Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Authenticity: How to “Be Yourself”

Sep 25, 2023

01:10:18

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The podcast explores the concept of authenticity, including its different interpretations and conflicts between inner feelings and outer presentation. It discusses the importance of uncovering one's true self, integrating different aspects of oneself, and balancing self-expression with societal expectations. The hosts also touch on topics like self-disclosure, vulnerability, self-improvement, and the role of aspirations and values in authenticity.

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Quick takeaways

Authenticity goes beyond being true to oneself and raises questions about the existence of a true self and the sources of our values.

Self-expression plays a crucial role in authenticity and requires honesty, self-compassion, and mindfulness.

Becoming more authentic involves self-discovery, aligning internal experiences with external expressions, and embracing personal growth and change.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Authenticity

Authenticity is a complex concept that goes beyond simply being true to oneself. It raises questions about the existence of a true self and the sources of our values. It also explores the difference between feeling authentic and feeling good about ourselves. While there is value in being authentic, it requires regulation and consideration of social and cultural norms. The journey towards authenticity involves understanding cultural influences, grappling with conflicts between inner and outer selves, and exploring personal longings and aspirations.

Introduction

2min

The Concept of Authenticity and its Interpretations

29min

Exploring Authenticity and the Pressure to Perform

3min

Ads for 'Turning Points', 'ZocDoc', and 'Squarespace'

4min

Uncovering One's True Self

6min

Discovering and Integrating Different Aspects of Oneself

28min

Exploring Authenticity and Balancing Self-Expression

2min

We’re often told to “be true to ourselves:” to line-up the person we are on the outside with the person we are on the inside. In a word, to be authentic. But what does it really mean to “be who we are,” “get in touch with ourselves,” or to go full new-age “live in alignment with our higher purpose?”

In this episode Dr. Rick and Forrest explore what authenticity is, where it comes from, and whether it’s actually a good thing to be more authentic. They talk about what we really mean when we use the word “authenticity,” the fragmented nature of the self, and problems with unregulated self expression. They then turn towards how we can include all of ourselves, act from our values, and become at peace with who we are.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

2:35: How Rick thinks about authenticity

6:10: Congruence, presentation, and the difference between honest and good

13:45: A personal example of authenticity from Rick and Forrest

17:00: Self-disclosure as a factor of intimacy

19:45: What parts of ourselves are we being authentic to?

23:15: Vulnerability and aspiration

28:10: Carl Rogers’ idea of the perceived self and the ideal self

33:20: Is self-improvement authentic?

36:30: Unconditional positive regard, and embodiment

40:10: Naming what you’re feeling, the vastness of the psyche, and self-honesty

46:25: Having a secure environment for aspirational change

48:45: Individualism, social roles, and intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation

53:05: Archetypes, the shadow, and integration

59:20: Recap

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