Practices of Authentic Living · Reclaim Your Health

Practices of Authentic Living

***I love Brené Brown's work. Her writing has had a VERY significant impact in my life. I do recommend her work to most people (especially individuals who may be struggling with shame).***

*Videos are solid :)

This article explores how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and self-compassion can deepen our sense of love, belonging, and fulfillment in life. It draws on the work of Brené Brown, particularly her research on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted living, as shared in The Gifts of Imperfection.

Below are key practices for living authentically:

1. Embrace Authenticity

Let go of fear about others’ judgments and align actions with personal values. Authenticity fosters a sense of integrity and true belonging, rather than disconnection caused by seeking external validation.

2. Show Compassion, Not Perfection

Reject perfectionism by embracing your humanity and allowing for mistakes. Practicing self-compassion deepens your connection with yourself and others.

3. Build Resilience by Facing Vulnerability

Avoid numbing emotions through distractions or avoidance. By confronting discomfort head-on, you open yourself to joy, creativity, and empowerment.

4. Practice Gratitude

Cultivate gratitude intentionally, focusing on the positives in life. Gratitude nurtures joy and helps build emotional resilience.

5. Trust in Uncertainty

Let go of the need for control and embrace faith and intuition. Developing this trust helps reduce anxiety around unpredictability.

6. Avoid Comparisons

Comparison limits personal growth and creativity. Celebrate your unique strengths and explore ways to express your creativity authentically.

7. Balance Play and Rest

Prioritize play and rest intentionally. These foster connection, reduce stress, and improve mental health, in contrast to productivity-driven lifestyles.

8. Cultivate Calm and Stillness

Set aside time for mental clarity. Calmness helps manage emotional reactivity, while stillness creates space for reflection and insight.

9. Seek Meaningful Work

Engage with your talents and passions in ways that feel fulfilling, even if they are outside your job. Living authentically includes honoring your gifts.

10. Embrace Laughter and Silliness

Let go of control and allow yourself to enjoy life’s lighter moments. Laughter, singing, and play are key to personal freedom and joy.

The Takeaway

Living wholeheartedly involves risk, as it challenges fear-based behaviors and societal norms. However, the rewards—connection, joy, and personal freedom—far outweigh the challenges. Practicing these principles brings a sense of belonging even in the absence of fitting in.

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**I wrote I an article on this for a previous employer. Since it’s technically their property now, I can’t just copy and paste the whole thing, but here is the FULL version of the article if you’re interested.

Ten Practices for Authentic Living - Perspectives Counseling Centers of Michigan

Resources:

Brown, B. (2017): Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. Description & contents.

Brown, B. (2015): Rising Strong: The Reckoning, The Rumble, The Revolution. –

Brown, B. (2012): Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. New York City, NY: Gotham

Brown, B. (2010): The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Center City, MN: Hazelden.[12]***

Brown, B. (2007): I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power. New York: Penguin/Gotham.[19]

Talks:

– TEDxHouston 2010: “The Power of Vulnerability”, June 2010

– “The Power of Vulnerability” — Brown’s talk at the Royal Society of Arts (2013)

-The price of invulnerability: Brené Brown at TEDxKC

-Listening to shame | Brené Brown | TED

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