loving and true.
The media industry responds to what people want and much of what they are ready to pay for (with their time and or money) seems to be quite crazy. Working in such an environment may be quite difficult.
Working in many industries is very challenging when our foundation is one which is not of worth. There is arrogance and lots of control.
This is a beautiful sharing as it shows us that all we have to take care of is ourself, very deeply so, and heal our hurts that we have with the world. The freer we are from our own hurts the more we will be able to stand on solid ground on our own two feet being there for our brothers with understanding and appreciation.
When we don’t question the integrity of the roles and personas we take on to perpetuate the system or industry we are engaged in feeds them all the more.
Yes, feeds them with our life energy at our expense in return for comfort.
It is true; we do not have to be anything except ourselves. We often feel like we are fighting the systems and traditions that have been there for lifetimes but that feels like an uphill struggle. How easy would it be to, just let all of that go and be us?
It is all so simple really, perhaps too simple . . “We only have to be ourselves.” . . . this is all that is required of us.
An inspiring blog Anonymous. How liberating to let go of frustration from wanting others and situations to be different by realising a deeper connection with yourself brings a quality of joy in your interactions. There is only ourself to change and that reflection inspires others.
“What I realised from my experiences is there is no need to impose change in the world.”
For the media industry to change it would require us to be honest about what being ourselves truly means, and be prepared to express from this truth without measure. So much of the current media is founded on lies and we all share the responsibility for that.
Be ourselves and it does not really matter what life throws at us we will be able to handle it, by observing what is going on and not reacting and staying true to what we know. If we react it becomes easy to then go into the justification and want someone to see our point of view by imposing our ideals onto them rather than letting them come to it for themselves. This is something I am still learning because it can seem quite subtle at the time but is still very much felt.
Extraordinary how a whole industry can be built on disregard… And yet let’s face it the way humanity lives as is reflected in the healthcare crisis in every country is exactly this.
“Being in the Media Industry – Just Being Myself is Enough” – Making being enough (being full) a lived reality is our real job and what life and work is all about. When we make it all about our job/work, we’ve made it all about our self-interested selves.
Thank you for the insight offered into the media industry. You don’t know about the long hours or the flavour of abuse in an industry without this insider’s perspective. The supremacy energy is fairly obvious even to the outsider as Media barons act like kings in their own realm. With this energy setting the tone, it would follow that this leads to a ‘my way or the highway’ workplace.
The simplicity of what is shared here is incredibly support for us in whatever situation or workplace we are in. If our first commitment is to not get changed and affected by what is going on around us, but to stay steady and sure about what our strengths are and the qualities that we bring, then we have a much steadier, unimposing and consistent environment for everyone.
What I get from this is to appreciate me being me and the power that stance holds rather than leaving myself to frustratedly try to change others/the world.
It is a sad fact that expressing truth in today’s day and age is considered a faux pas, rude even. Yet the irony is that we all deep down do not enjoy being lied to. It is such a juxtaposition we have created for ourselves, where on one hand we are not open to hearing the truth expressed, yet on the other we deeply crave to hear the truth. Is it that we have invested so much of ourselves in chasing the identification and acceptance through the world outside of us, in the world of lies, that the expression of truth exposes all our choices, the energy we have aligned with, which has led us further away to who we are and what it is we truly seek, that is, to live our true way?
“However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.” And that would be for those working in the industry and those consuming the media. If we stopped and truly felt the effects of the media, we would demand change for sure.
‘most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth’ I would say this is true across society and the flavour or expression of that energy only differs per industry, but the principle remains the same. Only if we are willing to rock to boat and stand out by way of living and the choices we make can we bring the so very needed changes.
The response I get when I don’t play safe but express what I am feeling (respectfully of course) the more I unlock the magic and creativity and sensitivity in me, and that I surprise myself with the depth of wisdom that comes out.
I know what you mean Simon, there is a beauty in the depth of sharing when we allow ourselves to speak from our body.
Imagine living to the age of 33 and not knowing who you even were. That’s what happened to me. And in my experience that’s how the majority of this world lives too. That’s why as you show Anonymous to live knowing you are divine, a son of god, a vehicle of Love is revolutionary and evolutionary for everyone concerned. Living this way changes everything, and has way more impact than any protest, or march,
Being ourselves brings everything.
Our most powerful and potent expression comes from our body, not our verbal expression (this can be a powerful form of expression but is nothing if it does not first come with a lived quality and authority)…. The quality we are is how we express. Our way of everyday living is that which makes up our quality.
It is the simplicity of this sentence that can be lived by all. ‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!’
Its funny that ‘I feel’ is so discouraged in the media industry, when so much manipulation of the facts is done in reporting to create an angle that will stir up interest. The industry probably prides itself on being objective (therefore not encouraging the ‘I feel’) but from my experience with reporting on Serge Benhayon, there are journalists and therefore systems within media that are completely corrupt, without any objectivity.
Yes and this is news worthy in itself… and a story that needs to be told.
There is no system that is humanly designed to bring the best out of ourselves. We can complain about it because it is really challenging to leave your best bit outside, to park it away because it is not welcomed there. Systems that are not it, are also a permanent reminder that life in this plane of life is not it and will not be it. Systems that are not it, on the other hand, is all we have to raise above them, to unfold as we become increasingly aware of what is not true in this world and renounce to it.
We only have to be our true selves, this keeps it simple.
Being ourselves, regardless of what we do, is vital for lasting change to occur.
Managers are very unwise to forget that their business is a result of the people in it, the way they work individually and as a team and how they feel about their work. If there are issues at this level there will surely be issues with the end product or service delivery.
This is very true Fiona and the chasing of the money over the wellbeing of the employers is showing in the vast rates of burn-out, depression and illness an disease. It is not only wise to put the wellbeing of the people first it is in the end even more profitable.
Appreciation of each other and the different qualities we all bring builds a solid, steady, collaborative workplace (the productivity is a brilliant product of this). If we sideline this to focus only on the bottom line, we turn people into cogs and this feels awful for everyone.
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else;” as it is only until we allow ourselves to just be that we can start to break through being an individual- continually chasing recognition and betterment at the expense of another and finally embrace the oneness where we all come from.
We simply have to be ourselves, true, and stay being ourselves in a world that does not foster this, ‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!’
There are certain industries where it can be generally more difficult to be heard. But in that we have a responsibility to look at why we have allowed this, and what is there for us to reflect on. But the more we can be ourselves in all situations, the more we offer this reflection to others and the more pull there is to collectively be who we truly are rather than what the industry is trying to get us to be.
I recognise this throughout my life, whenever I spoke truth it was not welcomed, I was told forcibly to be quiet in more than one way, ‘an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.’
It is always about quantity instead of quality. In general everywhere. Abuse is accepted as long the end result looks good and big. It is important we don´t get trapped into the result of things and move in a way that allows a quality, that no one can not not see. Only then, we do a true change to the product and inspire others to join.
“We only have to be ourselves.” A powerful statement that holds true in any situation. We can never change anyone else – only ourselves.
It’s true Sue and the wonderful thing about this journey is that it stops all the comparison and the jealousy, we just be ourselves.
Bringing more joy to life, I say yes to that.
And of course by being ourselves, everything changes, and everyone has the opportunity to evolve
It’s important to call out the corruption in any and every organisation it is present, while at the same time taking responsibility for shining a light on where we contribute to it in every aspect of our own lives. Unless we do the latter, we will not be effective in calling out the former.
A great point Jenny.. we all hold a responsibility if we want things to truly change.
There is something very important in what you share for us, that the product is the sum of everyone around the table, therefore everyone’s voice has equal value. I look forward to us all raising our voices in whatever industry we find ourselves in.
In this world there has been so much effort put into reducing or stopping people expressing how they truly feel and this fact alone is worth thoroughly examining. For why so much effort in this way, that is, why are those who express how they truly feel generally made to feel like they are not welcome?
I love how in opening ourselves up to the truth of who we are we are in turn opening up to a deeper understanding of the whole, that is truly inspiring and offers us a great opportunity to learn and explore everyday. It’s very cool to express who we are in the industries we work in and to then share that in all areas of our lives equally so.
The question is if we are not allowed to express what we feel and thus explain the world from how we perceive it who is then dictating what we do, and in your job what is going to be written?
I work in marketing, closely related to media – and have felt the extent to which women and men change who they are to fit in and be part of a culture. I did this too -I sold out and played the game and in truth, I was just feeding the cycle of lying about who I was. Being ourselves in an industry that encourages us not to be sets a very powerful example to others.
I agree HM, the more we claim who we truly are in all walks of life we offer a reflection that confirms to others to also live their truth.
We only have to be ourselves….. so very true and quite rare especially in the media industry where it can be a dog eat dog mentality and someone can be easily crushed if they don’t have a strong foundation of knowing who we are.
‘Freedom of speech’ are very lose words when we take any respect and decency out of the equation.
So true Esther for decency and respect should form the foundation of any interaction and relationship we have.
Ironic that the industry of ‘communication and expression’ does not allow people to truly express how they feel. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ is wielded by the media through and through and very little integrity actually makes it to print. Great to shed light on this…
I like what you are pointing out here. We say ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ but we do not take it with the responsibility this presents us with. We cause far more havoc with the carelessness we use words and communicate and are with each other than we want to be aware of.
When we resist and fight who we naturally are, because we want to ‘fit in’ and be accepted by others, it’s draining and dismissive – we’re literally telling ourselves that we can’t be free to be ourselves and that we must conform to an idea of what we think others want us to be like, yet this picture is one that we’ve invented. Everyone knows how it feels to be around someone who is at ease with being themselves – it inspires and lifts and invites everyone else to be themselves, too. But for some reason, when it comes to ourselves being ourselves, we can make it a complicated and difficult thing to do – when actually, it’s pretty easy, when we’re prepared to let go.
Learning that there is a great love, beauty, joy and grace that is me is something very worthy of connecting to. How can this not be enough? Being myself is enough.
total freedom to just be ourselves – its all any of could ask for.
Our reflections are more powerful than anything we can say.
‘We only have to be ourselves (…) The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are’
It’s more than possible than being ourselves may be uncomfortable around us, as probably we would reflect what is not wanting to be seen. But is even more uncomfortable not being ourselves, as our body feels clearly what is not right and speaks louder and louder if we don’t listen and express what it feels. So, letting go comfort and being ourselves is always the best choice to find stillness within us.
I find once one makes an investment in how to change anything or how to improve anything, the result will be the same as what’s already there just a different flavour so to speak will result.
How we as the people in organisations feel is routinely ignored in favour of discussing how we are going to improve ourselves and meet our targets. We are the people that run the organizations, so to ignore what we feel is important is not wise.
If we felt our own bodies and took responsibility for all our choices, expressing what has been felt might become a much thing and then what would we need media or broadcasting for?
It is important what you have shared about freedom of speech in the media and that you are only welcome to express the truth if it agrees with the majority or status quo. There is and always has been a force that comes down on any who speak the truth. Simply bringing the real, joyful you feels like an important shift to break open this closed attitude.
I think it’s great how you say we do not need to impose change on the world and agree entirely – we just need to be true to who we are and be open with that – be willing to express and share what we know or are feeling without needing another to agree with us. By holding everyone in equal love we provide a space that supports others to express more honestly or openly too.
Express what we know and feel and it is complete, try and force change and we are lost.
Clairsentience is our ability to feel the truth of all things and this truth is a derived at point that we all reach equally and thus unifies us all. When we do not use this innate faculty, we are at the whim of certain thoughts, that rather than being impulsed from the love that we feel, are instead fed to us from a source that opposes this love. This is how we have come to live a functional life based on security but void of love and thus how we end up so divided from one another. Connection is the key – both with ourselves and with each other – in order to arrest this wayward momentum we have become so enmeshed in.
Expressing how we feel, what we see and read is going on is an essential part of life. Otherwise, we internalise and take on stuff that is not ours. In other words, honouring what we feel deepens our relationship with ourselves and the body – from there we are equiped to deal with what we see and read.
In reading this article, our power is not in influencing another, or business to change through explaining what we see and feel is needed. It is in letting our Livingness be seen.
What you show here is that everything matters and not just the outcome, that actually everything contributes and effects the outcome/product. So in other words the importance of the quality in which every moment in our life is lived, as it is the quality we choose that is felt by all of us.
It really is extraordinary how disregard is endemic, and shocking how this is considered the norm … what a reflection of our age.
Being ourselves everywhere in life is all that is required… it is understanding and living what IS actually ‘ourselves’ that is the key. This part is not always so easy given everything around is usually demanding that we not bring what we would if we were to truly be ourselves. The backlash and repercussions can be dire at a temporal level, however, the ‘repercussions’ of not doing so, are far more devastating to our sense of self and self worth than we generally give much acknowledgment of.
Thank you Anonymous; indeed how powerful we are when we simple feel and be ourselves;
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!”
We are all different expressions, so being ourselves will look different for different people. Some may be very vocal about true media, and that is their way of expressing love. Some may shine a light on true media by reminding the media of the love that every person is. Some may imbue the media with power of truth without them even knowing it. All are needed to bring the media to account, and remind those people who work in the industry that love of self, and humanity is needed in every expression.
I love this sharing Heather as it works to everyone’s varied expression and shows them to have equal value.
When we are simply ‘ourselves’ life naturally constellates towards us.
If I am me and theres tension in others the tension has a chance to shift. If we are both tense then nothing changes. And it’s so simple I’ve ever stopped to sit and feel it the way I do now and what I bring to work spaces. And how beautiful it can be when people in their own way step out of their tension when given the space to do so.
A beautiful reminder of the power of our reflection to inspire and ignite others to also chose love and truth.
The power of reflection of a truer way to live and work is a million times more potent than words and sermons.
There is more going on than meets the eye when we are truly being ourselves – we are vessels of energy and that is something we are communicating with all the time – the worth of which is not to be underestimated.
Feeling attacks from our industries when we are being ourselves without any reservation is a confirmation of the purpose we are in these industries, hello! Appreciate big time.
Great point Adele – coming to terms with that perspective, that attacks are actually a confirmation, is life changing! No longer is it then used as a put down or reason to self-critique… it can be fuel to keep going, bringing more of who we are know that we will rock some boats and ruffle some feathers in the process.
This is a huge peril of wisdom and when adhered to can save us an enormous amount of angst – “we cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.”
It is true that the Media industry is built on a foundation of disregard for people who work in the industry and for its consumers. This utter disregard ripples out into the community causing chaos as it goes. Thank you Anonymous for exposing this disregard and supporting us to discern what is put before us.
It is true…. Words abound in this day and age… but what is missing is the true living of the eternal truths, with complete transparency and embodiment, and this is what is needed to reflect back to humanity the light of true transformation.
I love interacting with people and sharing life experiences and what I find so much fun and joy in is the conversations of how I live at work. it is just a natural part of my day. Sometimes they may ask about my lunch and I will gladly share a recipe or two and sometimes they ask about my exercise regime or why I get up early in the morning. I am happy to share my life because the way I live allows me to connect to my body and feel how joyous and full of discovery it holds. Life is there to be lived and shared and what a joy it is to explore life in this way. Thank you Anonymous.
Being ourselves is not only enough but is everything we are truly here for. Yes, we have freedom of speech but how often do we exercise our right to freely speak what we feel and live who we are? In holding back our true expression we allow the consciousness of normalising lovelessness to continue without question, with our bodies suffering the consequences. Living a lie is not who we are, and as you have shared, the truest way to be is not to impose what we feel onto others but to freely move and express through our bodies the truth we know and are connected to within. As the more we live in connection to who we are, the more we naturally move unaffected by the world around us, as such reflecting our loving way of being.
The more I value myself and what I bring the less I am disturbed by people’s reactions. It is a beautiful way to be in life, which is to observe it rather than absorb it and take it all on. We are not here to fix other people or have them like us; we are here to be ourselves in full.
‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!’ I feel the great responsibility and joy in simply being myself in the world.
I am learning, steadily, that I am not always embraced as I am, or when I express with openness. This used to hurt deeply. I would recoil and withdraw…vow never to do that again.
What I am learning to do now is take toddler steps in understanding. I am allowing people to react and as long as it is not abusive, I am holding firm.
That, it seems, is the key. Steadiness and gentle resolve. No fight, no banners being waved. It is steadiness that people crave in a world that is filled with turmoil, conflict and drama.
The steadier I become, the more I know myself in that quality…and the more others know me too.
Very beautiful, even when the results don’t seem to be in the short term.
There is a day when we come to feel that all attacks are openings for deepening love–our own love. That is just the most beautiful opportunity to observe and embrace. We could go from reaction, to less reaction, to being observing, to being understanding, to being fully accepting, to being gentle and firm and to being simply fully open and more….ah that is the most amazing gift everyone can have, isn’t it?
Nothing will ever change unless we all learn to express what we feel in any situation whether it be at work, what ever that is or at home. We can’t force change on anyone but we can live to inspire.
I think that saying how we feel can be honoured in the workplace if we go about it without reaction or expectation. I know we cant control other peoples responses, but we can choose what we take on or allow to rock us. It takes time to really let this sink in, but its always a choice.
