In my work promoting authenticity, I choose to leave the definition of authenticity open, because I want to promote the subjective feeling as opposed to a more objective idea. Part of my reasoning stems from the difference between independent and interdependent selves. We all have varying degrees of independent and interdependent selves. Society and upbringing greatly influence which self we express more frequently. The contrast between this idea of the self and English self-referencing language demonstrate how differently cultures can think about their identities and placement within societies. Authenticity for an independent self may even contradict authenticity for an interdependent self. There are different conditions that allow each of the different selves to feel belonging. Conditions that allow independent selves to feel embraced include: Conditions that allow a interdependent selves to feel embraced include: Leaving authenticity open to subjective interpretation allows for the variation amongst independent and interdependent selves and understanding their differences takes us one step further in embracing the values in their diversity.
Try answering these questions for yourself: These concepts are discussed and this worksheet is utilized in the Authentic Reflections Program as a means to uncover areas of room for growth and to establish goals.
We often forget the variations that exist within our self and the complexity of our identities. One concept of self we explore in the Authentic Reflections program includes the 3 categories:
In the second half of the program we integrate these 3 identity types and bring forth our group identity. Within these identity categories, there are also 3 components of representation:
These components of representations do not necessarily correlate with the amount of time individuals spend with each other, but rather speak to the quality of time within relationships. |
AuthorVrindy Spencer is constantly seeking inspiration on topics of personal and human development, leadership, community, connection, and intimacy (with self and others). Archives
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