Do you ever feel like you’re not quite yourself? That in different situations you put on masks, adapt to others’ expectations, and hide your true nature? In today’s world, full of social roles, social media, and pressure, authenticity seems rare and difficult to maintain.
In this article, we will talk about what authenticity is, why we lose it, and how we can regain it. You will learn how social roles affect our lives, how social media changes our image, and how working with the body can help in returning to oneself.
Welcome to watch the full episode
On the YouTube channel “Piotr Blue – The Art of Touch” you will find our full conversation. If this topic is close to you, also check out my workshops and individual sessions that will help you regain contact with your authenticity.
More information about the courses can be found on the page Piotr Blue Massage School, Course Dates
Social Masks – Why Do We Play Roles?
From childhood, we learn to adapt to different situations. We enter social roles – different at work, different at home, different among friends. It’s normal, but sometimes it can make us lose ourselves.
Examples of Social Masks
- At work – In a job interview, we dress differently, speak more formally, and try to make the best impression. But is that really us?
- In relationships – On a first date, we want to show our best side. Only over time do we reveal who we really are.
- In public places – In church, at elections, or at official ceremonies, we change our behavior to fit the surroundings.
- In the family – Often, even in front of close ones, we are not fully ourselves because we fear judgment and rejection.
These roles are not bad – they help us function in society. The problem arises when we stop feeling who we really are.
Authenticity and Social Media
Social media is a space where we create our image. But are we authentic there?
How Does the Internet Affect Our Authenticity?
- We want to look better – Filters, retouching, posed photos – all to present ourselves in the best way.
- We say what “sells” – In recordings or posts, we often try to be funnier, more eloquent, more “perfect”.
- We build a personal brand – If our work involves self-promotion, it’s easy to lose ourselves because we start adapting to the audience’s expectations.
Can one be 100% authentic on social media? Probably not. But one can be more honest and not pretend to be someone they are not.
Bodywork as a Path to Authenticity
The body is the best indicator of whether we are in harmony with ourselves. If we pretend to be someone we are not for a long time, our body starts to feel it – in the form of tension, stress, fatigue.
How Does the Body Show Lack of Authenticity?
- Tension in the abdomen and chest
- Stress and fatigue
- Lack of energy and willingness to act
- Sleep problems
How Does Bodywork Help Regain Authenticity?
- Yoga – Teaches conscious feeling of one’s body and emotions.
- Massage – Helps release tension and better feel oneself.
- Tantric bodywork – It’s not just touch, but also a way to get to know oneself more deeply.
Bodywork is not just a way to relax – it’s a tool for better understanding one’s emotions and returning to oneself.
Is It Worth Always Being Authentic?
Authenticity is a value, but is it always worth being 100% yourself?
When Is Authenticity an Asset?
- In relationships – honesty builds true bonds.
- At work, when we care about long-term success.
- In everyday life – less stress, more ease.
When Can Authenticity Be Harmful?
- In situations requiring diplomacy.
- When openness can be used against us.
- When our “truth” hurts others.
Being authentic doesn’t mean we always have to say what we think everywhere. It’s more about being in harmony with oneself and consciously choosing when and how to open up.
Summary and Encouragement to Act
Authenticity is the key to living in harmony with oneself. The more we are ourselves, the lighter life becomes.
How to Start Being More Authentic?
- Observe yourself – Pay attention to when you feel comfortable and when something bothers you.
- Listen to your body – If something tires you, it may be a sign that you are not in harmony with yourself.
- Practice authenticity in small steps – Start with honesty in relationships, and then gradually transfer it to other areas of life.
- Work with the body – Yoga, massage, or other forms of bodywork can help in returning to oneself.
The world is full of roles and masks, but you decide who you want to be. And maybe it’s worth just being yourself?
Be authentic. You are always the most beautiful when you are yourself! 😊
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