This reminds me of the slogan “Be the change you want to see”
‘…Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.’ – this is a pretty big point – I worked in advertising for a few years – and the same thing existed – it was as if by being in there we were already choosing an energy that did not allow us to express truth. The whole model of how things worked were to sell sell sell at any cost – so if the pro cut we are producing did not have truth and transparency a the forefront, then how can this exist in the everyday office culture. We certainly all played it safe with an intent to please.
Thank you … yes , being ourselves is the lodestone of living in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the planet.
Often when I read a blog, I feel that I have to sound smart, that I have to say something “evolutionary”. However, recently I have just been going to the text box at the bottom and writing whatever comes through. Sometimes when I read it, I get scared that others will think I’m being weird, that I’m complaining, or that I’m being “mrs smarty pants’, but isn’t that part of being ourselves? Aren’t we all a bit weird, don’t we all see what’s not right in the world, and aren’t we all very intelligent?
Being ourselves means expressing our truth as it is felt in our bodies and connecting to the love within that is capable of dispelling lies and corruptions that run rampant in the world, it is important to understand that naturally there will be a lot of resistance coming our way but it is our responsibility to hold steady and never give up as it is truth and love that break through the illusion of the loveless world we live in.
‘Being Ourselves’ is not at all encouraged, but ‘being ourselves’ (as in a contracted version of ourselves) it is. Yet, the meaning of both expressions and how we move in each expression is totally different.
I love how you decided to drop the conditions that you’d put on being truly you – that regardless of whether you were being asked to ignore what you feel, had people disagreeing with you or not understanding or appreciating what you were offering that you’ve let go of the need for a certain response and committed to being truly who you are, without imposing and without conditions.
Another great reminder that when we get drawn into believing we need to change the workplace, a friend, community, a country etc, we loose ourselves in the doing and control and then not simply being ourselves. Being ourselves and expressing truth does more than we often ever appreciate.
“We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.” I love this statement sometimes I can feel overwhelmed by the injustice in our media system but what you are saying is that is not for me to get frustrated it is for me to be more of me.
‘if we ignore people in general – what is the magazine really expressing?’ It’s pretty amazing how you’ve exposed and explained the dismissive behaviours in meetings/the workplace with one killer line – if we ignore people, how can we expect to create a magazine for PEOPLE about PEOPLE? This can be applied to so many things as well e.g. how we can ignore colleagues or be dismissive in a shop environment when PEOPLE are going to walk through our shop and buy the products, which will be sold in whatever quality we set as the foundation for the shop?
It’s an awesome attitude Anonymous. I won’t suggest it’s easy in the beginning to not react to the way the media handles themselves, but with practice at looking after ourselves and realising that we can’t in fact change the world on our own, it would get easier and the more we reflect the love we know ourselves to be, the greater the opportunity for others to get that reflection and then choose another way, or not.
‘The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are’ – This is a great point. Although when we feel jealousy, comparison or judgement the tension makes us quite uncomfortable, by contracting and reducing ourselves we will actually INCREASE that tension and feel even more unsettled in our body.
I don’t think we can under estimate just how powerful it is to be ourselves in full.
If we were all just ourselves then the world would be over flowing with love.
The media has shown the world how corrupt it is and therefore to read about people like yourself who wish to remain real and loving within the industry is actually very heartening. This is exactly how industries like the media need to change, from the inside out.
When we live from the love, which is the love that we all are. A love that has no emotional attachments allowing life to flow so it is simple, and then all else seems to take a back seat. In saying that life still has a purpose so as a reflection this level of love is shared because it is lived and not preached.
What’s really important is to not try and force, demand and or change anything. What brings about true change is how we live.
What’s really important is to not try and force, demand and or change anything.
What I am learning in a different working path – that the greatest thing is me just being there, I don’t have to try and do or change anything, this could be said for many if not all areas of work. Where I am is where I am meant to be, the people I meet in that precise moment etc. The conversations I have without trying or forcing etc. It’s letting go of pictures, ideals, beliefs and trying that is the key, as way less exhausting on our body. It actually creates a freedom and lightness in our movements and our body.
We can’t try when we are there. We can only be there and be or not being there but try. Love the simplicity in life!
The world is set up to think our way through, subscribing to the ideals and beliefs of what is right and wrong- and creating the illusion that life is complicated and that we must strive and be something in order to compensate for our lack of confidence. It is the appreciation and confirmation of our own preciousness that we know there is nothing for us to do but to align to a quality of being that reflects the power of the universe.
What this blog reveals is that such a thing as right or wrong do not work, that the defence of thats wrong will not change, but the energy of how you live life does. It is so powerful what you share and brings a huge responsibility and understanding to mankind that we need to feel instead of think and that with feeling, we connect to ourselves and another person and feel what is truly going on, from there we can address any issue.
It is tempting to continue a way of reckless living in order to not feel the devastation and havoc we have wreaked upon our bodies, but then we are robbing ourselves of the one way we can pull ourselves out of the abyss we are otherwise intent on creating for us to fall deeper into. Starting with the honesty of feeling our bodies and what they communicate – about how we live, how we are treating ourselves and the the world, and how we could live otherwise – this begins the path of developing a care and love for our physical body that allows us to hear its true communication – and the immense depths of intelligence and wisdom we have on offer to us every instant.
“Freedom of speech” cannot be an excuse to abuse someone. If we see that happening then we have a responsibility to do something about it, for example, speak up when we see injustice. In order to this we need to appreciate the amazing people that we are and yes that includes YOU, the reader.
Yes, the key is to stay open though that does not mean in any way enduring any harmful expression towards us.
If I am myself and in my power – these sound like words but they actually describe a way for me to be and express – then this gives others a choice. They can do the same or go deeper into a different kind of behaviour. This can lead to a need for adjustments but also allows us to work in far more effective ways with others, once we have dealt with the polarised behaviour.
When we acknowledge the value of simply being ourselves we open up the opportunity to build a respectful, understanding, tender, and caring relationship with ourselves that is the foundation for all our other relationships – I now appreciate that this is the only way to build true community.
yes Matilda, it starts with love and respect for ourselves and only then can we bring these qualities to others, and importantly to hold ourselves equal with all, none less or greater, as only in absolute equalness can there be true brotherhood and true community.
When we resist living who we are the tension we can feel in our body can be very intense, so it is not surprising that we tend to seek relief through various forms of numbing the tension in our body. Most Common forms are food, alcohol, drugs, entertainment, sports etc. These will act as a mask but the tension is always there until we choose to live who we naturally are, Love.
This feels such an ancient industry that is really steeped in deep old energy, with the force that that brings by keeping repeatedly telling people lies. All there is for anyone to do is to be love an express all of who we are from our livingness.
I love your observation that the magazine is a reflection of the people around the table. That the content of the magazine will be there because someone around the table has shared something is an ‘issue’ or a ‘thing’ – you are bringing something to their awareness they might not have considered to that point. I equally love that just by looking after yourself and expressing how you feel, you offer others the opportunity to consider that as a possibility in their lives.
The power of being ourselves no matter what industry we are in, is what eventually is going to change the world.
Yes Eva – so true. What greater power is there than the truth of who we are, being lived in honor of all that we equally are. And this power, of being ourselves, is accessible to every single one of us through our connection to and appreciation of who we are, our Soul, regardless of where we work, live or whatever we do in the world.
We are not encouraged nor supported to be our self from a very early age mainly because those around us have lost connection with their self and they do not want this reflected to them by a vital and connected kid.
I have found that when it comes to deadlines and having to deliver what is expected it can be if we allow it very crippling on the body. What I have just clocked recently is in this I have gone into believing that I am not enough and there for an underlying anxiousness has been present. Working on a steady connection and knowing that this is all that matters is one I keep deepening.
I can only imagine the stress and disregard that goes on in this industry and trying to force change certainly wouldn’t work, and so your livingness anonymous is so very healing and inspiring to all those around you.
Well said. Nothing forced will bring about change – my experience is that that only elicits resistance. The inspiration and opportunity to change comes from the inspiring lived reflection of another.
I am coming to see ever so clearly that if we want change in the media we must first begin with to make changes within ourselves. The media flourishes in its current form as there is a market for the scandals and the sensationalism that it produces; often full of lies and in total disrespect to those involved. But maybe if we stopped buying the papers and the magazines the media may wake up to the fact that we have had enough of the lies and that the only news we will accept is based, fully, on the truth.
The media is an industry that is so enticing that many of us want to be a part of it, yet it is also one where 99% of it has forgotten the great responsibility that comes with such influence and power. It is an industry where we could be reflecting a true way of being, yet it is also an industry that as you share doesn’t allow you to be yourself – and when you do it fights back with all its rigor.
So-called ‘freedom of speech’ usually comes as a reaction to something that we would want to be different and it comes from an energy outside ourselves. Yes, we may feel free to express this but there is no responsibility in it. True freedom is to take full responsibility for our actions and to express the truth whenever there is a true impulse to do so without holding back. The expression then benefits all of us and may inspire others to also speak up and not hold back for fear of reaction.
Anonymous, the title of your blog: Just Being Myself is Enough, says it all. If we lived with the knowing of this we would not need to go into anxiousness, comparison or jealousy, we would not push ourselves to achieve an outcome and we would have more productive time to commit to our purpose.
I think many of us have wanted to change the state of the world, and rightly so, I mean, look at where we are at? but the truth is, we can’t do that by imposing our opinions and ideas. Simply living our truth in our day to day lives gives everyone we are in contact with an opportunity to also reflect truth in their own livingness, in other words, in their own day to day lives.
Being aware that industries can be based on disregard is something to appreciate. By acknowledging that this is the situation we can honour ourselves, not feed into the pool, offering an opportunity for others to also choose differently.
I can relay a truth I’ve felt someone else live but this is nothing like as powerful as sharing a truth I’ve claimed from my own body.
It must have been very shocking to be told that you could not express yourself and that they did not want to listen to you. This goes against the grain of human nature. At least they were totally honest and did not pretend they were interested in employees opinions or feelings. This gave you the opportunity to deal with it and find your own way within it.
One key is being ourselves and doing what is needed. It sounds simple but is very powerful when we do it.
It has taken me some time to let go of a push to change things, it is true though, we can not, we can only make a choice to live in a way that is an inspiration. When we push,we join in with the issues that we attempt to change.
Yes it is a very simple recipe for every aspect of life… be yourself, and everything else takes care of itself!
Very true, and yet, we have made being ourselves a difficult one, as everything in the world asks us to be many and plenty but not ourselves.
Yes Esther we have… it’s quite a sifting process to begin, identifying and discarding all the things we’ve taken on and molded ourselves to be that are not actually true. Ultimately very liberating and transformative… as it affects every part of our lives.
When we make it about ourselves without any trying or imposing of how things ought to be – then, we change the world.
A beautiful read how to be with ourselves and how that is everything for everything as it will bring truth back to the world.
It’s easy to bad mouth and criticise industries for focusing on money only and creating systems that are quite unkind. But do we bring everyday with us to our job, the knowing of who we truly are? Or do we try to fit in? Your words here Anonymous have me thinking how knowing we are divine and powerful beings transforms and lights up every step that we take. After all, this alchemy and power is our real work in life.
There are vast differences between industries – some have a beautiful intent but may not keep up with that intent in their execution, other industries prey on the weaknesses we allow to be in our life. If you work in one of the latter industries it can be quite hard to behave with integrity and love.
I love the insight you offer Joseph. Any industry and any aspect of life is made up of the people that form it. As an inherent and undeniable part of the whole, it is a significant question “Do we bring everyday with us to our job, the knowing of who we truly are? Or do we try to fit in?” Do we light up the way or do we engrain what we may not subscribe to by fitting in?
It is deeply empowering to know that we can arrest ingrained and unwanted patterns of behavior through choosing to connect to our bodies, feel, and become aware of our choices so that we can look to address them. When free of the reactions these can cause, we can not only feel more of ourselves, but offer others the quality and space to come to whatever they need to in their own time without any imposition our reactions can cause.
With pressure in all industries at an incredible intensity, to get to the point of knowing we are enough as we are, holding ourselves within it is something to celebrate…I am not there yet. I can relate to what you share about the fact that, ‘The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.’ I guess it simply comes down to a choice and accepting the industries we are in, not bowing down to the pressure and being who we truly are.
As in every industry we tend to not let it go about people but about the product, the shareholders value, the profitability etc. as we think that we must set ourselves aside and to not involve our personal feelings. But as you say Anonymous, everything we produce in our businesses is for people and as we are all one and in that interconnected with one another we actually can all feel from our bodies what is really needed to make our businesses flourish and grow because it will produce the product that people really need and will serve them in their lives.
Exactly Doug, the businesses have lost connection with their clients, the people and instead have only the dollar signs in their focus which is in fact not being in service for the society we all live in. The results of this way of running businesses becomes more visible up to a time when the people say enough is enough and stop being the products from these businesses. That is the only way to wake them up, the power of the many will say stop and will demand for another way.
In a way that is true Doug, that we have given up and because of that have businesses that act irresponsible as they do because of our demand. But the problem with this is that we are not aware of the fact that the moment we allow this to exist, something in us is put aside, that instant knowing that something is not right. And with that we do not clock anymore what living in this way is actually constantly doing to the body because it’s constantly being fed the lie by the businesses we choose to be aligned with, thus making us numb and from that given up on life.
Yes Doug I agree and I suspect a whole lot of other people would too!
“Being ourselves is often not encouraged in our present day world and the concept of expressing what “I feel” is extremely unwelcome in the part of the world that I live in” – yes because in most places it’s associated with ‘being emotional or teary’ and ‘hard to handle especially in the workplace. Also, in HR practices many times we’re assigned into boxes whether we’re a visual person, auditory or kinaesthetic (feeling) ’employee’ – and thus how to be best managed at work. The fact is, is that irrespective of such psychometric testings, we all feel deeply – and feel with our whole body, our ears, eyes, limbs, touch, taste, smell…feeling is not just about expressing the actual words or communicating, but sensing the changes in our body in different situations and acknowledging them to ourselves as opposed to passing them off to cause a case of self-doubting, and an emotional reacting.
“A true image is formulated only when everything aligns at one single moment, and after that moment, something else is already formulating. No images can be held onto when they are true because we, nature and everything are constantly changing from moment to moment.” This is such a gorgeous revelation and shows how unnatural it is to demand that people and life deliver an image we have been holding onto in our mind.
What´s been said reminds me of the flow of life. Whenever we´ve done or completed something there is something new awaiting already. You just have to be open and the magic from heaven can play out. Because what if the next thing awaiting is even greater and never possible imaginable?
When we make it about being ourselves we are in fact actually making it about love because we are love.
Industry is made up from the collective ideals of all its adherents. And thus, one cannot on their own change anything in this regard. If we look back at history, those who enacted such far reaching changes did so not on their own but because they inspired many in turn by the way they acted and lived. Thus, in time, a group momentum was achieved that lead to change.
Simply to consider that everything in our job remit is secondary to and actually dependent upon us being true to who we are, is refreshing and inspiring.
The major industries we have in this world are testament to the way we have chosen to live collectively.
I too have felt throughout my life how our society and up bringing does not encourage us to be ourselves or to express truth. But it is at times when I had a deep connection myself that has supported me to see situations with truth, clarity and not get emotionally affected. The power of connecting to our essence is incredible and the more we live this the more we remind each other of our true power.
What I could feel while reading this was how complicated I have believed being myself in the world is and because of this perceived difficulty or expectation that being me must change the world, I’ve not bothered and given up. But as you shared Anon the tension in not being me is far greater inside my body than the tension around me when I am being me, because that outside tension doesn’t phase me when I do express how I feel.
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!”- So true, and what an awesome reminder of how simple it is to make a difference- by being our true selves and not hold back.
It’s interesting to how people are only encouraged to speak when their expression is not exposing the deep rot that is present. If you play the game you can say what you like, if you step back from the game and expose it for what it is, you will feel the attacks coming your way.
Well said, Michael, this is a useful exposure of the lies and deception embedded in society that we can choose to play along with or not.
I am learning that it takes only one person taking responsibility for their lives and not holding back their expression to create great change. I have also learnt that we are all equally capable of making these choices and so the possibility for change is immense.
Not even in the media industry – if life, learning that being me is more than enough – this can equate to relationships too.
Beautiful reminder that we only have to be ourselves. I can feel the weight on my shoulders of trying, driving and pushing, just drop away!!
In the disconnection from our soul, the essence of who we are – we can easily accept abuse and compromise everything we are here to reflect others that there is another way to live enjoying the richness of the universe just by being ourselves.
If we attach to others agreeing with us, seeing our point of view or changing their ways we can easily end up getting frustrated or despondent and retreating from life. But what if commitment to life is about committing to expressing from our truth and love all the time unconditionally.. I think it’s great anon how you said you couldn’t resist just being you and sharing that with the others in the team, offering them a different refection without trying to make them agree with you.
‘…And this is the truth of the industry that I work in, which often does not allow or encourage us to express how we feel.’ and this is so often the case when we do not fit an expected mold free expression is inhibited.
