Your Journey to Finding Your Authentic Way of Living: 5 Perspectives and Tips
Hello. This is Hijiri Fujishima from Jibunrashiku LLC. This is a sequel to my reflections following an interview with university students about 'living authentically.'
'What does it mean to live authentically?'
This question feels like an endless journey. Ever since I was in elementary school, I've spent my days deeply pondering, 'Why was I born?' and 'What do I live for?' My thoughts were so relentless that I used to try to 'empty my mind' – in other words, 'become nothing' – as a game while going to school.
It is said that among animals, only humans try to find 'meaning' in life. No one knows if there is meaning in living. If there is, I believe it's not something given by someone else, because it's your own life. 'What if you gave meaning to your life yourself and actively pursued actions to make yourself shine?' This is my current philosophy.
If you liken life to a stage, whether you can shine there is up to you. If you're afraid to instantly become a performer, perhaps a 'tree' role, watching the performers and audience from the edge of the stage, is fine. The important thing is to decide that role for yourself. Instead of having it 'given or taught by someone,' by you yourself taking initiative, life will surely become richer.
For me, 'living authentically' means exploring and deeply delving into myself. It also means confirming where 'I' am in this vast world and what role I play.
We cannot exist alone. 'Ourselves' only exist through 'connections' with others. My being myself is the same as Mr. A being Mr. A, or Mr. B being Mr. B. If each person can reclaim their 'authenticity,' wouldn't unnatural behaviors like unnecessarily clashing with each other, dragging each other down, or recklessly intruding into another's space also decrease?
Just like dust accumulating in a home, in our daily lives, we unconsciously pile 'common sense,' 'knowledge,' and accompanying 'emotions' on top of our 'true feelings' and 'thoughts.' Sometimes, it's important to consider, 'Where did this dust come from?', to imagine 'myself after removing this dust,' or to 'look at society using this dust as a hint.'
To think about oneself, to think about others, to think about society, and to think about this world.
That, indeed, should be a hint for finding 'authenticity.'
5 Tips for Finding Your 'Authenticity'
So, what exactly should we do? Here are 5 things I practice or that we value.
1. Ask 'Why in the first place?'
We always try to maintain the perspective of 'Why, in the first place, is such and such the case?' regarding various matters. This phrase frequently comes up even in meetings where we discuss work or future plans.
Even with information and knowledge given, or concepts like 'normal' and 'common sense,' and information from parents, teachers, friends, and media, we genuinely try to know 'Why?'
The key is to 'try to understand,' not to blindly doubt. Simply doubting can lead to an adversarial relationship with others.
2. Talk to Adults with an Outside Perspective
In my case, I struggled with my relationship with my parents for a long time, so I've continued 'listening to adults outside my family' for many years. Mr. Tatsumi in middle school, Mr. Ishiki in high school, Mr. Hara in junior college, and older colleagues at my part-time job. I always went to them to have them listen to me. I think it was because I wanted to confirm that my thoughts shouldn't be denied.
3. Broaden Your Horizons Through Reading
Especially when I was young, I read a lot of books. Books give us knowledge and new perspectives. However, the books we choose tend to be biased towards our 'own axis.' That's why I value 'dialogue' more, where I can encounter unexpected words and ways of thinking.
4. Dialogue with Yourself (Self-Reflection)
Keeping a diary is also very effective. I've kept a diary since junior high school. I calmly write down events that occurred and what I felt and thought about them. This is very useful practice for looking at myself objectively. It's also a good idea to ask close friends, 'What kind of person do you think I am?' Surprisingly, we often know ourselves the least.
5. Value Your 'Emotions'
As I wrote in the previous blog post, your 'emotions' are your compass. Don't forget to value your 'emotions.' Not knowing yourself well is, in a sense, 'the wisdom of knowing nothing.' Getting to know yourself can be a bit daunting, but discovering a new you can also lead to confidence. Benicia-san, the herb researcher, often said, 'Your heart tells you everything important.' If you feel fuzzy, perhaps 'reflection' is needed; if you feel irritated, perhaps 'grief' is needed. If you feel excited, then you should choose that path.
Living is an adventure to know 'yourself' and to make the most of that 'self.' Perhaps living without fear of such adventures is what it means to 'live authentically.' The journey continues.