Moving according to your inner truth
Moving according to your inner truth
How to explore the essence of the self? How to reach inner truth? Methods and practices. What can online therapy do?
In an era marked by incessant external stimuli and an ever-changing socio-cultural landscape, people from every walk of life face the crucial challenge of recognizing and understanding their inner truth. But what exactly do we mean by “inner truth”? This concept, as elusive as it is essential, represents the unique set of our deep emotions, authentic beliefs, intrinsic values, and genuine aspirations that define who we are beyond the social masks and roles we play in everyday life.
Inner truth is the soul of our identity, not molded by social pressures or others’ expectations, but rather a core of authenticity that guides us in the big and small decisions we make every day. It is a glimmer of clarity amid chaos, a reference point that remains constant despite life’s tumultuous changes.
However, inner truth is not an immutable monolith; it is a dynamic flow that can evolve and mature with us. It grows through our experiences, takes shape in our responses to life events, adapts by learning from our mistakes, and is strengthened through the challenges we face. This inner essence reflects our vulnerability and strength, our pain and joy, and above all, our humanity.
Why is it so important? In recognizing and honoring our inner truth, we find the freedom to express who we really are, without fear of repercussions. It is a liberating process that not only fosters a sense of inner peace and satisfaction but also nourishes our self-esteem and confidence. When we live in harmony with our inner truth, we are more resilient in the face of adversity, better able to create authentic connections with others, and more skilled at pursuing a life that mirrors our deepest values.
Moving toward the discovery or reaffirmation of our inner truth can be a journey as demanding as it is illuminating. It requires the courage to look within, the honesty to acknowledge what we find, and the commitment to align our daily behavior with that truth. It is a path of personal growth that invites introspection, empathic understanding, and self-acceptance, setting us on a road to self-realization that celebrates the wholeness of our being.
C. G. Jung (“Memories, Dreams, Reflections.” Rizzoli, 1998) stated regarding the search for his inner truth: “Some consider the walls so thick that beyond them they see nothing, and therefore they believe there is nothing. In a certain way I perceive the processes that occur in the depths, and from this derives my inner certainty. Those who see nothing have no certainty, and cannot arrive at any conclusion, or cannot trust their conclusions. Knowledge of the depths soon shaped my relationship with the world.”
Exploring the essence of the self leads to the path toward authenticity
While inner truth is the compass that orients our journey through life, identifying and honoring it is no simple task. Several obstacles may arise along the way, often rooted both in social structures and in our personal insecurities. Examining these obstacles is not only part of the self-discovery process but is essential for learning how to overcome them.
Social conformity:
We live in a world that, consciously or not, exerts constant pressure on individuals to conform to certain norms and expectations. This pressure can come from cultural institutions, workplaces, social circles, or even family. The desire to belong and feel accepted can push people to mask or suppress their true identity, thus sacrificing their inner truth for conformity. This involves creating a “false self,” an identity built to fit in and appease others, losing contact with who we truly are.
Fear and insecurity:
The fear of rejection, judgment, or isolation can be a formidable obstacle. Many fear that showing vulnerability or difference will bring negative consequences. These insecurities may stem from past experiences, traumas, or internalized social messages, and can deeply influence how we present ourselves to the world. This can lead to self-sabotage, where individuals prevent themselves from living according to their truth out of fear of possible repercussions.
Frenetic lifestyles:
Modern society is characterized by an accelerated pace, where emphasis is often placed on “doing” rather than “being.” This hectic lifestyle leaves little room for reflection and introspection, which are fundamental to understanding our inner truth. Without these pauses, it is difficult to listen to our inner voice—the one that communicates our most authentic desires, dreams, and needs.
Denial of authenticity:
Sometimes people can recognize their inner truth yet actively choose to ignore it. This denial may occur because acknowledging one’s truth could mean making significant life changes or facing uncomfortable realities. Denial can also serve as a defense mechanism against emotional pain, avoiding the struggle that often accompanies living authentically.
Methods and practices that lead toward the path of self-discovery
Discovering your inner truth is a deeply personal and transformative journey. There is no “one size fits all” in self-discovery; what works for one person may not be as effective for another. However, there are various practices and methods that can facilitate this process, helping us remove the veils that cloud our authenticity and live a life more aligned with who we truly are.