Indeed we have remained focused on the idea and right of freedom of speech which is important, but missed the point that what is the quality of the expression? Are we just adding to the pile of ill expression or expressing the truth of who we really are and confirming that in others?
What you’ve written here is super powerful, it turns activism on its head. I grew up feeling angry in reaction to the lovelessness I saw around me but I lived so few moments of living and reflecting the love that I so craved. It was easy for me to react against not being heard by shouting about it or internalising how I felt if I was too scared to rock the boat and reflect a different way. I chose reaction and ignored my body so felt even more angry that I was being a hypocrite. Now I can appreciate how powerful living the love we are inside is; it brings a harmony and knowing that cannot be denied or ignored.
Reaction is the same energy as what I am reacting to – so as soon as I clock it I can go deeper and bring a loving understanding to the situation and respond from love not reaction and know how powerful that is.
Anon- I love how you say that it’s not about getting angry or frustrated wanting to make changes to a situation you see is resistant to seeing truth, because you will be adding to it. However, by observing, and reading the energy or what is playing out, more clarity is seen and then you are able to come to acceptance more.
Being yourself and allowing things to unfold around you, is such an important point.
Anon you make a good point about not getting angry or frustrated or trying to change a situation, as this only feeds the same energy, but instead to just be yourself and let things unfold – this can be applied to many moments in our day to day where we so desperately want things to change.
The honouring from feeling our bodies and all it tells us is enormous and beautiful and very simple if we can see all the things we do and eat to not feel this over ride our own bodies . Otherwise we conform to all that is out there to do creating tension and exhaustion and unrest and a lack of quality and beingness. The quality and understanding you offer is beautiful to feel in such an industry as the media and so many others
“if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.” This could definitely apply to all industries everywhere, but instead we tend to lock in our true feelings, put on a brave face and try to appear to the world that we are coping….and nothing changes. I am feeling the potential power of what it would mean if everyone spoke up.
I remember reading a lot of newspapers and magazines and the rare, personal article that did not impose but was beautifully observant stood out.
The quality of supply is always determined by the demand.
Yes, Kylie! Why is all the crazy media stuff out there? Because we buy it.
It is time to take personal responsibility for our world, (how we live our lives).
We get what we ask for.
This is such an wise realization to me: “We cannot impose change …, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated …. We only have to be ourselves.” It is something I am working on in my life currently. The simple ‘being me’ whatever. Sounds easy – but is very challenging to me. And there is such a great learning integrated. Also a very simple one: to take responsibility about I feel and express. Not to concentrate or blame others. And what I found great here is, that it is not about to go in a distance to others, but the opposite: I have to open up more. With this comes more understanding, as you have written here.
Being ourselves – so simple, but so profound. It changes the world.
Being ourselves, our true selves and being connected to our body (which is part of being ourselves) precludes imposition and coercion, force and one-upmanship. As you explain so well, it leads to a depth of understanding that knows and lives the fact that everyone gets to where they are destined to get to in their own time, no matter how long that might take.
I love how “isn’t there the freedom of speech? Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.” I have not seen freedom of speech in this way before, that we are not free if it comes from the same source of energy. Thank you.
In the media industry, there is a constant drive for new ideas and the next best thing, all whilst staying within the confines of what is acceptable. In this it can feel as if there is no room for who we are and yet as you share, who we are can be brought into all we do.
Yes, and the interesting thing is how much of the confinement is true and how much is not true and we would gladly abolish and how much is not true but we prefer to pretend it is true?
What came to my mind when reading this was the common thought of, ‘if only everyone was more (fill in the blank), then everything would be better’. It is something that comes up when I become frustrated with the world or how people in it are behaving in a way that seems to me to be harmful or unloving. One of the most powerful teachings I remember learning from Serge Benhayon was that I am responsible for myself alone. It is simply impossible to make anyone else be something else or force them to choose something differently in order to meet my desires. The only person that I have any kind of power over is myself, and I have the ultimate power over me and my choices, because I am the one making them.
I love what you have shown through this blog. The media and press at this time are under a huge amount of scrutiny and pressure. It is being exposed in its decades long habit of being ‘selectively truthful’, and there is a lot of anger that can come from people about their role in society. I know, I feel it too. But as you have said in this fantastic article, we do not have any control over the people who sit in meetings and make the decisions that will lead to the articles being printed in newspapers and magazines. We only have a choice about ourselves and how we choose to live our lives. The groundswell of change that we so desire, comes from looking at my own life and making the choices that matter most to me in order to bring the change I want to see in my life. The awesome thing is that when I do that, it brings the ripple effect that shows that there is another possibility to us all.
“The groundswell of change that we so desire, comes from looking at my own life and making the choices that matter most to me in order to bring the change I want to see in my life.”
This is a powerful statement Naren and should be in the introduction of every political and economical discussion around the globe, that when we discuss change we should always ask ourselves if we are living this proposed change ourselves or not as this will determine how much change we can truly offer through that discussion.
I am learning that there is a clear difference in pushing for an outcome, whether that outcome is for the success of something or change the situation, whether it is to be liked or to make it comfortable, to in contrast choosing to stay steady within myself, read the situation and sense the response required that honours and holds everyone including myself in love,
All of us can react and be horrible at times when a loving expression exposes the love-lessness we don’t want to see. That makes it more challenging to stay steady within myself, which is where our personal responsibility comes in: building our life so that we ‘can’ stay steady, loving and understand the all-encompassing response required in the moment. What a gift when any of us are truly our full self.
In an industry where you are constantly being asked to be something you are not it has created a world of insecure and obsessive people. So caught up in what is trending and cool looking on the outside to make this their truth. Never stopping and connecting truly within which is where we all have our own expression to be shared. Thankfully I stopped the looking out and my confidence is growing more and more and I love wearing what I feel to on the day and this not being imposed by any fashion or media image.
Just being ourselves with no need to do anything is the opposite to anything we are taught. We can learn so much from this. Being true to ourselves and expressing truth without imposition and wanting people to get what we are saying is what truly changes the world. It may not be instant and this is the bit that gets us frustrated. It is something I am learning everyday and it is lovely to see the magic as it unfolds.
“So what I started to realise was that my frustration came from being told that the purpose of our meetings was not to talk about what feels important to us personally, but to discuss what would benefit and improve the magazine”.
Therein lies a key issue facing many workplaces today. It is the output that is the main focus and not on the people – nor their quality – making the input to go into the output. Business rarely stop to consider the energetic quality of the work they are creating or the impact of the the work that it has on their staff.
The images, attitudes and pictures brought together in a magazine can really be projections of what are desirable and wanted. And when it comes from and is generated by this energy, this gets transferred onto the reader who can process this to feel that they are ‘not enough’ , that they ‘don’t have ‘ or they ‘want’ something other than what they have. Keeps you on a treadmill looking out there for something.
There are many golden moments in this blog, one being the statement that we cannot impose change, nor should we try, because the truth lives in each of us equally and that is all that really matters.
So many industries are built upon the disregard of ourselves and of our body. In fact so much in our world is based on this too…True change is when we say NO to this and begin to truly care for the body and give ourselves the deep respect that we all deserve and crave. A great reminder for me today!
It is totally different experience to speak from our bodies and the wisdom of our inner hearts. It is so tempting to rely on the solutions and the strategies that the mind comes up with and yet these are often a reaction or protection rather than a response that felt for each situation.
‘Just being myself is enough’ – yes, and being ourselves and with ourselves in our days is a keystone for everything else being in place. It is also the really central thing that we can take responsibility for and that ensures the quality of all our activity thereafter.
It is in letting ourselves be full and deeply connected to our essence that harnesses change. It is our connection that supports us and our colleagues, and it is all our own choice.
Our lack of true expression as a collective has created a whole world in which we find it difficult to then express our truth. The only way out is through our expression.
‘But the magazine is made up of the people sitting in the meeting room – the magazine is us’ – This applies to everything we sell or put out, because what people read or look at isn’t just the content of the magazine, blog, photograph, website, book etc. but also the imprint and style of the people who created it!
It feels so important that we realise that it is people that are at the heart of all our businesses and institutions and that it is our relationships with ourselves and one another that founds everything we produce, market, do, present…
I understand what you are sharing but I can also feel the purpose being called for in the meeting about what is needed for the magazine.
Our Livingness is such a powerful reflection that can ignite and inspire others more than any words that we can speak.
Growing the team energy, the team atma, happens though the connection and communication we have with each other No expression of connection is too small, and from a valued, integrated team great ideas flow.
I agree Jenny, sometimes in meetings it might appear that people are talking about events unrelated to the situation at hand but if these conversations bring more connection then the energy of the whole meeting changes and there is more harmony and from there more real decisions can be made.
It’s interesting how organisations are so focused on the success of the organisation that they forget that the organisation is made up of people. It is people who are responsible for how an organisation operates, therefore it’s obvious that if you look after the people then the success of the organisation will look after itself. It’s a no brainer!
How often in our lives do we “play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth”, putting the welfare of others before ourselves. I have found that by holding back that which is waiting to be spoken not only are we harming ourselves, we are harming others as we deprive them of the opportunity to hear this truth, but of course what they then choose to do with it is totally up to them.
“Just being myself is enough” a saying I have heard many times and sometimes wondered if I really know what it meant but now see it is as simple as 1, 2, 3. If the world around us is indeed not something which feels absolutely loving and supportive than it can be easy to go and try and change things which comes from a reaction.
There is always a deeper layer we can go to in taking care of ourselves. Its like when this has never been your way you get to introduce an element that you are worth taking the time nurture and look after yourself and at times it can feel foreign. But when you start to make that your normal you then realise that there is many more layers that this can go to.
It is only through truly embracing ourselves through knowing and allowing ourselves to just be, that we can understand and allow others to be. This allows a space in which many changes can take place naturally without any imposition or trying.
The greatest resistance and hurt I can feel is when I am not living absolute truth and love.
To think of all of the times I have tried to work things out, tried to comprehend the sometimes complete disarray of human interactions and then consider how much takeoff all of this affects me, it would be unwise to continue to take it on and not value myself, because if I value what I bring and what I am than that is a great start.
It is a very valid point that we can only inspire others by the way we conduct ourselves and live our lives, thus there is never any point on imposing ourselves and views on to others.
My biggest learning and one that still unfolds is taking true care of self, is akin to taking true care of everyone else. Simple.
‘Being myself”- the ultimate step in self acceptance. When we accept ourselves we are more likely to accept others as they are.
I am ongoingly inspired by the fact that the more I take care of and develop my relationship with myself the more open, caring, understanding and respectful I am of others. I now accept this as the science of relationships.
We have so much learned to not be ourselves but instead have developed ways to be with people so we will not be hurt. Either we have developed ways that make us feel superior or way to feel inferior but non of these allows us to be ourselves. What a difference it would be if we would allow ourselves to be with ourselves wherever we go and whoever we meet.
“In fact it is so discouraged that, at times, those who try to be themselves feel the force of being ostracised and not accepted in the system.” how incredible is it that the one thing humanity needs is people who are living and being themselves, the true inspiration for change, yet they are the people that get cut down. It shows us that we need to change what we truly value from being about things to being about a quality of truth that one lives.
Today I listened to 2 stories on the radio. In the morning of how a hospital porter who had worked in the hospital for 15 years was fired because he did not pay for an egg sandwich in the canteen. The fact was he forgot his wallet and asked the chef if he could pay tomorrow and received a nod from the chef. The man was devastated and crying in an interview with the radio. On the way home from work it was a debate about should gay couples be allowed to get married in church! Why am I sharing this with you? Because for me what it comes down to with all of this including reading your blog is how we treat each other every day, all day on a day to day basis. Yes we have freedom of speech but do we treat each other with decency, respect, care and love knowing that we are all equal. Lets change the foundation of disregard that is in all the industries not just the media, including education to one of true love and care. What you say here is so true ‘If we disregard and ignore ourselves and each other, and how working here feels like – if we ignore people in general – what are we really expressing?’ Along with we cannot impose change but in staying true to ourselves and our hearts this has a gentle ripple affect with everything and everyone else.
Being myself is essential! When we drop trying to be something ‘more’, which is in fact what we are not, life becomes the amazing journey it can be.
There is a difference between expressing ourselves in reaction and doing so lovingly. When we express ourselves with openness, willingness to understand and in a way that truly supports another or process, it changes the quality and tone of what is said, consequently people are more likely to hear. I now speak up when I observe un-loving practices in a social care setting I visit by writing to the person ultimately responsible and having conversations with staff on duty. I found that the way I am directly effects the quality of responses I get back. There is a balance of showing appreciation of work well done but also gently pointing out errors, making suggestions, or asking questions. This is more supportive than directly criticising or judging someone. It is important to say what has to be said and at the same time hold another in equal and true regard.
“Connecting with our body like this also means that we feel all of our choices – the wise and the not so wise. Such awareness would arrest our ingrained pattern of relating to the body – that is, keeping it separate and disconnected from us.” This comment stood out to me and brought up for me the lack of responsibility I often take in my every move.
It is lovely reading that although you clearly see the issues with what is displayed around you, you have a settlement and acceptance within yourself so that you can remain harmonious within yourself and loving in all your interactions. I have been immensely touched by witnessing the steadiness with which Serge Benhayon holds everyone in the greatest love and been moved by the tenderness and honouring with which he responds to every single person regardless of what the person may be displaying at the time. I know how you are choosing to be at work will be having a profound impact on everyone whether they are conscious of it or not.
The fact is that, all we need to be is ourselves – no matter how much our industries or societies have been set up not to accept it.
Yup, and the more we accept and live this the more our industries will change to reflect that people first is the way forward.
The company I work for is founded on principles of well-being. This is so refreshing, and it is a message that gets delivered again and again to our consumers. If a member of staff is not taking care of themselves for whatever reason it stands out a mile. Very different to most work places where disregard is the norm an often championed.
“expressing what “I feel” is extremely unwelcome in the part of the world that I live in. In fact it is so discouraged that, at times, those who try to be themselves feel the force of being ostracised and not accepted in the system.” – You can say this is true of the world full stop. It makes me think of kids at school or growing up, where we are told to be quiet and not say how we feel, because it brings up stuff for adults to look at – which many don’t want to – as they would have to look at a whole lot more about their lives and how they are living which they know is not loving or true.
It is very interesting and perspective changing, when you write about how there is an expression within the media industry that is all about fitting in, because I can see this as the predominant factor in most mediums that the media holds – even when it is trying to be ‘different’ or ‘alternative’ there is still an air of fitting in with something. Perhaps this is a huge reflection of how much we as people all over the world actually, desperately, want to be a part of something greater, and as much as the media industry has the potential to offer true global connection between people – it still falls short of the mark.
“We do not need to always agree with others and we can have very different lifestyles and choices. We may not always even be appreciated. The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” This is so true Anonymous. Even though the changes may be very subtle, they are accumulative and the impact on our bodies is enormous when we do not live who we are.
The moment I learned to express my true feelings, I came alive. It validated my equal worth as a human being and impacted every relationship and area of my life.
If we do not express truth, how are people to know something is harming and needs to change. How will we evolve, if we accept things as they are..
‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!’ Yes it is. I’m experiencing this more and more.
Abusive industries exist because there is still a demand for what they deliver. Perhaps there would be a greater willingness to discern the quality of the product produced if there was not such a high ‘success rate’ of sales (aka – dependancy) by consumers on materials to fill a void rather than offer evolution.
Isn’t it interesting that the media are responding to what is being demanded as in what people are buying yet when these magazines are brought we know what rubbish they are. But we still continue to buy them. For me I started to really see them for what they are and being told continually that I am not enough became tiring. I stopped buying magazines because I started to realise that this was just feeding a lie that I wanted to be free from. If everyone stopped buying the magazines then the media industry would have to start to really look and investigate what it is that we really do want. There is one magazine Women in Livingness and this the only magazine that speaks of truth and confirms you for who you are. This magazine is a template that media industry would learn a lot from.
Every single person can be their own media in expressing truth–we are all our own magazine and when we express this, the media industry would have to be a whole different story than what it is now.
“The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” – Yes I agree, what hurts me most is recognising when I’ve chosen to hold back, contract, to not be all the love that I am with another/ others much more than experiencing resistance when truly expressing what I feel.
Expressing the truth in everything I do has become a part of my Livingness to the best of my ability.
Expressing what we feel is not always verbal. When met with resistance it is unlikely words will have any effect. I used to (and still often do) struggle with how to express myself in situations like this. I’ve been playing my movements and making sure that they do not alter when faced with resistance from others. My expression is in my body and how it moves. I have the choice to contract and harden or to stay me and be open.
We have made not being ourselves what is normal and accepted. This is a very distorted way of being, and one which our bodies are bearing tension for each and every day.
Sell truth. Period.
How do I know if I am truly being myself? If so, there are never any issues in life, and although never perfect, there is a constant deep inner joy that is being felt.
Beautiful Adele! To know that joy is priceless beyond measure and available to us all when we feel and understand that the source of it is within us – always has been and we are made of it!
It is quite telling to even consider that who we are as unique expressions of the one loving source is not ‘good enough’ The thought/energy that was first planted and held this ill truth has well infected humanity. We must claim back the acceptance that ‘just being myself’ is ALL that is needed!
