Sunspiration #53: Be Authentic

In a recent blog post, Staying Authentic: Inspirations from Blogfest, I discussed thoughts about authenticity.  Not only have I re-resurrected my authentic side, but I hope to inspire people to be themselves. 

In a world dominated by brand image, it is difficult to express your voice, opinions or inner-nature. If everyone wants to be like everyone else, won't that make a less interesting and diverse world?

Being authentic takes courage and strength. It's what makes you, you and them, them. Staying authentic is what makes the world a more interesting place because you bring your gifts to the world in an authentic way. And today it seems like things are becoming less authentic.

I've seen this shift in the yoga industry. Ten years ago people were themselves, but today in order to "fit in" you have to fit the image of what everyone else looks like today and wear celestial skinny pants (or lululemon), "Namastay Everyday" tank tops,  dye your hair, drink out of a bamboo water bottle and decorate your body with tattoos and 9,000 trinkets dangling from the wrist.  

Where in the yoga sutras of Patanjali does it say to adopt the latest material trend? What will they do once this trend fades? That lifestyle may be true to some people, but for most they are trying to be someone they are not. What is the moral of this story? Be Yourself without trying to be like everyone else. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

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