A Search for True Selves.

“A privilege of a lifetime is to become

who you truly are.”   ~ Carl Jung

For many people, a spiritual journey starts with the question “Who am I?” This question reaches far deeper than the image we project; it is more than gender, race, religion, job title, or status.

We all admire authenticity and desire to be authentic ourselves. To be authentic means that our thoughts and actions are in harmony. It means being true to who we really are. The journey is not only about Who am I? but also about What is my mission?

This quest starts with an honest evaluation of your personas. Most of us, like a chameleon, adapt to different environments and different situations; one persona at work, another with friends, a third at home, and maybe something completely different when we're alone. Perhaps it is good for achieving our goals and being likable, but it takes a toll on our mental and emotional health, and that affects our physical and spiritual well-being. It is like wearing someone else's clothes; they can be too loose or too tight.

The journey toward authenticity begins with a compassionate look inward, toward both our angels and our demons. This path does not involve judgment, only curiosity and compassion.

Imagine walking through a closet full of suits, each representing a different personality you have worn. We don’t judge the brand or the fabric; we simply observe and try to understand them. Each persona, created to be accepted and valued, still carries a small piece of our true selves.

The small pieces that we spread across are all personalities. We don’t throw away clothes that no longer fit us anymore without checking all the pockets. This process can be very powerful, and sometimes painful, because it requires vulnerability. Every persona we have created contains a grain of our authentic self. To be vulnerable is to allow yourself to go through all the personas and sometimes painful experiences to collect these pieces of yourself. These pieces, our true selves, want to be known, be recognised. Through reflection and courage, we gather these scattered pieces and reassemble them into a more complete expression of who we truly are. To be authentic is to connect these fragments. It is the force that keeps us physically and emotionally balanced.

Awareness that every persona we put on ourselves still contains a piece of our true self makes it easier to move through world challenges. An article in Psychology Today describes authenticity as having four core parts: awareness, unbiased mental processing, ways of behaving, and relational orientation. Let’s look at them separately.

Awareness

Awareness starts with a deep understanding of your likes and dislikes. It is the knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, your personality traits, and your emotional patterns. Awareness means recognising powerful emotions and what lies behind them. It embraces and accepts your complicity – even your contradictions. It is your individuality.

Unbiased Processing

This is often the most difficult step. It requires honest and objective reflection on both positive and negative information about yourself, whether it comes from within or from others. Unbiased processing is the ability to override fragile ego and self-illusion. This honesty becomes the foundation for genuine growth.

 Behavior Changes

Awareness and unbiased processing naturally lead to changes. Changes that reflect your true values, preferences, and needs. You are no longer acting to please others, earn approval, or avoid rejection.   Your actions come from inner truth, not external pressure.

Relational Orientation

This is a conscious decision on how much you are willing to open your true self to others and feel safe. It means allowing yourself to be seen – even in your darker or more vulnerable aspects. Authentic relationships require honesty and emotional safety. Openness and truthfulness on your side invite others to do the same.

 Conclusion

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”  ~ Aristotle

Authenticity is a booster of personal growth. Authentic people are more confident and less defensive. They do not experience others’ opinions as threats to their identity. Awareness of ourselves improves our functions in every area of life. It strengthens our ability to cope with change and challenges. Instead of seeing change as a threat, an authentic individual views it as an opportunity for growth. They remain balanced because their lives are rooted in inner values and strong core beliefs. 

“The better you know yourself, the better your relationship

with the rest of the world.”  ~ Toni Collette

With love,

Roman

February 2026

P.S. If you practice Reiki or are interested in energy medicine, my book “Reiki: Energy of Love, A Practical Guide and Tips” is a valuable resource to deepen your practice.

Available on all Amazon marketplaces.

ISBN: 9798339239178.