In Buddhism, there is mention of people who are able to manifest ‘the authentic self’.
When you meet these people, you instantly feel connected. You feel like they are truly listening to you and that there is some kind of energy about them that breathes a bit more into your encounter with them. Not to get all mystical on you dear blog reader – but I had this kind of flash today when I was listening to a podcast. I felt like I was as much of the podcaster’s story as the energy behind the tales had me completely riveted.
I’m thankful that in this day and age, more that ever, we have the ability to be exposed for more ideas and more authentic selves.
I like this concept a lot, Tanya. I’ve noticed, though, that when I’m truly transparent with people, I can rub them the wrong way.
Maybe I put off an energy that doesn’t mesh with theirs. Maybe I’m just an acquired taste.
In any case, such experiences also make me think of the importance of community, and choosing your own very carefully — accepting that you can’t really “connect” with everyone, and focusing on building strong relationships with those you jive with, because that’s the best you can expect out of your relationships.
I have the same experience re: feeling like I rub folks the wrong way. Sometimes it relates to either my own mind state of thinking too much and getting caught up in my own headspace (Is that spinach in my teeth?) rather than being truly present with the moment I’m in.
Other times, I think I do rub people the wrong way – perhaps out of the expectation they have of what a ‘marketing professional’ should be. I connect better with folks that have a more liberal definition of the word ‘professional’!
Thanks for sharing