This morning, we tried somewhere new: Paus Club Dubai, and something new by joining their Matcha Morning discussion around what authenticity really is and whether we create it or let it live within us.
The talk attracted a diverse mix of people from different cultures, ages, and ethnicities who came together to sit in a quiet corner of the bustling courtyard to talk, listen, and embrace each other’s views and opinions.
The whole experience was wholesome and inspiring, and we loved that it left space for you to speak or sit and listen with no judgment.
Some of the things we took away from the meet-up were:
Everyone’s idea and perspective on authenticity depends on their personal life experiences, culture and background. The most important thing is to embrace what feels right for you, as we are all authentic in our own unique way.
Your authentic self at work might be different from your authentic self with friends and family. In a work environment, we’re not always surrounded by only friends, and it’s okay to adapt and flow within different environments and respect that your authentic self might be different or adapted to each of them. Stay rooted in what feels right.
You don’t need to be the loudest to be the most authentic. Sometimes, there is power in knowing what is right or wrong for you and choosing to leave quietly. Often, authenticity and showing up as yourself can be confused with being the most seen and heard, which can be but isn’t always true.
If you’re on a journey to connect to your authentic self, here are some activities that might help you along the way.
Journaling fosters authenticity by encouraging self-reflection and helping you understand your true thoughts and emotions. It creates a private space to explore your values and beliefs without external influence. Over time, it strengthens self-awareness, allowing you to express yourself more genuinely in daily life.
Joining Honest Conversations
Practice open and vulnerable communication with trusted friends or mentors to authentically express your thoughts and emotions. We really enjoyed visiting Paus Club and recommend trying out one of their Matcha Mornings as there were lots of different topics to choose from.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Regular mindfulness practice helps you stay present and aware of your emotions, making it easier to act in alignment with your authentic self. If you struggle to sit and relax during at-home meditation, Seva Wellness has some combined yoga and meditation classes that prompt thought while in movement, which we found really enjoyable.
Remember, your journey is unique, so authenticity will always mean what feels right to you in the present moment!