‘However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.’ Imagine that! What if we truly refused to buy into the status quo. Then there would be nothing to feed it.
This is such a big awareness for everyday life- all work sectors, relationships, for me it feels like it covers everything. We hold back because of the status quo and tension, but the tension gets stagnated in the body, I know it does in mine. Loving the being of joy and light as I am in all I do and things become clear and supper simple, choosing to make this normal is a choice I can make.
This is such an important reminder at any time – we never need to do anything more than allow ourselves to be.
Great blog exposing rejections, control and resistances within ourselves concerning the way systems are operating in our world. There is no need to go into reaction but be ourselves. Wonderful statement.
Great blog exposing rejection, control and resistances. Thank you anonymous.
This is a beautiful understanding of the knowing that we only have to be ourselves and nothing else, it is confirming and beautiful to know and to express ourselves naturally with others and this allows so much to happen. ‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is” A great reminder to simply be and our inspiration is all that is needed.
The beauty of groups working together lies in the allowing of all to express and contribute equally which when all are aligned will build a truthful purpose.
Fighting against any system or trying to impose or force change will most likely get you nowhere. But bringing inspiration to it and appreciating and working with its strengths may.
‘And this is the truth of the industry that I work in, which often does not allow or encourage us to express how we feel’; Isn’t this totally crazy, that the media industry which should be all about expression, people, communities, connecting us on a global scale etc. is SO far from this and instead promotes ideals, beliefs and abuse.
How many jobs, are we just the small cogs in the machine? We all like to think we are irreplaceable but the machine will always do what it needs rather then what you believe it should do! The tail of the dog may not wag the dog, but doesn’t mean the tail can’t stop wagging!
Getting an opportunity to express and be heard no matter where we are – at home, school or work – is sometimes all that is needed to be then able to move on in the day with a knowing that our voice counts. However, there are times when we can simply ‘hear’ ourselves, acknowledge what it is we are feeling or needing to express, especially if another or others are not able or open to that at a given moment in time.
Dear Anonymous, thank you for your enlightening blog. As I was reading it, a couple of experiences came to mind, and not all to do with the Media Industry, but nonetheless to do with all of us as we face every day in our various situations in the workplace, (or not), in the shopping malls, within the unit we call family, and perhaps a casting glance of a television show depicting dedicated would be ballet dancers who bear the vitriol and demands of a competitive and accusative instructor. It seems that many of us allow abuse at every level, and this perhaps is a consequence of our dis-connection to the love that we are innately and simply reduce to the point of being invisible who we divinely are. Finally, when one sees a glimmer of light of truth, and commences building the awareness around self-loving commitment and behaviours it may cause the ire and supremacist behaviour in others, however, I am discovering this is no excuse to just ‘roll over’ as they used to say, and become compliant with this abusive behaviour. Thank God for Serge Benhayon, World Teacher, who is presenting to the world that ‘there is another way’ – that as I am discovering is The Way of The Livingness.
If we disregard ourselves we can not but help disregard others as we fail to bring what is of true value our inner essence.
‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!’ – To reflect who we truly are is our responsibility and really the purpose of being here in the first place.
The bit about when we feel ourselves we can feel everyone else, makes so much sense of taking care of and developing our relationship with ourselves as a primary responsibility. Knowing the part we play in the bigger picture we are all together in.
The media industry and in fact any workplace that makes it about the end product rather than the people in it is disregarding, yet we have bought into making ourselves second to what is being put out by a company rather than making it about how we are and what we feel whilst working in it. No wonder people work towards Fridays and love the weekends, long for holidays and plan to retire, if they are not the main focus at work and seen as being that, they are going to feel less in it and therefore want a reward at the end of it to make them feel better about it. What if we made work about each and everyone one of us first over any product, how much more of us would be in the outcome?
I love what you share here Candida. It can be very easy to feel crushed by work and want to hide, shrink, back away, or close down when the pressure is on. We make ourselves the last priority as we work towards the company target longing for a break at the weekend to recoup….but if we wait for the company, or work to confirm us before we allow ourselves to be ourselves then we might be hanging around for a lone time. The beauty this blog is showing us is that when we let ourselves be ourselves it allows others to open up and be themselves also.
This has been big issue from recently “The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are. My body was telling me the truth about what I was feeling and I have been trying to override it, it is a was a big thing…but you see we have smaller feelings everyday that we override, go grab a cake or a coffee….to not feel it…I know I went seeking for food when I felt the tension….in the short term in numbed it, but it kept coming back… How amazing however to have an internal barometer that tells us what feels true for us and I am definitely beginning to truly honour it more, it is true health to honour how we feel.
So true Samantha, what we are trying to override or suppress will always keep coming back until we have understood and learnt what was at offer.
What a gift it must be in an environment that discourages people expressing in their fullness to actually reflect that as a possibility. I know from experience how valuable and inspiring that is.
The media is a hunting ground for distorting self worth. It welcomes many players if we are willing to take part.
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!” – very true Anon, and also this is perhaps what our actual job truly is, or is about – being our true selves, no matter the career/profession/industry we’re in.
Right from the get go we are bombarded that we are not enough, that we have to compete to be seen, or get ahead. Until I met Serge Benhayon I never considered that I was enough just as I am…This has come as a revelation and now the trick is to accept it and live it!
By being there in the livingness you are changing energy just by your presence, it’s very confirming to know you are not alone in this situation, there is an opportunity for choice unfolding.
So very true. Our presence is doing more than we know and the beauty is that it is always expanding.
‘And this is the truth of the industry that I work in, which often does not allow or encourage us to express how we feel.’ This is ironic in an industry based on communication and expression.
Sadly, I don’t think it will universally be on the agenda for a long time to come.
If we choose to not react in situations.. there is always a way to express without compromise.
‘We only have to be ourselves’ It really is that simple.
Very true Doug. Why would we even look for truth when we are numb to the world? Disregard of self turns into disregard of the world. In the media industry this has a disastrous effect.
“Supremacy rules every newspaper and magazine, and competition between companies is normal and expected.” Now if this is the current state of affairs with and media is getting worse and worse, from what I can clock not many of us are prepared to stand up and have these conversations.
We are not bought up in any way to feel we are enough for being ourselves everything from the first step is geared around what we can do that pleases the world. It is deeply engrained and do important to see and free ourselves from.
“… Being ourselves is often not encouraged in our present day…” I guess the media industry you work in is about promoting pictures, images and suggestions about an idea and marketing and promoting this idea, which I can see could be in contrast with how you feel about being and presenting yourself just as you are. Just shows how Self care and self love are the tools to develop a solid foundation upon which one doesn’t rely on images and pictures to define who they are and feel comfortable in amongst any challenging situation.
I can feel how when I feel frustrated and trapped in a situation it is usually because I have not read the situation fully, become aware of my true feelings and brought the fullness of me into expression. We can never be trapped if we know and feel the power of being fully present with ourselves, and unattached to any outcome, this is freedom, not breaking out and escaping from the situation or trying to change it. This is enough, and we are enough, and others feel it and something has to shift.
I can feel a great acceptance and allowing when I confirm my own feelings in a situation however it does not always mean that I get others to agree to my perspective. My greatest reactions always occur when I am invested in another ‘getting it’, that is getting my truth.
We are so used to reacting but it keeps us from connecting with each other and seeing the bigger picture. A beautiful answer to all the reactions we have in this world, to just be ourselves. And the more we are ourselves the less we will react.
Such a great point you make Anonymous – Of what value is a business or product, when there is no love, connection, purpose or relationship in the person or team that is producing it? It will only bring the quality of the emptiness that everything has been produced in.
This is a great testimony and inspiration to simply get to know, honour, appreciate and express ourselves – thank you – and the impact of this will be felt in all our workplaces, schools, homes and relationships.
We cannot but be ourselves. We cannot be anyone else. The question is who is the us that we portrait to be? What is it all about? Not everybody has the same level of awareness regarding that. Hence, what they portrait themselves to be can be a mere fraction or a whole lot. But even if it is a mere fraction for the person it might feel as the everything. So, the real question is how much each one of us is willing to explore and how to go about it. In that journey, it is only the body who can reveal to us a whole lot about us. It is also the only one that can embody it.
It seems to me that there is a fundamental change when a person reconnects to their being rather than lives life ‘in the doing’. In the latter there is no real foundation to connect with for we are in some way seeking our roots. In the former we have established roots in our ‘beingness’. We have made life very focused on what we do, on functionality, on being productive but without establishing who we are first. When we turn this around and learn how to re-establish our innate beingness the quality of what we bring to life is very different and in a sense what we do is secondary to who we are. In my experience this is a wonderful and vital thing to rediscover and explore.
I find people don’t like it when we try and preach or impose what we think is true. But everyone is watching all the time. Its how kids learn the most, and its what everyone is still doing in the office… clocking every movement. So when we live consistently, and are full of ourselves, then people cannot help but be interested as to what is different.
I love this comment – “I could not resist being myself”. To share our natural, joyful and true loving ways is the greatest gift we can bring to ourselves and everyone else around us.
“Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth” – and where we all end up second guessing, shifting, shaping our communications to not know what’s real, and what’s not real in the dishonesty, … no wonder most of us do have an issue with true expression – whether that’s finding it, speaking it, or when it’s spoken.
‘…feels to me we were constantly being dismissed, as well as overridden, and it felt like a shock in the body to not be heard.’ it is so important to allow expression of our feelings whilst being mindful of the effect our own expression has on everyone else. This is respect.
Its amazing what we can bring when we are in a team, and unified in the understanding of what that team is about. The potential for these to serve and support others is massive, and this is in corporate, Nursing, health care teams, shopkeepers, cleaners and all other teams.
It’s beautiful when we bring true understanding to the world and allow everything and everybody around us to be. For so long I have tried to convince and convert – and of course, as we all know, that doesn’t truly work. When we find our own true expression and share that with the world without imposition, there is more space for everyone to stand back and appreciate that there may be a different way.
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt.” Our reflection alone is often all that is needed.
As I was reading this blog and the virtues of everyone having their say, I realised how powerful it would be if it was common practice to feel and be connected to your body as you speak. This would bring in responsibility and self-regulation of the quality of what we say, as we would feel when its off or coming loaded with emotion.
It feels like a ticket to exhaustion and giving up to try to change a big business like the media industry or even individuals within that industry. Each of us is responsible for our wise and not so wise decisions and has to live with the consequences. Being ourselves is very powerful in its ripple effect and doesn’t impose on others how we feel things should be.
A brilliant article that brings real work life challenges into perspective. Rather than fighting the systems in which we work what you have written inspires me to build my own sense of self-value and let that be my foundation and confidence, so that I do not have to prove myself to others but just develop my potential in everything I do, which will of course serve others.
Absolutely Matilda, this is where people get truly inspired when they observe a steadiness in someone that is consistently lived and expressed.
Its an admirable example you have set, being able to be yourself irrespective of the environment you are in.
Taking care of ourselves and discussing our experiences works in all work environments. Could at some point when everyone is open and just being themselves, could the media industry become a public service advisory service?
“We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.” This is a great point as nothing changes if we try and push our beliefs on to others and try to get them to see our point of view, it only adds to the same energy. By being ourselves and living in truth, all around us receive the reflection to live the same.
I love this blog. What a lesson in simply being yourself.
Yes great you mention this, I often get that sense that to say ‘I feel…’ is sort of a weak thing to say. Yet it is one of the most powerful things to say as it is imperative to take into account how we feel about things. Otherwise nothing will ever change in the way life is at the moment.
I used to go into a force, “that things need to be this way…because it is the right way…we need to be responsible..” Great point that there is no need to impose change on the world…reflection is all thats required, live from your truth and it will be felt.
Bringing how we feel into play in all areas of our lives is important for us to realise the basis of what we do, this includes in our workplaces which on the whole have not had this as a focus at any point.
Just being myself is the most glorious, joyful and important thing I can do.
This is a great expose in to the media industry – not due to criticism or judgement, but for how you state the fact that it is people who are the makers of this industry, people and their relationships with each other that determine the quality of the work they produce. This is beautiful and very non-reactive as you have brought everything back to basics, back to the simple facts of how we interact with each other.
Yes, Anonymous, I have discovered this to be true –The simplicity and joy of true power if felt through knowing and living who we are from within. Only then, can we be in truly open and caring with others too.
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!”
Just being ourselves can make us stand out – in a good way. Managing to stay ourselves under an onslaught takes some time to learn and then makes us a powerful role model, showing that it possible and can be inspirational.
I guess the key is not stopping life and doing nothing but being willing to find our way to do all that needs to be done, even to make money but do it all in a way that supports ourselves and each other
Being our self and caring for others no matter who we are with and where we are is very powerful and any-one that chooses to align gets a healing and a blessing.
It is much more harmful to resist our natural expression than to honour this and feel how uncomfortable it can make others who are not choosing the same.
I can feel the power of letting go in trying to make others change instead bringing the fullness of who we truly are the possibilities for change.
It is easy to feel frustrated or angry when we feel we are not being heard but then is that not just as imposing as the being ignored? If we react we are in effect in the same energy as the original so called affront. As you have discovered anonymous, all we have to do is be ourselves and express who we are and our truth from our bodies and then the reflection we are presenting is very different and does get noticed as something of a very different quality.
“the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.”If our business activity is driven by the sole pursuit of material success, accumulation and competition, then we are bound in an environment of separation, for as you rightly say if we do not confirm and empower people within the workplace then there will be no unification, no true sense of purpose or joy in service.
This world first encourages you to disconnect to you in a deep way. Then, from there life requires you to add your own flavour to that disconnection. ‘Being yourself’ in disconnection, though, is not being yourself. It is only an expression of that disconnection.
For a whole year I have felt resistance in the place where I worked. This resistance is first and foremost a reaction on my part for having an expectation of how the work situation has to be. When I finally worked my way into letting go of these pictures, what was already there and to be fell into place. Life is always asking us if we are willing to live deeper the love that we are, it is always asking us to always be love. Divine constellations are actualized with our choice to be love.
Wow. What a humdinger of a quote, Adele. ‘Divine constellations are actualised with our choices to be love’. I would love this as a fridge magnet, bumper sticker, key ring…
You do notice when someone is totally content and secure with themselves, and you can see this in the way they move when they walk, and even hear it in the tone of sound through their voice when they speak. It is quite incredible to see this as, like diffusion, their ease and way seems to give permission to you to settle back into your body and just be you. No bells or whistles needed, just you. That has to be true inspiration at work…
I love this. When we do express truth from our bodies those around us may not always like it. Sometimes the reactions can be fierce and the shut down swift. This is something I have struggled and continue to struggle with as I’m not really sure in those situations where to go with it all. What you share has been very helpful especially “the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” It seems to be that what is important is not any outcome but that we live what we know is the truth and to stay steady with that.
Yes, no action is required, just a presence and whatever is needed can then come from that presence and quite often there may be nothing to ‘do’.
I have been noticing that abuse and disregard is rife everywhere in society. And most people don’t even believe any other way is even possible. It is a breath of fresh air witnessing people who are open, vibrant and genuinely caring of themselves and other people. Whether others respond favourably and whether they also follow suit, the reflection offers a return to trusting that this is the true way among people.
After reading your blog again, I feel inspired to continuously express the truth and how I feel no matter what I receive back. The key is to express truth without any attachments to people around us agreeing or approving, because once we get attached to an outcome or response we essentially lose our connection to truth.
I agree the best way to offer change is through reflection. Live and be the truth we know and all are and then others get to see it and will ask when ready.
When people talk about “Freedom to speak” they are actually talking about “Freedom to express everything but the truth”. Speak the absolute truth and they don’t like that at all.
Truth is heavenly music to my ears, so there is always exception. But if I hold back truth, I have confirmed that truth is not welcomed. In the past I would hold back what I say and not say with different people, but in that I am living what is separation first within myself. When I do not hold this back anymore, what is reflected back to me at times could be resistance or reaction, but more often than not, there is also alignment and mutual knowing.
Very true Adele, of course many people love to hear the truth, it is those that spout on about freedom of speech and then use that freedom to abuse that are most likely to be offended by the truth!
The dichotomy of what we walk into and work with every day in our workplace, in comparison to who we truly and naturally are, can be so great – and this can be a great challenge and also a great opportunity. I love how this blog talks about all of this. We can hold no pictures of how things should be, but we can learn how to observe and hold the love we truly are. And that is a massive gift and reflection for everyone.
‘I experienced a situation where, in a review meeting with my employer and fellow colleagues, my views on how the magazine feels to me were constantly being dismissed, as well as overridden, and it felt like a shock in the body to not be heard.’ – A great example of how our bodies cops everything that is going on, the question is, are we willing to listen to and truly honour what the body is telling us? Or do we ignore and/or and deny it and simply bury it and move on as if nothing has happened?
Without an understanding of what life presents we can bounce between incidents like a human ping-pong. Sure we can recognise that things are wrong or just not true but it’s our responsibility then to consider why and see the roots of the issue rather than cry. Thank you Anonymous for sharing how you found this deeper understanding.
I can’t help thinking how much more advanced and evolved we would be if we were encouraged to bring all that we are to our jobs and not to fit a mould and stick to the rule book.
