Authenticity and Self-Awareness
- Priscilla Schwartzman
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Because coming home to yourself is where real change begins.
What You’ll Learn
By reading this post, you'll explore:
What authenticity really means and why it matters
How Gestalt therapy supports self-awareness and presence
A simple somatic exercise to help you connect inward
The link between self-awareness and living with clarity and intention
How therapy can help you rediscover your inner truth at your own pace
This week, we’re gently turning inward. Through calm reflection and small acts of presence, we begin to reconnect with who we truly are beneath the noise.
By exploring self-awareness and authenticity side by side, we create space to show up more fully, not as the person we think we should be, but as the person we already are.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray.” — Rumi
A Micro-Moment That Speaks Quietly
Imagine sitting beside a still pond at first light. The water is smooth, undisturbed. From the surface, a lotus rises. Not rushed. Not forced. Slowly unfolding. There’s a quiet power in its presence, as if nothing else needs to happen for it to be whole.
You pause for a breath. Something in you recognises the feeling, the sense that your true self is always there, beneath the surface, waiting to unfold. Not when everything is perfect, but now. Gently. In its own time.
This kind of clarity doesn’t come from striving. It comes from creating the conditions for your truth to rise.
Coming Home to Yourself: Exploring Authenticity and Self-Awareness
Have you ever had a moment where you felt fully like yourself? Maybe it happened while journaling, walking by the ocean, playing a sport or getting lost in a musical instrument.
Not the version of you shaped by roles, responsibilities or expectations, but the real you. That feeling is a doorway into authenticity. And it’s where meaningful change begins.
What Does It Mean to Live Authentically?
Living authentically means living in alignment with your values, your feelings and your inner truth. It doesn’t mean having it all figured out or never second-guessing yourself. It means showing up as the real you, even when that feels vulnerable or messy.
When you live this way, life begins to feel more meaningful. Your decisions reflect what truly matters. Your relationships deepen through honesty. And most importantly, you start to feel more at ease in your own skin.
But how do we get there? This is where self-awareness steps in.
Self-Awareness: The Bridge to Authenticity
Self-awareness is the practice of turning inward with curiosity. It means noticing how you feel, what you think and how you respond, without rushing to fix or judge. It involves recognising patterns, pausing before reacting and gently asking yourself, “What’s really going on here?”
Through the lens of Gestalt therapy, awareness is the first and most essential step in any meaningful change. Rather than pushing for quick solutions, Gestalt encourages presence. It invites you to explore what’s happening right now in your body, in your thoughts and in your emotional world.
When you slow down enough to notice, you begin to hear your own truth more clearly. And in that space, authenticity naturally unfolds.
A Grounding Awareness Practice
This somatic check-in is a simple way to begin your day with presence.
Sit quietly and plant both feet on the ground.
Inhale slowly. As you exhale, gently place your hand over your chest or belly.
Ask: What part of me wants to be seen right now?
Let the answer arrive without pressure.
Breathe again, allowing that part to have a little space.
Close by simply saying inwardly, Thank you for showing up.
Even a few moments of genuine attention can shift the way you move through your day.
You Are Already on Your Way
We often search for grand signs of growth, but the quiet truth is this: awareness itself is already a sign you're on your way. Even the simple question, "Am I being true to myself?" can open the door to something deeper.
Like a lotus rising through still waters, your authentic self is always there. Gently unfolding, even when you can't yet see it. Sometimes, stillness or discomfort is what brings it to the surface. But with patience, compassion and presence, you begin to come home to what’s real.
There is no need to rush or perform. You are not behind. You are not broken. Beginning is enough. That quiet return to yourself, soft and steady, is where everything meaningful begins.
How Therapy Supports This Process
Authenticity unfolds in spaces that feel safe, supportive, and free from judgment. In that kind of space, you can begin to meet yourself with honesty and care. A therapeutic relationship offers gentle support as you explore who you are beneath the layers, at your own pace.
Whether through online counselling, telehealth, or in-person sessions, therapy provides a calm and non-judgmental space to reconnect with your values, navigate change, and deepen your self-awareness. It is not about fixing who you are but about meeting yourself more fully.
As a psychotherapist and counsellor, I support clients across Australia through online therapy sessions designed to meet you wherever you are...emotionally and geographically.
Key Takeaways
Authenticity isn’t something you find. It’s something you uncover through presence and curiosity.
Self-awareness is the foundation for meaningful change, not perfection.
Gestalt therapy supports you in becoming more attuned to what’s present in the moment.
Even a single breath of attention can reconnect you to yourself.
Therapy creates space to explore your truth without pressure to perform or have it all figured out.
FAQs: Authenticity and Self-Awareness
Q: What’s the difference between being self-aware and being self-critical?
A: Self-awareness invites curiosity, not criticism. It helps you notice your thoughts, feelings and patterns with kindness, rather than judging them, so you can respond more consciously.
Q: I’ve lost touch with who I really am. Can therapy help?
A: Yes. Many people come to therapy feeling unsure of who they are beyond their roles or responsibilities. A supportive space can help you reconnect with your values, emotions and sense of self.
Q: How can therapy support my journey toward self-awareness?
A: Working with a Gestalt therapist like Priscilla can help you make sense of what’s shifting beneath the surface. Her sessions offer a space to notice what’s true for you and support you in reconnecting with your values, identity, and inner direction.
Journal Prompt to Take Away
What part of me is asking to be seen today?
Let the answer arrive gently. There’s no need to force it. Just notice what comes.
Want to Keep Exploring?
If this reflection resonates with you and you'd like gentle support on your journey, I invite you to visit Rising Phoenix Counselling to explore how we can work together.
You may also enjoy this related post: Deeper Connections and Clarity
Let’s stay connected. Follow @RisingPhoenixCounsellingAu on Instagram, Facebook or Youtube for calming prompts, emotional insight and weekly inspiration.