Introspection:
- Meditation: This age-old practice is one of the most direct paths to connect with the inner self. It helps quiet external noise and focus on our inner voice. Through various meditation techniques, we can learn to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, gaining greater self-understanding.
- Reflective writing: Keeping a journal or writing letters to oneself can be a powerful tool for self-exploration. This practice encourages us to express emotions, thoughts, and concerns, often illuminating aspects of ourselves we had ignored or suppressed.
- Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness and awareness exercises help us live in the present moment, accepting our reality without overlaying worries about the future or regrets about the past. This attentive presence opens the door to a deeper connection with our true desires and needs.
Psychological support:
- Therapy: Working with a professional therapist can provide the guidance needed to navigate obstacles to our inner truth. A therapist can help identify thought and behavior patterns, work through past traumas or experiences, and develop strategies to achieve positive change.
- Support groups: Sharing experiences and challenges with others who are on similar paths can be incredibly validating and illuminating. Support groups offer a sense of community and understanding, fostering personal growth through sharing.
Creative expression:
- Art: Creative activities such as painting, sculpture, or drawing allow the expression of emotions and inner conflicts in ways words sometimes cannot capture. Art can be a safe haven to explore and release repressed feelings, aiding healing and self-understanding.
- Writing: Writing stories, poems, or even songs provides a unique channel for self-exploration. Through writing, we can dialogue with our hopes, fears, and dreams, building bridges to our inner truth.
- Dance: Physical movement, such as dance, connects us with our bodies and, through them, with our emotions. Dance can release stress and tension and help express the stories or emotions we carry within.
Asserting boundaries:
- Recognizing one’s values: Clearly defining what matters to us helps establish healthy boundaries. It means saying “yes” when situations align with our values and having the courage to say “no” when they do not.
- Learning to say “no”: This is a critical aspect of asserting boundaries. It is not only about protecting our time and space but also about honoring our inner truth, acknowledging what no longer serves our well-being or goals.
Each of these paths offers unique tools to unlock the door to our inner truth. As we engage in this journey, it is essential to remember that self-discovery is a process requiring time, patience, and kindness toward ourselves. It is not a final destination, but a journey of continual growth, awareness, and transformation.
What can online therapy do?
Online therapy offers a safe, protected space in which individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This sense of safety is crucial for fostering honesty and vulnerability—essential elements for connecting with one’s inner truth. Through specific techniques that promote self-reflection, individuals learn to recognize their behavioral patterns and internal processes, bringing them to awareness. In this way, they can distinguish what truly matters to them, separating it from external influences or others’ expectations.
Wounds and past traumas often hinder a person’s ability to reach their inner truth. In this context, online therapy proves invaluable, helping people process and overcome past experiences that may have distorted their self-perception. The therapeutic approach also focuses on developing emotional intelligence, guiding individuals in identifying, expressing, and managing emotions, thus facilitating a deeper understanding and acceptance of their essence. This process encourages an exploration of the soul’s most authentic desires and the definition of personal goals that reflect each person’s inner truth, always grounded in the utmost respect for personal values.
The online therapeutic journey also supports individuals in building healthier, more fulfilling relationships, emphasizing the importance of honesty with oneself and with others.
All this entails a courageous commitment and an investment of time, since therapy does not follow a linear path. Advancing toward one’s inner truth is a journey that includes highs and lows, discoveries and challenges. It involves deconstructing what has been imposed from the outside and rebuilding trust in one’s intuitive and decision-making abilities. It also means learning to forgive oneself for past mistakes and accepting that the path to authenticity is a journey of ongoing growth and discovery.
References:
- Bradshaw, John. “Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child.” (Italian title cited: In casa verrà il lupo). Feltrinelli, 1994.
- Brown, Brené. “The Gifts of Imperfection.” Edizioni Sperling & Kupfer, 2015.
- Jung, Carl G. “The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious.” Bollati Boringhieri, 2005.
- Jung, Carl G. “Memories, Dreams, Reflections.” Rizzoli, 1998.
- Kabat-Zinn, Jon. “Wherever You Go, There You Are.” Corbaccio, 1996.
- Tolle, Eckhart. “The Power of Now.” My Life, 2001.
For information, write to Dr. Jessica Zecchini.
Email contact consulenza@jessicazecchini.it, WhatsApp contact 370 32 17 351