It’s so true that we can’t impose change on the world around us, we can only make our own choice knowing that this choice will effect every single person around us.
Our workplaces and industries are a great learning ground for us to learn much about the world and each other.
“if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.” What a shift expressing how we are truly feel would bring to our families, friends, colleagues and communities – and what a different reflection we would be asking for (by action) from the media.
This offers a beautiful understanding of being ourselves and then we don’t need to go into reactions and frustration at the world and can simply feel which allows expansion and a knowing of what is really going on. This is very powerful and joyful as you share here so simply.Thank you.
It is so inspiring to feel that level of integrity in the media industry, getting honest about the fact that any conflict or abuse within the team producing the magazine for the general public, will be felt and passed on to every reader.
‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt.’ The simplicity of this is beautiful. Thank you Anonymous.
“an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.” this line stopped me today when reading it as we often think of freedom to express as being true freedom but when that “freedom” is only allowing one type of expression i.e. not truth but playing safe etc.. then its not really true freedom (even though we’ve been bought up to believe it is). Time to completely re-assess life and the so called freedoms we live under.
There are so many areas of our lives where living in disregard to ourselves and others is accepted as the norm, and as soon as we attempt to change something about it, it is so often met with disdain and or disapproval, whether that is at work or at home. But once we are willing to make a committment to ourselves and to be aware of the smallest details of what no longer supports us in our lives, we begin to realise that it is here that the bigger changes can and do start to happen without us doing anything, other than knowing that we are enough just as we are.
Being ourselves sounds simple enough, and IS more than enough… yet it is surprising how we may not always express what we truly feel if it challenges the current norm.
It almost feels like we are waiting for permission to just be ourselves when we can let go and live from the knowing that we are always enough just as we are without having to do or be anything other than that.
‘…I could not resist being myself and just being joyful and sharing myself with them.’ Is it possible that we will all in our own time, feel the irresistible nature of our innate beingness and obey the call to return to who we are? I feel so. Who in their right mind would resist such joy?
I agree Richard. This reminds me to stop resisting and respond to the call, to be myself and allow the natural pull to express who I am, pure joy.
It is interesting how we try give worth to talk and act ‘objective’, whereby all aspects of life become only alive when we make it about people – who are no ‘objects’. People are sensitive and delicate, they feel, they are aware, they are vulnerable and they belong. Truth and the way forward is not find in a distance (like objetivism) but in a deep connection – with ourselves as with others. But this connections comes also with the call to take full responsibility about our state of being and all our choices. Many people shy away from here and it is on all of us who become familiar again with choosing responsibility and a integer life, to show that it is not so hard and livable; to show the joy of it. This is challenged by people reacting to what is shared – but this is our crucial test. Will I stay with me and the people, will I hold them in my heart no matter what they say or do? Will I stay vulnerable and open, even I feel attacked? Or do I close down, blame the others for it and so, join the energy of separation? Life can become very tricky, specially because we have created it so complicated. But at the end it is all very simple: do I choose separation or connection? Do I close down, withdraw or am I open, develop and bring some understanding.
It is a fact as you have expressed Sandra that we have built our lives like a Chinese puzzle box to the point where we have forgotten how to open it ourselves. Live in the box or not, it is that simple!
Yeah I know this feeling of being in the box and have no idea how to get out again…even I know I am in the box and that there is a truth outside the box waiting for me. I appreciate the modalities and supports from Universal Medicine and the Students of the Livingness here, as there are some great tools to re-connect again. Like the gentle breath, walking with me in presence and so on.
Why do we feel trapped that we can’t make a difference in any field or job? Do we treat them like time, that we feel we have no control over? Who has had their life flash before them in a moment? The experience should end the myth that we have no control over time. Every moment we choose to be ourselves makes a difference that is felt everywhere we go.
It’s beautiful to feel how being yourself at work supported others in the team to open up bringing a lightness with it.
Only when we are with ourselves we can give all of us and what is coming through us to all who we are and all what we do.
It is a lot of fun being able to perceive what is going on in a particular situation. When we are able to do that it is also often very clear what we need to do or not to do in that situation as described in this blog.
It is so tempting to leave who we are to try and be something that we are not to fit into what we think we will be accepted as. Always looking to the outside for the recognition and acceptance, the validation that we are ok. Serge Benhayon has beautifully and consistently shared that what matters the most is that we feel on the inside. To connect to this exquisite quality first and then express who we are in what feels natural to us. Then you are not concerned what others think because there is a natural confidence within that counts and it is strong.
Indeed Natalie, we never have to feel being concerned as when we are connected with our inner most, we are held in the sphere of love where concerns do not have any hold on.
That we are to write an article – which is VERY MUCH needed – about ‘just being ourselves’, in a (the) (media) industry says already a lot! It is telling us how we’ve accepted that giving our power away at work has become very natural. It is much more accepted that actually being ourselves. To the point that when somebody expresses truth, they are made silent or at least people try to make them so. Truth seems to be scary, rather than an opportunity to evolve / grow. What if we all would be simply ourselves, how much could we learn from each other.
Thank you for this blog; it’s just what I need to take to my own life, bringing more of myself to whatever I do, even if it may not always be welcome. The tension of not being myself is getting stronger and can not be sustained on the long run; trying to ‘fit in’ is at our own detriment.
‘We only have to be ourselves.’ I know when I am not being myself it’s because I’m ignoring how awesome and powerful I am simply being me This connection and appreciation is something I am becoming more aware of, being myself has no imposition on the world but simply shines the grandness of who we are. sounds like people can’t resist themselves when seeing this huge invitation you give them as you go about your business.
‘However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating’ Whatever industry we are in, people often complain about workloads, deadlines, this person or that person, but that is often tainted with emotions and that never leads to change. What we are not expressing is our true feelings about what is really going on in the company, in the industry and in the world, or taking responsibility for our part in allowing all that to happen.
Not knowing we are enough for just being ourselves has led us into all sorts of strife – comparison, competitiveness, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and everything of a separative nature in between all the way to war.
I agree. When we try to do better we can get into all sorts of strife.
For this type of media to exist, there has to be a demand for it – if we chose not to buy into this way of media then it would naturally desist.
What I learnt from this article is that how we live, how we feel about ourselves and how we engage with others permeates through everything we express, our private life comes through our work whether we like it or not.
It is so true that you just have to stay connected to who you are and live that everyday in all that do – whether home, family, friends or work. This expression is true expression and is never about imposition or trying to change. Everything is reflection and what you are bringing to this industry by your reflection Anon is powerful in both observation and in print.
Our own lived experience becomes so powerful when shared with others – it inspires others and also allows them to share their experiences… and so we all learn and grow with each other equally so.
Our judgements can be very insidious, so much so that we can avoid seeing them for years and years!
I know I have tiptoed towards accepting how judgemental I have been, and yet nowadays my willingness to be honest is the precursor to being able to make changes and ask for support if needed.
Beautiful 🙂
Yes I agree being ourselves is not only enough it is everything.
‘Supremacy rules every newspaper and magazine, and competition between companies is normal and expected.’ – How incredibly important it is to have this exposed, most of us are walking around completely ignorant to the fact that the energy behind these products, in this case newspapers and magazines, is one of supremacy and total carelessness towards the people they are addressing. The only thing that matters for the majority of industries today is the numbers and how much money they can squeeze out of their consumers. We need to start making it about true care for people first, no matter what industry we are in.
Everything boils down to love and harmony or not. The answer to an unloving situation is never in throwing more unloving behavior at it, so getting angry, frustrated and trying to impose our views and preferences. Wonderful reading what happened at your work, despite of the periodic resistance: “the more I share and discuss my own experiences in relation to how I take care of myself with sleep and exercise etc, that the more the team is open to feeling this truth in their own experiences as well.” This is a great example of how powerful it is if we are simply ourselves in the fullness of the love that we inherently are.
Judgment is one of the blocks that stops us seeing and feeling what is really going on in front of us. The judgment that we think we feel for another is really the fact that we have not fully accepted ourselves. I know the more I observe how much I judge others and reflect that back to myself, it is exposing how hard I am with myself at every turn. Thank you for sharing that true change comes from a quality of being, not a push of doing.
It feels so awful that a whole industry is so invested in the way it wants to operate that it openly states that individuals are not allowed to express how they feel. But at least they are open about it and it gives the individuals a clear choice to be involved in the industry or not. I love the way that you have found that you can express yourself within the industry by accepting how it is and simply making a choice to be yourself. This is a model for other areas of life where it may be impossible to change things. We can still be responsible for how we express and not hold back who we are. There is no rule to say we have to do otherwise.
It is deeply caring to feel the state of the industries we work in. For me this inspires the importance of bringing as much integrity as possible to what we do.
Making things ‘better’ and finding solutions is a consciousness that is accepted as normal, worldwide.
How well this blog exposes that this way does not bring the opportunity for true expression or evolving to support the all. To simply be ourselves is the greatest key to the inner wisdom that is available to everyone.
“We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves”.
What you share here about being in the Media is a very caring way of being. I love these words of yours also Anonymous ” When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves but everyone else; we simply care and understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt and how powerful that is.”
“Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.” Spot on, it is changing the energy of how we act, move and speak that leads to true expression and connection, if there is always something that isn’t left resolved within the body, then this can only be quelled by any and every outer substance that we can pull in – emotions, recognition, food, stimulation, entertainment etc.
‘We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.’ This is a superb reminder as I know I react to industry, wanting to change what I see which is imposing on others. Allowing myself to be me and bringing understanding leaves far less room for reaction.
“Just Being Myself is Enough…” can be a tricky one to truly feel and embody. Everything in life sets us up to not feel this, but in the knowing that when we simply allow ourselves to be ourselves this supports others to be themselves also and changes the game.
Being ourselves is enough no matter where we work or live. In fact it is more than enough, it is everything. It is our responsibility to bring all that we are to all that we do as this is committing to what we are applying ourselves to. We cannot possibly do this if we do not connected to who we truly are first.
This is such a profoundly powerful realisation that also prevent us from having investments in outcomes or goals which can lead to us taking on more than is ours to deal with. I experienced this last week and the weight I could feel which was lifted was incredible – we are only responsible for bringing ourselves in full to the best of our ability to what we do, the rest from there is taken care of.
Inspiration is not dependent on the doing. It is the breathing of our own breath in its simplest sense. If inspiration is a way of living, it will be felt in our movements.
Yes, any time we want or try to change someone or something, we have made a judgement, and it is a sign that we are not in that moment trusting the power of reflection just by being present and true to ourselves.
Agree. Any condition, imposition, expectation on another or situation does the same. We are then needing something to be a particular way because we are not with ourselves or feeling complete while not allowing another to just be.
It’s strange that we have so many sayings like “just be yourself” yet as you’ve shared this is not actually what we are asked to be doing in nearly every aspect of life. I have no doubt and have personally asked people to “be themselves” but what I really wanted and was asking was for them to be what I wanted them to be or my picture of what they should be like.
‘I understood that when we express truly how things feel, this expression comes from within our body. Connecting with our body like this also means that we feel all of our choices – the wise and the not so wise.’ I have noticed that when people express from their body all this lived wisdom is shared and listening to the speaker becomes so much more engaging; there is a power that emanates and the more someone lives from their body the more this power is brought through.
“When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt. And how powerful that is!” It is indeed powerful Anon, and something that we have to keep reminding ourselves of, no matter how difficult the situations are that we find ourselves in.
“The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” Perfect timing to read this blog today I can feel how I have got frustrated and this frustration is sitting in my body and it feels horrible. Learning that we can not change or impose our way of being on the world is something I am still very much learning. Thank you Anonymous a much needed blog for me to read today
I loved the fact that even though you experienced a lot of resistance from those you work with that you “could not resist being” yourself. This feels huge to me. We can hope and plan to change what is happening in our families, in our workplace and in the community, but if we want to achieve true change this hoping and planning is absolutely futile as change has to come from us first and foremost; and being ourselves is the first life changing step.
Becoming reactive and frustrated at what is so glaringly wrong with the world doesn’t change anything, only adds to the ills. It’s taken me some time to understand that all we need to do is live true to ourselves, holding that truth while allowing others to live as they choose. No investment, no attachment.
There are many points in this-
1. That we all experience life so when we come to a work meeting we all need to be able to share as we can offer different perspectives and grow together.
2. That when we impose it is often that we want others to get it or be a certain way before we make the changes necessary.
3. Society currently isn’t asking for magazines of more substance- there is a demand for this and therefore a call for magazines to produce content in this way.
Wikipedia has 15 subcategories for Media Industry! All have the end result of making money. There are numerous opportunities to bring ourselves to the table. It is amazing the changes that others make for themselves just by us living and being who we are.
Well said Jane, we have great responsibility for our thoughts, words and actions. Be the change we want to see in the world and bring on the ripple effect! It may take eons but never doubt, trust.
Why is it that we have to look outside ourselves to the media to fill us up with lies and semi-truths and things that in truth really don’t matter anyway?
There can be a feeling of overwhelm when we start to see and feel all that is ‘not working’, when we see the disruption that has become normal. This can be personal, within a family, within a community, a culture, a country or the world. How can we change it? We are only one! Yet we are one, and one who is part of a bigger one, so simply by being aware of how we live, how we love, by being the change we want to see and bringing understanding to what we all feel and see will cause a ripple effect. Even in media 🙂
“But the magazine is made up of the people sitting in the meeting room – the magazine is us.”
Anon this reminds me of looking around Secondary Schools for my son recently where I felt quite clearly how some children were there to show you round their school, that this was the focus of their tour, to show you how amazing the school is, its facilities, its surroundings, its teachers, subjects and lessons. Counter to this were the schools where the children who showed you around knew that it was them that made their school,rather than it being a benevolence towards its buildings, facilities and teachers, it was a celebration of the pupils themselves, their naturally diverse and imperfect expressions produced a sense of confidence that comes from being part of a environment that puts people first.
“However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.” And therein lies the reason why they needed to suppress your expression, because when we express the Truth, it often means making huge changes as a consequence, something humanity is not that willing to do without a fight.
‘being told that the purpose of our meetings was not to talk about what feels important to us personally, but to discuss what would benefit and improve the magazine’ how often are we geared in life to be about outcomes, end results and really about the supremacy of being better or the all mighty dollar. From very young we learn to be seen we must lessen ourselves to go into the doing of life and settle for being recognised. But this is a very poor second to the love we are from. So of course it makes sense that when someone starts to live this love and express from life being about people – the system and those abiding by it then react, reject, deny and belittle. The truth is we all have a responsibility to be ourselves and express.
‘competition between companies is normal and expected.’ This fact is an end result that from young our system of education feeds us to be competitive and recognised.
I agree. Telling the truth in order to be confirmed or to show that one is right can lead to a lot of conflict.
I wonder how much putting a magazine together is about maximising shareholder return and how much room there is within that aim for the people working on that magazine to enjoy putting the magazine together?
The moment we have an agenda people react. I often do myself if I am not understanding of why this person feels they should be making a certain outcome happen. Attachments to outcomes i feel as a tension in my body which is toxic. I’m finding my way with not trying to impose outcomes on others. Simply explaining the consequences of a set of choices to people without being attached to what they then choose allows everyone the grace of making their choices without imposition.
“Being ourselves is often not encouraged in our present day world and the concept of expressing what “I feel” is extremely unwelcome in the part of the world that I live in” – agree Anon, and the only way over the years that i’ve got to truly feel was by slowing down from the fast pace i was working and living in, where ‘quickness’ was welcomed as ‘nimbleness’ and also ‘success’ too. Needless to say my own expression and communication was this quickness, spreading myself thinly, and as a result never feeling confident within myself, or with others despite my outgoing nature. Slowing down to feel brought trust and in this a steadiness to be myself.
Yes Zofia, it is without the drive and with the building of conscious presence that I got to feel myself, and in that enjoy the quality and value that I bring, to the task at hand.
Your blog so reminds me of the film devil wears parada – the pressure to perform and come up with the next best greatest thing that has never been done, and yet remains within the box we are apparently meant to think outside of.
Understanding what is true for us is such a foundational trust to develop with-in ourselves. Otherwise when we are presented with what others think, say or do we can go along with the group without question. However this is not the end of the matter. Whether we realise it or not our bodies hold our own unique truth and wisdom and it is essential for our every-day well being and evolution of humanity that we connect to ourselves before an opinion is formed or agreed upon – otherwise we are just puppets to the loudest person.
“We may not always even be appreciated. The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” Resolve resistance in oneself then one no longer takes resistance from others personally. Instead one is then able to relate with them with an open heart and without judgment.
It doesn´t need much to inspire and support people, it is not even a doing. Just being oneself resonates in another to also be them self, that´s all. But when have we ever experienced, learned or practised this simplicity? Well, there is always a first time and it can be us who introduce it to the people around us.
“…the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” To really get to this point of understanding must makes it easier to speak up when needed…yes there may be criticism, but far worse is the feeling of keeping quiet and the impact this has on our bodies.
It’s been steep learning curve for me to accept that other people choose whatever they choose and it actually has nothing to do with me. My responsibility is with myself and in not holding myself back.
