Have you noticed that some people glide harmoniously through life? They share a deep bond with the natural world and live in tune with themselves. They have found a unique way that makes them happy. They have figured out their authentic self. Yet others seem very disconnected and attract a lot of conflict, always trying to belittle or dominate others. I guess they are still searching. 
I have been looking into resources for a while now to find out how and why these differences exist. More importantly, what are the clear strategies for becoming a more grounded, authentic person? Of course, there is no ‘one fits all approach’ and some solutions can be complex, for example dealing with trauma in younger years. But here are a few strategies that anyone can apply.
Seven tips to find your authentic self:
1. Open your eyes
The biggest difference from the outset is how you view the world. Do you have an open mindset, ready to engage and learn from others or do you have a closed, fixed mindset that sees others as thread and competition? Reading this newsletter, I would imagine that you have an open mindset. Most people with fixed mindsets won’t even engage what they don’t know and if they do, they just rubbish any other opinion they don’t hold or have not heard before.
2. Stay grounded
People who live their best ‘authentic life’ are in tune with nature and themselves, have a keen sense of self-worth, and live their lives in a grounded way. They tend not to follow the herd, but instead, look at how to optimize their own life.
If you choose this path then initially the herd will laugh and belittle you. But please go ahead and implement what feels right for you. This does not mean you should not take other advice. But in the end, you come to your conclusion and stay with what fits your own specific circumstances. And then forge ahead.
From time to time, you will of course re-evaluate your path. You must always stay open to embrace new suggestions, ideas, and plans. But you only adopt and follow them if and when it feels right and fits into the overall picture. This is the principle of the LWTM Life-Goal Planner that is part of the downloadable freebies.
3. Stay in your lane
Once you have found your optimal path (and this is of course an everchanging path), you surely will book small ‘wins’ in the form of accomplishments, and complete goals and tasks that you have set for yourself. This will give a sense of self-value and contentment.
This is a small, steady progress. But over time this can produce big results. The ones who laughed and belittled you will suddenly change tack and be jealous of what you have accomplished. But that should not be your concern, you just stay in your own lane.
4. Learn from others’ successes and failures
The feeling of ‘You are enough’, does not come from impressing others, but from your own achievements. There is no need to feel small, jealous, and trying to impress others with an array of shiny objects. (And no one really cares!)
There is further no need to compete, deceive and bully. Instead, observe others, listen to them, and learn from them. If they do well, be happy for them and celebrate with them. Learn from their success story and draw lessons that you can implement, too.
If they mess up, offer help and try to learn from their mistakes. You have been forewarned and it saves you from messing up, too. Everybody has their unique circumstances and stories to tell. Why not take this wisdom and let it enrich your life?
5. Strive for simplicity
Authentic people are confident. Once you ask yourself ‘What do I really want and need?” put a list together and spend your energy purely on what matters most. There is no need to impress others.
Most rich and confident people settle for a rather simple, comfortable life. Having time for yourself and being in nature will bring more joy than an endless line of luxuries. But of course, don’t deprive yourself. If a luxury makes you happy and you have the means to afford it, then treat yourself. But remember you define yourself by your actions and deeds and not by what you own.
6. Stay connected to nature to stay healthy
Research has demonstrated the healing power of nature, with time spent in green spaces associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Natural landscapes provide a sense of peace and restoration.
Hunter and gather societies were much attuned to animals, weather patterns, and cosmological events. They followed animal trails and often connected with their predators and prey. To be open and connected, you must spend some time in nature and observe. Once in your life, aim to spend at least 2-3 weeks in nature, where you just observe the natural world whilst listening to your own body and mind.
Indigenous societies send teenagers and young adults into the woods to learn the laws of nature. Once returned the young adults had become wiser and stronger. They understood that they are not an entity apart from nature, but part of it. This made them happier and less likely to overconsume the precious sources nature offers.
Numerous studies have shown that humans have an innate psychological and emotional connection to nature. Spending time in natural environments has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress, and a sense of being part of something big and profound, something larger than the individual ego.
A grounded person understands that giving and belonging are much more rewarding than receiving and taking from others. And one of the most profound principles is to honour and celebrate the land that feeds you and not destroy it!
7. Accept yourself and set boundaries
Being authentic also means respecting your own limits and needs. Setting boundaries helps protect your energy and ensures you’re living in alignment with what’s best for you. Practice saying ‘no’ to what does not serve you. It may feel difficult and impolite at first. But you don’t serve others and yourself by saying yes to something that at heart you have no interest in. Just to please others works only so long, eventually you will be found out and others will be disappointed. It is better to polite but firm with your boundaries. This means occasionally you will need to find a compromise, but that is ok.
Nobody is perfect, but we can strive each day to make the best of our situation. Learning to trust your intuition, getting to know what you like, accepting yourself, and then setting boundaries to protect yourself from outside influences will help you to lead an authentic and happy life.
For more biodynamic tips please download our FREEBIES