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Marco Houwen

"Overcoming Self-Alienation: The Path to Authentic Living"


In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced world, the concept of authenticity has become increasingly elusive. We are constantly bombarded with images and messages that shape our perceptions of who we should be, rather than encouraging us to embrace who we truly are. This has led to a widespread sense of alienation, both from ourselves and from others. In order to live authentically, it is crucial to overcome this alienation and reconnect with our innate capacities for perception and self-awareness.


The root of our alienation lies in the dominance of the mind over our lived experience. From a young age, we are conditioned to prioritise rationality and logic, often at the expense of our emotional and intuitive selves. This disconnect from our holistic intelligence has led us to rely on past and future narratives created by the mind, rather than being fully present in the here and now. As a result, we find ourselves living in a state of constant mimicry, trying to conform to societal expectations or emulate versions of ourselves from the past.


Furthermore, the relentless pursuit of technological innovation has paradoxically driven us further apart from one another. While these advancements were intended to bring us closer together, they have instead fostered a culture of isolation and disconnection. The rise of AI reinforces this trend, as we become increasingly reliant on technology to fulfil our needs for connection and understanding.


To live authentically, we must first acknowledge the limitations of the mind and its tendency  for creating illusions of control. The stories it tells us about the past and the future are not grounded in actual reality, and by living in these narratives, we lose touch with our true selves. Authenticity requires a willingness to accept these illusions as what they are, illusions, and embrace the uncertainty of the present moment.


By challenging the dominance of the mind and embracing the present moment, we can begin to live more authentically.

One of the key steps in overcoming alienation is to reawaken our innate capacities for perception and self-awareness. This involves learning to listen to the subtle cues of our bodies and emotions, rather than allowing the mind to dictate our every action. By reconnecting with our whole organism, we can begin to perceive the world around and inside of us in a more authentic and meaningful way.


Moreover, overcoming alienation requires a shift away from hyper-individualism and a return to a sense of interconnectedness with others and the world at large. By recognizing our place within a larger whole, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. This shift in perspective allows us to break free from the confines of past and future narratives, and instead embrace the awsomwness of the present moment.


To wrap-up: The path to authentic living begins with a conscious effort to overcome alienation and reconnect with our innate capacities for perception and self-awareness. By challenging the dominance of the mind and embracing the present moment, we can begin to live more authentically. This journey involves a willingness to emotionally detach from our past and future narratives, and instead embrace the fullness of our experience in the here and now. Only by doing so can we truly embody authenticity and live in alignment with our true selves.


keep inspired

Marco Houwen | linktr.ee/marcohouwen




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