As with everything, it is not what we do, but the quality with which we do it that is the key to inspiring others to change, in any industry, family or social situation. And some will choose to be inspired and others will not.
I love what you have shared here Anon: “What I realised from my experiences is there is no need to impose change in the world. We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves. We do not need to always agree with others and we can have very different lifestyles and choices. We may not always even be appreciated. The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” – this is key…it is never about changing another or the world, for that is futile, but we can learn to be ourselves and bring more of that to the world, then as a result of the reflection, the world will eventually change…however, we cannot be expecting of the change nor waiting for it to happen, it is simply about allowing it in its own time with no imposition, only with a deeper understanding of how cycles work.
Anon, much of what you have shared can also be applied to many other industries, which is why your blog is pertinent for us all to read. And even outside of work,with friends and family or out and about, there is expression that is accepted and expression that is not accepted. This can at times be very subtle, but is still there as a presence hovering over us to ensure we do not express how we feel, that we do not express what might rock the boat…
Its true Henrietta, we are constantly being pulled to deepen & evolve our relationships, so to work in an environment where this is sidelined in pursuit of reputation & originality will inevitably create a tension, a reaction in peoples bodies because their unified purpose is neither encouraged nor celebrated.
“However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.” There is a saying that change comes from within… and this is what you present here Anonymous. Rather than trying to force change on the outside world if we change our relationship with ourselves – by connecting to our own innate truth, and reading what is truly going on in situations from there, we bring an understanding to the situation which changes our perspective… others feel that change and are then also inspired to make changes.
True change comes about not from words but by example.
For a long time I related ‘me’ and ‘being me’ and my actions to be one and the same. That if I did nothing then who was I? On quiet working days this would play as a restlessness and boredom. Knowing who I am by how I feel is completely different and can remain constant in my life. My actions may change in life but the quality can be with me anytime I choose to feel the presence within my body.
We all say that we want our media to deliver truth, integrity and unbiased journalism and yet we continue to buy the newspapers and magazines that they produce. So in fact it is us, the consumers, that is lying. Do we really want the truth? Or is it possible that we enjoy the lies – because it allows us to hide in our own?
Well said Otto, and thus it reveals that we each play a part, that we are all ultimately responsible for this unnatural way of living that we have allowed for. And so it begins, the unravelling, the gradual return back to truth should we choose it, should we choose to no longer side with the lies that keep us hidden.
Exactly – yes we are responsible for the mess – but the flip side is that we therefore, by definition, have the power to make the changes. Our choice. Our responsibility.
Permission to remain ignorant to what we inherently know is our group responsibility.
I remember when I took my driving test and I had to learn the Highway Code. On the first page of the booklet, it said “ignorance of the law is not an excuse” – I’ll never forget those wise words.
“The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” Boy-oh-boy do I feel this one. There is no greater nourishment, exercise, support or health-care for the body than living who we truly are.
Life is so much simpler when we are being ourselves, no role to play, no image to keep up wth and a natural joy that is in all of us can bubble to the surface.
Whether it is within a workplace, industry at large or the family within our own homes, it makes sense that everyone’s opinion deserves to be heard,each juncture provides the basis for the next contribution.
When we are not being ourselves at work, we perpetuate everything we know isn’t caring in our industries.
It’s a good point about imposing change, as change really begins from the inspiration people feel from others. From that inspiration the new choices people make for themselves naturally changes industries and systems.
Great blog. And while you are speaking about your experience in the media industry, it’s important for us to be ourselves at all times, regardless of our job.
I would have thought of all industries, that the media industry would be open and transparent in their communications and dealings with people, after all, they pride themselves with exposing deceit and wrong behaviours of others. It can actually be felt how the industry has changed over a few decades, where there is so much reporting that the facts can get skewered and changed, and hence the public generally do not appear to trust the media anymore. One day, it may change so this industry comes from the highest integrity able and prints true facts to the best of their ability without the sensationalism of selling stories as appears to be the media industry today.
I agree Gill, the facts can get skewered and changed, it seems now that the newspapers are creating the news instead of only reporting it.
I witnessed yesterday a group of individuals who are part of the media and music industry on a train on the way back from a global company get together. Everyone was very drunk, standing in the isles drinking and saying lots of things that made little sense, yet this is all accepted as getting to know each other. Very few people were being themselves, its not unusual yet it does show how we often have to be something in most industries instead of simply being ourself and expressing from who we naturally are. It could be easy to be critical but its I’m starting to see how no matter the way we choose not to be our true self, the end result is always the same and we and society miss out.
“The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are” – This is something so important to appreciate and understand. When there is tension between us and something/someone who is behaving in a way that we feel is corrupted, untrue or false then that can be a good thing (believe it or not!). It shows us that we are in fact living differently to that person, or not in the same quality as how the corporation, project, system etc. is run.
Surely it makes sense that any company or organisation is only as good as the people that work for it and in it. So it would be wise to maximise that key resource of people within any organisation by listening to them and hearing their opinions?
I agree Andrew – that would be a company of and for the future.
It seems to me that we live in a society based on the assumption that there is something wrong that needs to be fixed – and so, we go about our days, working on this fix. We work towards solutions, improvements, betterments etc. But do we ever question the assumption itself? Was there anything really wrong in the first place? It is like someone who is innately Divine trying to become Divine – all their efforts actually take them away from their innateness rather than towards it. It is as Anonymous shares here, a case of just being ourselves rather than trying to be someone. Hence, life is much more about letting go of what is not our true self, than trying to create a true self. The latter is self-defeating.
A powerful confirmation that self-care and self-nurturing are the necessary building blocks for true expression to be re-built – what a great reflection and marker you bring Anonymous to people at work (and elsewhere!) offering them the opportunity to feel their own separation and express differently.
“Coincidentally, what I have found is that the more I share and discuss my own experiences in relation to how I take care of myself with sleep and exercise etc, that the more the team is open to feeling this truth in their own experiences as well”.
Anonymous, when I read this article and particularly what you have written here I feel an ease in my body and acceptance of mine and others choices; ‘We can have very different lifestyles and choices. We may not always even be appreciated. The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.’ I have tried to fit in and join in with the way other people live and this does not feel good in my body. I now live in a way that feels true to me and have noticed over time how others have accepted and even been inspired by this, it feels very lovely and solid in my body to honour myself in this way.
Simple, claimed and true.
“Like many industries, the media industry is built upon the foundation of disregard of ourselves.” Imagine turning this around, so that all our industries were built upon a foundation of care, respect, honesty and integrity. What would the quality of our products and customer services be like, if these were the foundation of all our industries, born from the personal expression of these inherent attributes?
When I look at business, its all about competition and not collaboration. There is an undisguised desire to improve our own position no matter the consequences and its fed by the fact that we are focussed on our separate lives. This lack of cohesion is damaging, its hard work, and ultimately self sabotaging as its a very short term view. Also it misses out on the wonderful opportunity to see the bigger picture, to be so much more than just I, and inspire that in others.
In not acknowledging that it is we who make up the companies and businesses for which we work we can be distracted by our work toward separate outcomes and goals without responsibility for the way in which we seek to gain such ends and rewards. This is not the foundation for true success.
Just being yourself will always be enough, no matter who you are or where you are, the skills you have or the talents you can bring. You are already a great light just by walking in to the room – should you choose that light to shine with.
The best CV ever. I am who I am and that is enough and everything.
Maybe the time is right just to stop buying into the media of today anyway unless it shapes up with a bit more responsibility for what it is peddling. It has certainly changed over the past few years with the internet and social medial bursting onto the scene but so much more needs to be done. I can’t speak for everyone else but I know I want truth in newspapers and magazines, I don’t need to lose myself in propaganda about the way I should be, act or dress or who I should vote for, or for what reasons. A true paper or magazine with those involved in its making, truly expressing would be a wonderful thing. Oh wait there is one.
This week someone expressed to me that they had been in a meeting where it was being said that there was great teamwork within the team. This person said they didn’t feel they could speak up and say actually, it isn’t great teamwork at all. It’s just that everyone gets on, goes out for drinks together and nobody rocks the boat. I asked why they didn’t speak up and their response was that they would never get work again with these people. And so from this, truth doesn’t get expressed. This person was feeling and speaking the truth to me, but didn’t feel they could to those that needed to hear it.
With every small ill choice, move and thought we make that we have felt doesn’t really matter, if one looks at the state the world, what have we been doing?
When we are ourselves, we will always bring and be the light in the darkness where ever we go!
We cannot expect anyone else to change, we can only reflect to another what is possible and they may or may not align to what we are offering, We cannot be invested either way.
I always ask myself, if the world is in such a disharmonious or unbalanced state, what would love do? If I were the world, as indeed I am and we all are, what would love do? Love would expose all that is not of love because love can only be love, and love would just keep being love. This wakes me up deeply as love would always accept of myself and of the world, and so can I, as that is simply what is natural.
Anonymous that is so true we only need to be ourself. Your powerful sharing made it very clear that imposing things on others is keep on playing the same game the world is so perfectly playing in every second of our lives.
A media where people are just being true to themselves rather than trying to sell us an image of how they imagine life should be would indeed change the world.
When you put it like that Elizabeth you we can see how the whole scenario is a recycling of already-present-images, that are being up-cycled according to another, a group, and/or an ultimate agenda.
More and more I am learning how people can work within a challenging profession and make changes, not necessarily by speaking out, but simply by the way they live, being joyful in their work, taking great care of their bodies and being open with colleagues. Deep down we all know what is true and what is not true and when we are presented with a true reflection, we then have a choice to make.
Gee this was great to read today on a very busy work day. I can feel the reaction in my body of frustration and wanting things to be different… wanting people to care… it’s heavy and tiring and doesn’t support anyone. Being me brings more to a work place, project or community than frustration.
There is so much pressure in the media industry to cater for or be insync with the trends and deliver what people want that expression and what is needed or could change is not considered.
Aged care is another area where what you share Anon is totally relevant. Voices are not even recognised let alone valued in many aged care services and in families who are supporting their aged family or friends. People speak on the older person’s behalf; assume what is ‘good and right’ for another. The level of ‘giving up’ is seen throughout the industry. To be yourself has been replaced with ‘be compliant, be silent, be-have’ We are all diminished by this abuse.
‘We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.’ Realising this, Anonymous, makes such a difference not just to our attitude towards work but also to other people. What a great reflection we are to others when we can just be ourselves wherever we are and not comply or react but just respond to what is needed. Sometimes that means to just observe the rot and bring our light to the situation without necessarily saying anything. We are still expressing through this reflection which we offer to people without imposing on them. Once we let go of our need for things to be different but just reflect the truth, people start to feel it and they then have the choice to make a change or not.
If we keep in mind that the world is made up of people who are just like us and that everyone is equal in the sense that, deep down, we all know the truth, we then can see through things that might make us react and just reflect the truth we know which helps others connect to the truth within them.
Being ourselves is our one responsibility
The corruption, control and supremacy that runs in the media industry is something that we do all have the power to change. Speaking up and calling out corruption when we see it and not seeking stories that incite sensationalism, emotions, gossip or bitching about others sends a clear message about the kind of media we truly want. Not from a place of trying to control back in retaliation but from expressing what we know is the truth.
Interesting Anonymous, and yes it [the disregard, and the play on this to get the ‘job done’] is the same for the industry i work in too…So long as there is disregard in the employees there will equally be disregard in the companies, industries, sectors, businesses, careers, professions those employees work in, and the cycle of abuse will continue. As you share, we cannot change people but through reflection they can be inspired to make the change themselves, and in turn change the industry etc. worked in.
The phrase ‘being ourselves is enough’ is actually also playing it down. Being ourselves is powerful beyond measure, are far beyond what the eye will ever see.
Being myself is enough, this is a great place to start. Accepting this and living it consistently opens up our awareness deeper into much much more.
A great reminder Vicky, bringing a deeper awareness of how easy is it to fall into the trap of ‘playing ourselves down’ from the truth of all that we are.
It is true Anonymous, we only have to be ourselves in life regardless of our profession or any other circumstance. Very simple really…
What a gorgeous blog, presenting the truth of being in a place that doesn’t always accept what we express. But bringing the awareness to the importance of living it ourselves. Knowing this brings change, even if we don’t fully notice it.
Understanding is a big one and when we allow others to be where they are this also gives ourselves permission to be who we are. Expressing all of this and not getting caught up about where the other person is or what they say or don’t say doesn’t even come into the equation. How freeing is this – not only for ourselves but everyone around us also. This is huge.
If a magazine or any kind of media is for people should not people be equally considered in the production of it rather being subject to the subtle and not so subtle manipulations that entice us to buy it and buy into everything else it may offer? We as the buyers and consumers of these magazines, newspapers, media, also have a part to play because as long as we continue to buy without discernment we are saying yes to not just the bits we like but also to the manipulation. We are supporting lies, we are saying yes you can do with me as you will. So we the consumers are also in a huge disregard of ourselves and others.
‘Being me is enough’, says it all! If everyone was raised to know this one simple truth the world would be in a much better state. Humanity would be free from the devastating feelings and on-flowing effects of competition and greed and we would bask in the light of true brotherhood – for we would know that if we are enough then so is everybody else.
Where-ever we are in life, whatever our job, whatever industry we find ourselves in, being our true selves is key… it is staying true to our inner essence, that love and wisdom within, that supports us and brings a natural flow and harmony in our everyday living.
Isn’t it terrible that expressing what we feel or see is so frowned upon. This reminds me of the boy who spoke out in the story of ‘The Emperors New Clothes’ stating the obvious ‘but he’s not wearing anything.’and those all around him knew this themselves but held back from say so for a multitude of reasons. We are so controlled by what we think we ‘should’ say, what is acceptable in the eyes of others, that we might be wrong and what we are seeing or feeling cant be true because no one else is saying anything, its just me etc etc. Do we trust and hold steady to what we truly feel or see without being caught up in the sway of the general or extreme consensus which is simply energy that we can choose to fall in with or not.?
Do we simply hold steady and express what we feel when it is necessary and appropriate to without the need for another to respond or get it? Life is always asking us, are we prepared to live the deep love that we are?
It’s interesting to clock the frustration that can occur when we let ourselves feel the corruption and the evil at play in the industries such as the media and many more that govern our lives. The frustration is of course with us, with holding back our expression towards a machine that wants to quell our frustration in the first place. But is it also because deep down we also know that we have all played a complicit part in creating these loveless machines through the en-masse disconnection and hence the presiding emptiness that longs to be filled – with magazines that will forever tell us we need this and that to be better and more, TV shows that will deliver the same, billboards with pictures of fantasy we can never reach but we seemingly ought to, and so much more that speaks back to the emptiness we put out in the first place.
There is no frustration and no reaction when we know we have lived the love that we are to its fullest, so it always comes back to ourselves and our responsibility.
What you have highlighted here Anon, is that if we hold onto an image of how others need to be there are often complications when all that is required is simply for us to live from the impulse of our soul by focusing on the quality of our movements inspiring others to be true to who they really are.
And those that are immediately effected by such supremacy are humanity itself. For it not only means many of us do not hear or see what the most important news stories are simply because they would not sell the paper etc ( such as escillating illness and disease rates which is something we do not want to hear about) but so too do those who have suffering from the story untold.
Whilst the majority of the world is not living the truth of who they are, there is a demand for the media industry to supply what it does, regardless of the cost of promoting further the separation that people choose. However the more people such a yourselves reflect to them another way, it makes sense that it will slowly awaken to what is important in life and what is possible to live and begin to reflect that in it’s pages and day to day runnings.
Well said Samantha. The media industry and magazine is largely run off a consciousness of hurt, numbing, wanting to check out and escape from reality and a lack of self worth and believing we need to make ourselves better. Being within any industry that is up against a call for more of this, offering a different way, without the need to numb or stimulate is a reflection that is very much needed. Beautiful how Anon brought understanding and shared themselves instead of emotions.
Yes, the media industry answered a call, if the call wasn’t there they would have to change so each an every person that chooses to engage with life and live with love for themselves and humanity without the need to numb and distract will engender change and therefore a different call will go out.
It was a milestone for me to get to this realization you have described anonymous, and to start living it. A space when I realize I could lay my sword down as no fight was needed to see change in our world. A moment when I started to move with the understanding of what Serge presents, our living way is all that is needed.
The more we actually accept and then live that we are enough the greater the future will be and sooner!!!
A simple exposé of how to be at work in industry or corporate. We don’t need to change the ill-driven systems we work in we will just come up against resistance and create unwanted more behaviours against ourselves making work harder. We just need to be ourselves. “The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” You cannot argue with simple wisdom from the Soul.
A powerful confirmation for me Anon that when I express myself honestly and openly I need to have no agenda at all; no ‘hope’ that it will bring change, be accepted or even be appreciated but just know that my job is to be myself.
I have learned that the moment any agenda creeps in (on my part) people recoil, misunderstand or resist what I am presenting, no matter what it is, because they feel the meddlesome force in me trying to ‘fix’ or change them and this is a disrespect and an offense on my part & not at all what I want.
