To live, we need many things from the outside world: money, resources, support systems, relationships, and material comforts to create a happy life. However, the way we acquire these things often poses a significant problem. Are we engaging in humane, win-win exchanges, or are we relying on inhumane, win-lose transactions where one benefits at the expense of another?
Even though we are born human, our perceptions, thoughts, and actions often fail to reflect true humanness. Within us exists a duality—a blend of both humanness and inhumanness. Yet, we persist in telling ourselves and the world that we are inherently good, denying any darkness within. This dishonesty hinders self-awareness and growth.
We often identify with religious labels like Buddhist, Christian, or Muslim, but do we truly embody the teachings of these great masters? If we’re honest, the answer is often no. Instead, we create a facade of goodness, projecting a saintly image to the world while hiding our true selves. To live authentically, we must begin by being truthful—not to others, but to ourselves.
Transparency with oneself is crucial. It enables us to recognize our true nature, both the light and the shadow within. The concept of “know thyself” invites us to look inward, uncover our hidden truths, and embrace them without judgment. But this journey is not easy. Telling ourselves the truth often feels like confronting a fierce internal judge—a voice that shames, devalues, and weakens us, leaving us paralyzed by survival fears, doubts, and confusion.
This internal judge represents our shadow identities—aspects of ourselves that we’ve buried because they seem undesirable. These shadows judge and punish us, perpetuating cycles of shame and guilt. To face them requires immense courage and trust in a higher power—whether that’s God, nature, or the innate wisdom of life. This trust provides the strength to navigate the storm of self-judgment and fear.
When we begin to confront our shadows, the internal resistance is immediate and fierce. The mind employs a barrage of negative thoughts and emotions to deter us, amplifying fears of rejection, loneliness, and inadequacy. It whispers that without deceit and manipulation, we cannot survive in this world. This fear often drives us to lie, cheat, and manipulate to protect our fragile sense of self.
The war within is relentless, but recognizing and accepting our shadows as part of ourselves is the first step toward healing. Instead of resisting or denying these parts, we must acknowledge their presence and purpose. At one point, these shadow identities protected us when we were unconscious of our true selves. Now, as we awaken, it’s time to retire them and guide them back to the light.
Many of us turn to religion for guidance but often mistake religious rituals and cultural practices for genuine spiritual growth. These rituals can become an escape—a way to avoid facing our inner truth. Religious middlemen and followers alike perpetuate this cycle, prioritizing external validation over internal transformation.
True spiritual growth requires courage and self-honesty. It’s not about performing rituals or memorizing scriptures but about embodying the teachings in daily life. Wisdom arises not from external sources but from within—a divine intelligence that awakens as we face our shadows and embrace our true selves.
As we commit to truth and transparency, a profound transformation begins. Our hearts, once clouded by shadows, start to open and guide us. We shift from being “takers” who exploit others for personal gain to “givers” who contribute to the world with love and respect. Our interactions become win-win exchanges, rooted in care and equality.
This transformation brings genuine joy. Unlike the fleeting satisfaction of inhumane exchanges, true happiness stems from aligning with our higher selves and living authentically. When we let go of judgment, manipulation, and deceit, we become co-creators of a humane and just society—a world where love, care, and mutual respect prevail.
Facing our inner demons is no small feat. It demands immense courage, trust, and a willingness to confront our deepest fears. But the reward is priceless: the awakening of our true selves and the liberation from the illusion of separation and judgment.
Religions often emphasize nonviolence, not just toward others but within ourselves. By ending the war within, we cultivate inner peace and extend that peace to the world. As we awaken, we embody the teachings of love and compassion, becoming the humans we are meant to be.
Are you ready to face your truth and embrace both your light and shadow? The journey is challenging, but the rewards are transformative. By becoming transparent and truthful with ourselves, we open our hearts, align with our divine nature, and contribute to a world of love and humanity. Let’s choose authenticity over illusion and take the first step toward becoming the real deal—a genuine human being.
Love, Pavithra T. LH 😁💖🎶