HOW TO BE INDIVIDUAL - JULY 2025

 

"Becoming a genuine individual requires learning the oppositions within oneself. Those who deny or refuse to face the oppositions within themselves have no choice but to find enemies to project their inner conflicts upon."

Michael Meade

 

My reflections for the Month of July refer to the meaning of being an individual in a world of mass crises and difficult times. We may feel overwhelmed by fear and anxiety as the tension in life becomes greater and problems seem to grow in size as time runs out, but what life wants is meaningful change. Either we face the way that life roars at us and become wiser and more of a friend of the world, or else we run in fear and shrink from life, mystery, and love.

Thus, this reflection invites you to consider the meaning of being an individual who can stand out from the crowd and be unafraid to speak his or her mind.

 

How to Become a Genuine Individual

Embracing Authenticity in a World of Conformity

In a society that often emphasizes conformity, becoming a genuine individual can feel like an uphill battle. However, the pursuit of authenticity is not only empowering but also transformative. Being genuine means living a life aligned with your true self—your values, passions, and beliefs—while embracing vulnerability and self-awareness.

Understanding Authenticity

Authenticity begins with understanding who you are. It’s not about perfection or adhering to societal expectations; rather, it’s about embracing your unique qualities and imperfections. Genuine individuals are those who act in accordance with their core values, even when it’s challenging or unpopular to do so.

Self-Reflection

The first step toward becoming a genuine individual is engaging in self-reflection. Ask yourself:

•              What are my core values and principles?

•              What makes me feel truly alive and fulfilled?

•              What do I want to contribute to the world?

Reflecting on these questions can provide clarity about your identity and guide your actions.

Embracing Vulnerability

Authenticity involves showing up as your true self, even when it feels uncomfortable. This requires vulnerability—being open about your struggles, fears, and aspirations. Vulnerability fosters deeper connections with others and helps you build trust, both in relationships and within yourself. 

Cultivating Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the key to understanding how your actions, thoughts, and emotions align with your values. To cultivate self-awareness:

•              Meditate: Spend time reflecting on your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

•              Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends or mentors for their perspectives on your strengths and areas for growth.

•              Journal: Writing about your experiences can reveal patterns in your behavior and thoughts.

The more self-aware you become, the easier it will be to make decisions that reflect your true self.

The actual end of the world seems most possible when the power of imagination becomes diminished and people cannot envision creative ways to handle the inevitable conflicts and dilemmas of life. The emergence of the third thing requires an act of imagination and becomes an act of creation as something that was unknown or unseen becomes manifest and consciously known. The eruption of the third thing coming between opposing poles creates a quantum change that changes everything. This imagination requires a sense of maturity and creative imagination.

 Maturity, however, is related to a person’s ability to withstand and even understand the tensions that come with growing up and facing up to the issues at hand. To mature means “to ripen,” not simply to take on responsibilities but to be exposed to the weather of life and become fully grown, well-rounded, and finally ripened. In order to withstand the stress of life, a person must become who they truly are - as a seed - and ripen into the unique individual they are intended to be from the very beginning.