When I let go and just observe and accept where everyone is and do my part to be just who I am and not hold back saying what I feel, I know it is good magic; that I have taken responsibility to bring my truth out; and the world can do what it will with it.
Yes, allowing us to be where we are at, just as we allow others to be where they are at. Our agenda is no less imposing than another persons agenda. Expression is crucial though and we should not hold back the expression of love – there is no picture of what that expression of love needs to look like, it simply is.
When I was young I would speak up and say what I felt, much to the shock of others and I was once told that I really shouldn’t say everything I felt as some people just didn’t want to hear it. This resulted in me shutting down and not saying much at all, or just saying things that I knew wouldn’t rock the boat. I only realised this had happened over the last few years and have been working on my expression and not being afraid of how others may or may not react to what I have to share. It is massive when we shut down and don’t express as it not only effects us, but those around us too.
When we have built most if not all industries on disregard it is no wonder that we don´t want to be made aware of it by someone sharing how this feels and what it actually implies. But then, this is the reason why it needs to be exposed by a different way of being for everyone to realize that it is possible otherwise, we don´t know for sure.
This fact astutely picked up for one industry but it could just as well be stated for any other area of today’s world: “the concept of expressing what “I feel” is extremely unwelcome in the part of the world that I live in. In fact it is so discouraged that, at times, those who try to be themselves feel the force of being ostracised and not accepted in the system.”
This brings greater light to the responsibility held by any of us who are aware of this fact and have the ability to show a different way. The more people opting to express from their essence, the more this way will become seen as the norm and the less power will be yielded by the force that discourages it.
“of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy”. What is it about us as a human race that we rather work in an environment that is actually quite abusive and dishonest? What is it that we’ve allowed this to be our ‘normal’? Could it be that our true normal is a world where we first and foremost love and care for each other dearly. And when we make mistakes that we do discuss them, but never from judgement or belittling. Sharing truth isn’t as normal as it could be in our working environment. But one thing is super lovely, together we are and will be able to make the changes that are necessary.
For me it feels better to take the word ‘just’ away from the title ‘just being myself is enough’ as there is no ‘just’ about being ourselves. We are all the ever expanding gloriousness of God, there ain’t no ‘just’ about that!
Being ourselves is the most natural thing in the world, nothing and no one can control us when we are truly bringing the fullness of ourselves to every situation in life.
Many work places can be as tricky as you describe the media industry is, and we know how strong we can be to offer a different refection for everyone to feel. Businesses and companies can be about people not about making money.The money making comes with the way the industry is held by the people who are working in it.
This sharing was really eye opening for me Anonymous. I’ve never truly considered that ‘everyone’s opinion matters’ instead I’ve subscribed to right and wrong and I can see now that this way of thinking is an absolute farce. There is no right and wrong only truth … and we can only get to truth when we all contribute.
This story sounds familiar to me… I work in the medical industry and there is a similar status quo of thinking and working that the majority have agreed with and it is difficult to challenge anything even when it is plainly clear that it is not working.
Supremacy rules every newspaper and magazine, and competition between companies is normal and expected.’ And this we have accepted as our norm – frightening isn’t it.
I can have reservations when speaking out because of the reason of confronting confrontation.
However this is a detrimental feeling that progresses no one. Even if we are misguided with our expression at first it is practice to expresss more clearly next time round.
Equality gets a bad name in many situations – mostly because it is not true equality that is being spoken about. Instead it is a shadowed version of equality that assumes things like: we should all agree; or there can be no differences of opinion without there being a winner and a loser. Instead equality is actually inherent in all humanity given we are all the same essence. How we choose to live and express as our true selves (or not) is where the differences begin, but regardless of those differences we are still equal.
Again, it comes back to the fact that everything is energy… A product holds the quality and level of integrity of its producers, but often we overlook this and choose something on the look of it rather than how the quality of a product feels.
Or is so often the case we settle for rubbish. How half hearted have we become? So many of us have simply given up when it comes to pretty much everything and this is a travesty considering we come from a place where we are all dedicated to continuously expanding into new levels of light and love.
We save the world by saving ourselves not ‘taking on the systems’ or anything else. Its about letting go of the fight, not adding to it.
You can really feel how being nice, polite, looking for recognition by saying the ‘right’ things to the right people is far more valued than someone who is willing to stand up and speak their truth. Work environments are built on a rocky foundation of keeping the status quo as it is; people coming up with ‘new’ ideas but really we are just going around in circles, re-inventing the wheel.
‘But the magazine is made up of the people sitting in the meeting room – the magazine is us.’ This is so important to have said. If we are producing something that is at the expense of the team producing it then what we are producing isn’t going to touch people that deeply, or indeed it simply confirms that the product and the system is more important than the people who produce that product or work in that system. This does not encourage anyone to feel self appreciation or to work harmoniously in a team but reduces everyone who then go into competition to get what they can out of a system that doesn’t meet them.
When the team isn’t being valued, and the focus is on producing something at the expense of the team, the quality of what is being produced changes. It becomes about the what is not, rather than the what is.
The other question that is important as well is if we witness something like this, what do we do about it? What do we do when we observe someone being shut down deliberately?
I work in health and this blog could very easily apply to health and really as you say any industry. I heard a story just today of a patient who was shut down by their main health professional. When one is sick, vulnerable and in bed and the health professional is standing, almost towering over you it’s very hard to speak out. It’s like the disregard of the health professional is being presented with the disregard of the patient. Seeing through this is so important, it’s not easy as we have to see our own learning in each situation to see through it. But what presents afterwards is understanding. Understanding of ourselves and others, leading to greater compassion.
The quality we feel in every product is the end result of those that have created it. Your awareness Anon of what you bring and the importance of the quality of this is inspiring, particularly in this challenging industry.
Christine, this is so true. The quality can be felt in any product be it magazine and media or a pair of socks and how a product feels is almost more important than anything else. If an item of clothing doesn’t feel right we leave it in the cupboard unworn, so why do we so often override these feelings? What you are bringing to the media industry Anon is inspiring, a connection to the truth you feel and expressing it whether it is heard or not.
Being myself is enough. Learning that there is a great love, beauty, joy and grace that is me is too yummy for words. How can this not be enough? It is impossible, as it is for everyone.
What an awesome offering this brings to the media industry – you simply bring you – making he choices that you make and allowing others to feel inspired Around you. What if by you choosing to go to bed earlier, an editor in chief considered this as a story in a women’s magazine rather than how to loose weight and look good from the outside. What if by living in a way where how we feel is paramount, we support others to see this and we have an opportunity that how we feel comes well before how we look.
“We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves” I simply love this part, I so often go into reaction about situations that are not true and get in all sorts of frustration, yet as you say the real strength and power is to simply be me in that situation, industry etc..
Another powerful blog Anonymous. In my experience, I know that when the mind is allowed to dominate and lead the way, there is separation from my body and in this separation, emotional energy has the opportunity to get in the way of any wisdom shared from the body.
“Connecting with our body like this also means that we feel all of our choices – the wise and the not so wise. Such awareness would arrest our ingrained pattern of relating to the body – that is, keeping it separate and disconnected from us”.
Yes indeed, when we allow ourselves to just be and deepen in that connection, our words and movements are representing the whole of heaven and bring through precisely what is needed in any given situation.
In the moments when I am settled in my body and simply enjoying the feeling of the truth of who I am, I am so much more aware of what’s going on around me and what’s really going on. Interesting how much more can be seen when we’re not distracted by the expectations, perceptions and ‘shoulds’ of others and our external environment. There is so much more of me available for myself and others in these moments, and I am generally received more readily.
If you look at the state of politics at the moment it’s clear to see that many people disagree with the way things are going and the elected representatives of certain countries, and thousands have taken to social media to express this, marched through cities, protested etc. to show their anger and disagreement… But as you’ve brought up in this blog, have they then changed how they are in their own lives to be more truthful, honest and stand up for what they know is right? It is our actions and choices on the microcosmic scale that will affect the macro.
Great sharing and as you say ‘We only have to be ourselves’ and everything else is taken care of. Something I have realised is the more I am myself the more I actually take care of others naturally without any effort or trying.
“We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.” This is a powerful statement Anonymous and one that is much needed to be heard. The daily frustrations and hurts I have experienced whilst working in the Education system are frequent and still run deep. The desire to want to change the system as a reaction to those hurts is strong…but as you say just being ourselves is the key to unlocking working within all systems everywhere.
To not be heard when expressing our truth can be quite shocking and bring up a lot as this has happened to us so many times and is probably the reason for most of us why we started to hold back and give up expressing and contributing our views in the first place. So it is important that we claim back our truth in expression, regardless of how often we get dismissed or are not heard and know that it has an impact on all anyways and slowly step by step, appreciating ourselves in it, we will find back our voices and experience the power of it and the change possible through that.
I have dedicated a lot of energy to trying to impose changes at work and elsewhere in my life and it has never worked so it is refreshing to embrace just being myself and that being enough. I am noticing that this is far more effective than approaching other people with an attitude that I know best which does not allow for equality and true working together.
It is very beautiful when work is first about the connection with people and then the task at hand. Unfortunately the other way round is more common and it seems we have forgotten that we are beings that deserve deep care and tender interaction.
“The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.” This is so true and I am feeling this within myself the resistance is twice as strong if I allow myself to be affected by what is going on around me. Just being myself without any need for others to get it, is something I am still learning and is very poignant in my life right now so it was great to read your blog anonymous.
This is a great point you are making Ariana, one that causes a big shift in ones life when we start to live in accordance with it and start to live the grandness of who we are. The idea that we may not be enough is on offer everywhere and so easy to slip into, so it takes a lot of support for ourselves to stay on track once we have recognised and chosen this way of life.
This opens an interesting discussion. It is true that in the media (as in anything ‘professional’) feelings have no place. And we have learnt from Universal Medicine how truly important is feeling energy first all the time. Yet, of what good would be someone acting, writing, presenting, etc. be from a ‘feeling’ this person gets from a body that is totally disconnected from and is polluted by the way of moving through life? We have to be careful here. When someone leans on the ‘clean’ energetic side, yes feel by all mean, but how can someone know that it does not lean on that side if this is the only thing that knows?
Thank you anonymous for sharing a very deep and profound truth. There is no need to impose change on our world with laws, policy, procedures et al. Nor with manipulations, control and force. Life changes when we each make a choice to be who we are in our innate beingness. There are celebrations in heaven when we do so.
Thank you Anonymous, this is such a powerful truth you have expressed and within an industry sorely in need of real people with real integrity. What a huge revelation to really feel that the power of change lies not in pushing and imposing ideals on others, but in opening up and expressing your real self, warts and all with no agenda. When we allow our selves to express who we are, we naturally allow and inspire others to do the same and then changes can occur quite spontaneously.
“Being ourselves is often not encouraged in our present day world and the concept of expressing what “I feel” is extremely unwelcome in the part of the world that I live in.” it would seem this is so in many areas of life currently. In fact being a chameleon – being able to adapt oneself to any person or situation was thought to be as asset. However what greater gift can we give than being naturally ourselves – without any trickery or manipulation?
Thank you for writing this article anonymous, This feels so true, ‘We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves.’ I have noticed with my work that if I react to how it operates and get frustrated and overwhelmed then I get very affected and tired, if I am simply being myself and go about work in my gentle, loving way then I do not get affected by my work and instead bring a different quality to my workplace and it is this reflection that can inspire others and bring about change.
An important part of this blog is when you relay the message that the quality of our relationships with each other are way more important than the work we produce, because it is those very same relationships that are the cornerstones for all the work we produce and thus what we collectively contribute to the world.
What an industry to be practicing being yourself in. You picked a real corker! how amazing that you and your light are there to reflect to others just what they might need to see in order to help them also realise that who they are is enough.
We cannot impose change we only need to be ourselves in a true way and that will inspire change, but the truth will always be resisted by some if not many but we will all get there eventually.
So true that we often fear the resistance we perceive we’ll come across if we’re ourselves, but actually that the resistance within our own bodies is much greater if we don’t live all of who we truly are. Not living who we truly are creates a tension that is uncomfortable to feel and sooner or later is reflected back to us through our body. I so appreciate how the body is constantly reflecting back to us all of our choices and to what extent those choices are ones that support us to be in sync and in harmony with who we truly are.
We do feel the impact from those who discourage us from not speaking how we feel but it is what we do with that oncoming energy that matters. Do we choose reaction and go into fighting mode or do we withdraw and not say anything or do we choose to observe, accept and read the situation committed to ourselves with no agenda or expectation and speak and say simply how we feel. What we say is equal to another no matter what our situation is and this is something I am gently coming to accept and understand in my own life.
The energy of the people running a business and the way they interact with each other is carried in the end product.
True Mary, whether behind the scenes it’s politics, deceit or rah rah, it affects the end result, and that product is what people bring into their homes also. This is a sobering reminder that the way we interact is key in what others receive.
Being our selves and allowing our joy to be felt… is also just fun!
It is great fun being ourselves and that is something we need to remember. Yes there are times when we need to be serious but ultimately the more we are ourselves the more we can laugh and observe what is going on rather than getting caught up in it and reacting to it.
As you say you cannot impose change, however by being and sharing yourself the reflection of another way of being, which is is true and loving, it inspires change.
This is an insightful article!
‘When we are ourselves, we simply feel not just ourselves, but everyone else; we simply care and we understand, and we allow our joy and care to be felt.’
Whatever industry we work in, this feels true. Being ourselves is our responsibility and allows us to appreciate and to understand others; even when we feel resistance. Feeling the equality of Divinity in all, while not holding back what we feel to express, offers transparency and an awareness of the love we all are. That is powerful!
The feeling I get is the lack of love that I have always had until I came across the presentations by Serge Benhayon. Even after I was shown love I am in all honesty still got a way to go to bring love in to every aspect of my life.
Another aspect you have brought to the fore here anonymous is that of acceptance. If we truly are willing to accept the basis upon which an entire industry operates – the magazine industry in your example – we can’t but accept that things are not going to change overnight. The paradigm shift required for something to be truly serving humanity is one that takes consistency and dedication, perhaps over hundreds of years to come… The great learning is therefore, how do I hold my own integrity and self-care amidst what may be a sea and culture of abuse? For as you’ve touched upon, it is the integrity and quality one lives that truly inspires change in another – change that is about living more lovingly with oneself and all others. It is people restoring a way of love in own lives that will eventually see our industries change. We have a long way to go before the ‘balance tips’ on the side of such integrity and love, and so, most importantly, must never discount that which we bring, as we see the abuse, the corruption and all of it, and yet continue to hold ourselves without getting lost in the ‘giving up’ that so plagues our world and worldly activity today.
What is from heaven cannot only be for one it is always shared equally with everyone.
The key point in your sharing here anonymous, to me, is the moment you got in touch with how deeply you felt your own frustration at there being no avenue to express.
Getting in touch with the root of such a reaction within ourselves is an essential key to building upon our capacity to express what is true in any given situation, and also go deeper in our understanding of those we are in communication with and what drives them and indeed any business in which we are involved.
What profound learning and growth is offered when we ourselves go deeper, and rather than sit behind the wall of our own hurt, can meet and connect with others as open-heartedly as we are able. From the experiences I’ve had, the words I then may have to offer, themselves change in their tone and delivery. No, they may not always be received (as in accepted), but they are nonetheless inclusive of those they are addressed to.
Finally I am letting go of trying to get others to do, say and behave in a way that I deem is good for them. It has taken me most of this lifetime and God knows how many other lifetimes of pushing, cajoling, forcing, nagging and berating others to realise that whenever I have tried to get another to behave in a particular way, I have actually set up a resistance in them to ensure that at best they keep doing what they have always done and at worst that they go deeper into the behaviour that I am attempting to get them out of. Ah the utter relief to know that simply letting go of everything and everyone, apart from dear old me, is the best way to bring about true change.
This is a blog that shares a common understanding about all industries that are not surprisingly the same. Being ourselves and not going into reaction with how others are in the workplace is a great reminder of how we can still invest in our jobs and the way it should be. The Teachings of The Ancient Wisdom through Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon reminds us of the importance of the responsibility of working with utmost dedication in our areas of service and learning with a deeper level of commitment to leave the investment aspect behind.
If I can truly be just me then I am also being everything.
Wow, a very powerful blog. I am totally inspired. What you’ve shared is so relatable even though I don’t work in the media industry I have experienced similar situations in the past. I too feel that it doesn’t serve anyone to impose change on people, on our systems or our industries, but it is through our dedication to living with love and truth, expressing who we are and how we feel without a need for an outcome that has the power to bring about true change.
The point I was making in my last comment that posted unexpectedly was when we are ourselves we inspire everyone around us to be more of themselves.
Being ourselves in full is so powerful. I was working with children this week and was so inspired by one little girl who was so claimed and relaxed in her body she was radiating pure joy in her every movement. When she wasn’t holding that joy it was like a light went off. The beautiful thing was she that she was mostly on. The others had moments of the same un-abandon joy but would return to self consciousness.
Whenever you seek to impose your viewpoint on the world, even if it true and done for good, it will only end up serving to either cause the recipient to react and defend, or at best change their behaviour, but not actually change anything on the inside. Either way, the lie they were living gets buried all the more deeply within.
