You've peeled back the layers.
You've wrestled with your inner demons.
You've even started to glimpse your true self beneath the societal conditioning.

But something's still missing, isn't it?

That nagging feeling that there's one more piece to this authenticity puzzle...

Well, buckle up.

Because we're about to dive deep into the final frontier of self-discovery - a place where even the bravest souls fear to tread.

THE PARADOX OF AUTHENTICITY

Here's a mind-bender for you:

What if the very act of trying to "find" your authentic self is what's keeping you from truly being authentic?

Let that simmer for a moment.

You see, we've been conditioned to believe that our "true self" is some hidden treasure, buried beneath years of societal expectations and personal baggage. And sure, there's truth to that.

But here's the kicker:

Your authentic self isn't something you find. It's something you allow.

Think about it. A tree doesn't try to be a tree. It just is. It grows towards the sun, its roots dig deep, and it weathers storms without a second thought. That's authenticity in its purest form.

So why do we humans complicate things?

THE AUTHENTICITY TRAP

Remember when I talked about training wheels in Part I?

Well, it's time to take those bad crutches off completely.

Many of us have fallen into what I call the "authenticity trap."

We've swapped one set of societal expectations for another.

Instead of trying to fit in with the mainstream, we're now desperately trying to stand out as "authentic."

But authenticity isn't about standing out. It's about standing firm in who you are, regardless of whether that makes you blend in or stick out like a sore thumb.

Here's a hard truth:

If you're constantly asking yourself "Is this authentic?" ... you're still playing a role.

BEYOND THE SELF

Now, here's where things get really wild.

What if the ultimate expression of authenticity is actually transcending the very idea of a "self"?

I know it sounds like some mystical BS but let me explain...

In my journey across continents, immersed in diverse cultures and ancient wisdom traditions, I've noticed a common thread.

The most truly "authentic" individuals I've encountered don't seem preoccupied with authenticity at all.

They're too busy living.

These rare souls have moved beyond the need for a fixed identity.

They flow like water, adapting to each moment without losing their essence.

They're paradoxically both intensely individual and completely universal.

Their frame is solid because of the mere fact they know exactly who they are.

THE ULTIMATE REVELATION

So here it is, the final piece of the puzzle:

True authenticity is the death of the ego's version of authenticity.

It's letting go of the need to be seen as authentic.

It's embracing the messy, contradictory nature of human existence.

It's allowing yourself to change and grow without feeling like you're betraying some "true self."

In other words:

The most authentic version of you is the one that's free from the very concept of authenticity.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Now, I'm not saying to throw away everything we've discussed in the previous articles.

The journey of self-discovery, peeling back layers of conditioning - it's all valuable.

But it's a means to an end, not the end itself.

Here's how to bring it all together:

1. Embrace the Paradox: Accept that you are both a unique individual and a constantly changing being. Your authenticity lies in this dance between permanence and flux.

2. Live in the Now: Instead of constantly questioning if you're being authentic, simply be present. Authenticity naturally arises when you're fully engaged with the moment.

3. Let Go of the Outcome: Stop trying to "achieve" authenticity. It's not a goal to be reached, but a way of being to be lived.

4. Welcome Contradiction: The most authentic you might be full of seeming contradictions. That's not a flaw - it's what makes you beautifully human.

5. Act Without Second-Guessing: Trust your instincts. The more you overthink your actions in an attempt to be "authentic," the further you stray from true authenticity.

THE ETERNAL FLOW OF AUTHENTICITY

Remember what I said about the eternal flow state in my previous writings?

This is where it all comes together.

When you let go of the need to be authentic, you paradoxically enter a state of pure authenticity.

It's a flow where your actions, thoughts, and very being are in perfect harmony - not because you're trying, but because you've stopped trying.

This essences of “authenticity” is a natural result of your existence.

It's like the difference between forcing yourself to smile and genuinely laughing at a joke. One is a conscious effort, the other is a spontaneous expression of joy.

Your authentic self is that spontaneous laughter.

It's the you that emerges when you stop giving a damn about being authentic and just live your damn life regardless what people think.

In real life, I often encounter situations that come off “autistic” but in reality… I just don’t give a fuck because I’m always unapologetically myself.

THE FINAL CHALLENGE

So here's your mission, should you choose to accept it:

For the next week, completely let go of the idea of "finding" or "being" your authentic self.

Instead, simply live.

Make choices.
Take actions.
Feel emotions.
But do it all without the filter of "Is this authentic?"

At the end of the week, reflect on how it felt.

Did you feel more or less like yourself?

Did you notice any shifts in your interactions or decision-making?

This isn't about reaching some final state of enlightenment.

It's about embracing the journey of being human in all its messy, glorious, authentic reality.

Remember: The most authentic you is the one that's free from the need to be authentic.

See ya on the mats,

POJ

P.S. This concludes our "How To Find Your True Authentic Self" series. But in many ways, it's just the beginning.

Keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep living authentically - whatever that means for you in each moment.