Thanks for sharing this story. It is true that there are actually systems, workplaces and team arrangements out there that don’t allow us to be ourselves, they are fundamentally geared towards self gain for some at the expense of others. SO how do we live/work in systems that are like this? We take care of ourselves, constantly express how we feel, and not expect any change, but continually bring the reflection that is needed.
I can say very similar things about where I live and the industry and I work in, and through my reaction and wanting to change I realised how much I was actually identified with it and gotten by the energy that was governing it. Accepting that that is how the not-so-real reality is for now, while never letting go of my grip on the truth is a work in progress for me.
‘The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.’ This is so pertinent, not to have an idea of how others should be and to accept that there may be resistance but if we don’t honour us, then there is a resistance in us, and I can confirm this is greater – so it’s not so much that I can get ‘antsy’ with others, but I can really get ‘antsy’ with myself, so first call is to be me and then share from there.
Wherever we are, whatever we do in every corner of the world, the society, the industry, the family… we are actually only ever being asked to be ourselves – even when the reality looks like far from it on the temporal level in every angle, what is pulling us deeper says otherwise.
As you say Anon. we can only make changes by changing ourselves first. The Media is not honest enough and always has some agenda that clouds the issue and muddies the water to get a better story.
This simplicity is something we actively avoid.
We should all feel free to openly express how we feel, however, that is often not the case. When there are meetings with specific ‘agendas’, it’s easy for people to be cut out and shut down with words. However, no one can affect our livingness but us, through our own choices, which makes it incredibly powerful, maybe the most powerful form of expression. Through our choice to love and nurture ourselves, deeply appreciating all that we are, we bring this to every single relationship we have and this is deeply felt, without any need for words. People can choose to ignore what they feel, but they can’t change the quality of another person’s energy, only the individual can do that, through their own choices. We are all equal, we all have the same opportunity to choose the way in which we live and care for our selves.
Being ourselves shines the true light for others to recognise and feel for themselves. The reflection coming from a beautifully packed lunch or a prepared body emanates volumes… It can reconnect all to there spark within if they choose to recognise it.
It’s very true that the resistance in our body is much greater if we do not express ourselves, it comes in the form of exhaustion, pains, and sickness. It’s so obvious and it doesn’t take a genius to notice.
Just what I needed to read today…..thank you.
I love how you point out that the magazine is the people that are working for the magazine, and isn’t it also for people to read? It is interesting that we can make things only for profit while it is always for the people. Everything in the world we have created we have created for people and yet we focus on the profit. There is somewhat a contradiction in the whole.
What I felt reading your blog, Anonymous is that by being ourselves and living our truth, not holding anything back, we are offering an opportunity for change through our livingness. Others will need to feel inspired for the change to happen, by being who we are we are sharing something true for them to connect with, when enough people feel the same way, the tide will begin to turn.
This is very relevant for us in our lives with any profession..’We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, …We only have to be ourselves.’ Trying to change another’s mind does not work or trying to get our own way is as imposing as others with that same agenda. By being simply who we are, we are reflecting something very different for everyone to feel.
This blog could possibly be written for every industry. Of course, every industry has their own flavour, details and culture we could say, but what they’ve got in common is the fact that in not a single industry we are supported, encouraged to speak from our body, speak truth that is. Quite incredible isn’t it, that we’ve allowed and accepted a world where truth is actually fought against. To me this is the world upside down. Although I agree that the world isn’t changed at once or in a year or so. It takes free will of people to allow them to start listening to their body and what they feel inside of it. As our Love is forever growing, it only takes time to change our industries, but change it will. Not because it has to, but simply because we miss ourselves deeply.
There can be no true might in a structure whose foundation is built on competition, lies and abuse. However, in order to dismantle such pillars we cannot come from the outside and demand change as this author presents but rather come from the ground up. When we make it about connection, to ourselves and with each other, we are able to rebuild and thus reimprint all that has not been founded on love, with all the love that we are. The state of the media today is simply a reflection of where we are at as a global society in terms of relating to and caring for each other and ourselves. It is the end product of a wayward way of living we are yet to arrest in full.
“We only have to be ourselves” “And how powerful that is”. Being true to ourselves is the greatest responsibility we have and that is what we can bring to whatever situation that arises with out the need for recognition or any investment in the outcome.
To impose on another with our views and or ways of living squashes the space to learn and grow. When we allow ourselves the room to share and express from our natural way of moving it expands the space and true connections, love and joy are free to roam. Thank you Anonymous.
When you talk about that the “resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are”, I could feel that to be true. That there is a greater call for ourselves to be ourselves and to live that and when we choose not to, there is more tension than anywhere else. And I do think that the world is actually crying out for us to live as we are, and not how we should.
Anonymous this is very powerful insight, we ‘think’ we know what is needed and how things should be, and yes all you say about the media, is very true which i know from my own experience and that of many others and its very obvious. However a system is not going to change by trying to hit it with a hammer as many are invested in the way it is all set up…however what you offer in your revelations is presenting that you can be you and being you inspires others to be themselves and that is the way change will happen, not under out time or clock as we want it, but as it unfolds and will in the bigger picture. We cannot control life, we can be ourselves and that is the real power. As you say, connecting to our essence is a whole new way of living and it does challenge the status quo of how things, that are not truly benefiting humanity.
I love what you write here and it does come back to taking responsibility for ourselves first no matter what situation or workplace. Change can only come from within and from oneself first, from there there is a ripple effect, whether those around you are accepting of your own change and adherence to what feels true and inspired by it, or in resistance to it. It matters not either way as change is inevitable, and holding true to integrity, truth and responsibiity creates a solid foundation for this.
With awareness comes responsibility, a responsibility to see what is really going on and choose to live in an energy that is not harmful to our own body and everyone else’s too.
There is great learning in this article. How if we get frustrated and react to not being heard we are but expressing in the very same energy as everyone else is. When our relationship with ourselves is such that we can speak and not be affected by another’s response we are holding our grace, and all can feel it, even when there are reactions and rebuttals.
‘Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy…’ – These lines hold much meaning and reflect what is experienced everyday with many going into guilt, holding back or extreme attention seeking because this energy is from outside of us and not from the inner heart. The pressure to conform to a life that is run from outside of us is strong. I have found that re-connecting to my heart and holding that and not going into self-doubt or reaction has been a beautiful and supportive foundation for every movement I make out in the world.
I had ben trying to change a relationship recently with no avail – i started to take more care and be more loving with myself and the relationship changed without me saying a word.
Hear Hear very well said “What I realised from my experiences is there is no need to impose change in the world.” We cannot change the world or systems by force – true change can only come from making loving choices for ourselves, this can be felt. We don’t know who or what it might affect or what changes may happen because of it. But we cannot not do it with pictures or outcomes we need in our heads.
Being rejected like this feels hurtful and uncomfortable but, as you have shared, it is no reason to withdraw and stay silent, quite on the contrary! There is a consistency in the expression of truth that eventually wins the day, even if it takes a few more lifetimes.
Yes it hurts Gabriele, but when we react, we have also chosen to not be ourselves. Oops, let’s choose again, and again.
Being ourselves is the only true way to be. I am continually learning, day after day, that the more of ourselves we bring to all that we do, the more steadiness of love we build in our bodies. As from here what we then express is simply our living truth, through a knowing that we all are equal in essence yet beautifully unique in expression. As such we offer a reflection that freely honors and embraces all without any imposition.
Being ourselves build deeper love within our bodies, and when we are not ourselves it gives us the opportunity to return to this love deeper.
What a great way to start the day: Appreciating that not resisting ourselves opens us up to live and share all of who we are in our day regardless of what another thinks. When we are the ones living in our bodies with the results of our choices it is essential we choose the most loving and truthful way for ourselves.
Every industry is a long way from listening and being heard equally, and everyones suggestions having equal consideration, and until this does start to happen the only thing we can do is be responsible for ourselves for our own actions.
Some people are challenged by those who are not afraid to be themselves, no matter what industry they work in because they don’t like the reflection, and what I mean by that is that when they see another just comfortable in their own skin and speaking up, they know that they too can do that but are not and it bothers them to realise that they have shut themselves down and have lost the confidence and self worth to speak up for themselves.
Very true Rosie, but when we are truly being ourselves, this is very powerful, as this reflection in time has allowed everyone who comes in contact with it an opportunity to know that they too can choose to be themselves.
Exactly, and I have so much appreciation for those around me who have not been less, and have been a role model for me, and who have inspired this in me.
I understand what this blog is saying and there are a number of side to this story. The only side we can make the change to is our side. Deal with what is going on for us and keep dedicating to the same. Bringing this back to how they feel and working from there is a great start. We may not always be able to express what we feel when we feel it in any situation but everything is connected, it is all energy and so there will be a moment or relationship where you can express or grow how you are. In doing that this growth is then taken everywhere and not just at work or home. If we are looking or can see anything needs to change then we are the ones that make the change and then through how we are everything else is called to that same change.
Very spot on Ray, the only way to change things is to change our behaviour. We can only be responsible for what we do and where we are, the rest will change with time.
Thank you for the reminder of the massive difference when we judge people if their responses do no match our expectations, we react and want it to change, to when we of simply live the full expression of the love that we are regardless, holding and understanding people in that love and allowing them the space to come to it for themselves. This is huge and worth paying attention to wherever we are.
The media industry is totally invested in telling us how we should think, feel, act and look. It is currently not an industry that is there to support us. What will change it is the general population demanding more from the media.
Our responsibility is to express what is there to be said. The choice for another to listen, hear and receive is then in their hands.
Thank you for shedding light on the operations within these types of industries which have a thick veil over there actions.
Agreed, Michael. We often think of the media industry as being creative and dynamic. Perhaps there is much more control at play than we perceive.
It is ironic how the magazines and media that champions people’s freedom, ‘creative expression’ and say they are ‘our voice’ are in effect straight jackets at best, clamping down on anything that doesn’t fit in to the specific flavour of space they prefer to present. This space sad to say is far away from the truth and genuine sharing today. It is clear there is something elementary that is not working in this media machine. So I love Anonymous how you bring it back to the way we are with our body and speaking from that.
We only have ourselves to bring to any situation. I love how you have come to the realisation that to care and respond from your body is ‘enough’! Miracles do happen by just being ourselves.
Yes Bernadette – our body, how we take care of it and how we move can speak just as loudly as words.
Exactly Bernadetteglass, this highlights how powerful it is to simply honour what we feel in our body, express from truth and be ourselves. Wow, how uncomplicated it is to be in our power.
It quite sad though that we are in a world where we are not valued for speaking our truth and in fact this is ignored or shunned. It can be quite hard to be yourself in the workplace but the rewards I find can be amazing and actually others around me feel the truth and mostly appreciate my reflection but maybe do not feel comfortable expressing that themselves.
Great sharing Anonymous… ‘we only need to be ourselves’, so true. ‘However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating’, not just the media, EVERYTING would change – if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling the world would change overnight and our return to who we truly are would fast track, super quick, and no more delay in our evolution, how cool would that be?!
The greatest inspiration comes from living it – walking the talk, being a true role model. More than words, actions carry a weight that cannot be ignored, especially when they are consistent and therefor develop trust. We can be dismissed, or explained away, but in the end we are seen and clocked and from here change far greater than we can imagine can happen, when people choose change for themselves and not for anyone else, because they have felt the way they live or do things and have decided that there is another way to be. This takes the abusive or problematic behaviour by the roots and extracts them.
Yes beautifully said. We are with so many people here on earth and how most choose to live will determine what is normal yet this does not mean we have to live that way if that does not feel true to us. We cannot impose change onto everyone yet we can inspire change by being ourselves.
Great reminder that we can’t control other people or systems but we can take responsibility for the way that we live and the choices that we make that make a difference to everyone.
“We only have to be ourselves.” What simple medicine, that opens us up to a new and true way of being which can be felt by everyone. And when our soul impulses our daily activity, we are sharing the love we all know inside.
Ha, thanks for the reminder Anonymous. No need to try, just be ourselves. A great recipe for success.
‘The resistance may be there, but the resistance within our own bodies is even greater if we do not live who we are.’ It’s one thing to fold under the pressure of what we feel, another to not live our natural selves.
Yes Victoria Lister. The resistance is felt in every waking moment and the tension lies deeper than we choose to know. Living anything less than yourself takes its toll and when we are not expressing others don’t get to see and feel that the opportunity lies within all of us.
‘…if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.’ It’s interesting how our workplaces prevent us expressing truth at all costs. We’re allowed to tow the party line, but question organisational practices and you’re considered arch-enemy number one, ready to be marched out the door. It will require lots of people, staff and consumers, speaking up to make change happen at the systemic level. Meanwhile, we have a roadmap presented here for a way forward at the individual level.
I am learning more and more, bit by bit to accept people where they are at, but to not change who I am or how I express to please them, or to not rock the boat. In the past I would morph myself for different situations, whereas these days I bring the same me to all of them, without trying to be a chameleon and change the color of my skin.
I’ve realised that too anonymous, that letting my body feel, brings a deeper understanding than if I were to deliberately think about the same situation or thing.
‘And this is the truth of the industry that I work in, which often does not allow or encourage us to express how we feel. However, if we all stopped and expressed how we are truly feeling, the media industry would need to change its way of operating.’ – I would say this is pretty much playing out in every industry, it is all about fitting into the box, it is numbers and quantity at the expense of true expression, quality and indeed equality. It is true, this would have to change if we would all claim what we feel and start expressing it.
Great point about the magazine being all of you – as in all the people who work on it. The magazine doesn’t have a life of its own, it is the collaboration of many people. This shows how if people chose a different way to be, they would produce a magazine with a totally different quality.
Dear Anonymous this was an inspiring read. That tension you talk about is not comfortable to feel, however we can’t change things by becoming frustrated or using force. I have tried those methods without any success. Accepting the way things are, whilst sharing who we naturally are reduces that inner tension and build relationships where more open discussions can occur. Who knows what will then follow?
Very beautiful and confirming to hear you share what you share Anon. I can feel there is no judgement, no criticism, no bearing on anyone else’s choices when we are ourselves. Sure we inspire change and can equally see in another’s ways the potential for them to change too. But we do not impose such truths. We simply show them through the way we are and live in every moment and this is what true freedom of speech really is.
Great point Joshua, that freedom of speech is about being allowed to express and live who we really are when we are free to live our true way and this can be a real inspiration to others.
Freedom of speech is not permission to lye or to try to present anything other than who we truly are since true speech and true expression is about people being true to themselves and sharing that with the rest of us in how they are in every way.
I realize that true expression or being genuine (just being who I am) is a huge responsibility because truth belongs to all of us so when we are just our selves in a world that fosters so much of the opposite it lends to an environment that supports more self-honoring and freedom in the world.
I love what you have shared here Anonymous- that everyone is equal and has an equal opinion everywhere in life.
It’s great you opened up sharing of how you take care of yourself which gave your team the opportunity to reflect on their own Livingness.
The main point I got whilst reading was if we come from an authority/knowing within our body without any hesitation we cannot be ignored, whether what we express is liked or disliked it is still expressed and heard. Also as you mention here, yes we do have freedom to express but where are we expressing from? And do we still not express what we truly feel just to fit in with the crowd and not stand out? ‘Yes, of course everyone can speak and express, but most of these expressions actually come from the same energy – an energy that speaks of fitting into what is expected of us, to play safe and to not rock the boat by speaking truth.’ It is great by just being you and open with your team without imposition you are feeling the team become more open too.
This is such a great point- there you are trying to make something better – in this case a magazine – but the fact is people are the magazine so you can’t discount this as then nothing will change.
Yes, nothing will change until we ALL starting expressing the truth, and more importantly, being listened to, and when we are truly heard, things will change in a true way and this will benefit everyone, as you say we ARE the magazine, every single one of us.
“We cannot impose change on the media industry or any other industry or system, and we do not need to try, or feel stressed or angry or frustrated at how it is operating. We only have to be ourselves. ” This is great what you share, we cannot impose or try and change an industry, system or person. All we can do is live and be the truthful us and through this livingness, others will be inspired by what they feel and see. This is how I started the change in our hospitality business. Through my commitment to my daily choices and livingness, I began to inspired my husband, family, friends, staff and customers. Continuous work in progress, but it is super powerful.
Yes Amita, it really does all come down to our own daily choices. Change can only happen if we are willing to make changes in ourselves and the inspiration for others to do the same can then follow. We cannot simply expect others to change, whoever they are, just because we want them to. Living by example is the way to go.
I agree with you here, Amita. I’ve seen and felt changes in the places I’ve worked based on me bringing all of me to work…and in more recent years, through looking after myself in a self-loving way.
To be ourselves, to me means to be friends with ourselves as well. So when we are ourselves, and if we are set aside for being that, we always have ourselves.
That’s an interesting point Sarah, solidarity with Self is what supports us not to surrender to peer pressure, not to enjoin activities and attitudes that do not feel true to our core. I like it.
What is powerful about this blog is that it highlights the importance of being ourselves within any industry, and any workplace, and in fact not only within any workplace, but also anyplace and anywhere outside of the workplace.