Ep. 5 | Act AS IF.
In this episode we introduce the New Adage “Act AS IF”, which presents an alternative to authenticity as a way to change your thinking. And Natalie is finally going to get started on a project related to this adage that she has been talking about for 3 years, 6 months and 5 days.
EPISODE NOTES
An alternative to authenticity.
The mantra for most of us is “be authentic” — find your true self and discover who you truly are. Become unified.
Self discovery is important. We’re not saying that these are not valuable goals — they absolutely are — but how are they working for you? Karen read an article in the Wall Street Journal about Chinese wisdom, and discovered that the contemporary emphasis on self-discovery and authenticity may have really messed with all of us. Maybe we shouldn’t be looking for our true self, let alone embracing it.
According to Confucius and other Chinese philosophers, we human beings are:
“…messy, multidimensional creatures, a jumble of conflicting emotions and capabilities living in a messy, ever-changing world. We are who we are by constantly reacting to one another. Looking within is dangerous.”
Instead of struggling to be authentic, Confucius suggested we try another approach: ‘AS IF…’ rituals. These ‘AS IF…’ rituals can help us break out of our own reality for a moment. We break from who we are when we see we are in unproductive patterns we have created, and actively work to shift them — AS IF we were different people in the moment. These rituals are actually the opposite of authenticity, that’s what makes them work.
If you have pattern of relating to your partner, change it up! AS IF you were another person. These don’t have to be massive changes. Let’s say you never make the bed, and it’s constantly a source of frustration. It causes your partner to become Bitter, Angry and Resentful so you decide to get up in the morning AS IF you are a person that makes the bed! You make the bed and see how that changes your relationship. You would be surprised how little changes like this can make a big impact in your relationship.
Changing these patterns starts with mindfulness. Being in the moment. We can’t always be in the moment, but think of it like learning to play the guitar, or any other new skill. You need to put time aside and work on it! If you decide to look how much better your life will be, rather than how hard it is, it becomes easier.
During the next few days evaluate where you could do an AS IF, and make it a point to do it! See how that works for you!
The Fakeopotamus Project
If you want to follow along with Natalie’s Fakeopotamus project, check it out at fakeopotamus.com or on instagram @fakeopotamus.
#peakmoments
Natalie talks about a complete surprise and delight moment that came from a rash decision to take a 3-year-old to the symphony and Karen talks about her visit to the Wynwood graffiti walls in Miami.
Sharing is caring
Karen recommends Madhappy. She shares their philosophy:
“The beauty of Madhappy is that each person can have their own interpretation of it. In our opinion, Madhappy is the essence of life: two words coming together to create a life-like existence. It’s about the ups and downs and everything in between. It is recognizing that everything isn’t perfect because it shouldn’t be. It is realizing that the lows make the highs that much more pronounced. It is seeing that the obstacles in life are actually what life is truly about. We must pursue a better version of ourselves and the world around us while still recognizing the everything is fine just as it is. Sometimes we’re mad. Sometimes we’re happy. However, in spite of this all, or maybe because of it all, we can always be Madhappy.”
On a related note, Natalie recommends watching (or re-watching) Inside Out.
The Kindred Conversation Resources
Book | The New Adages, Volume 1
Audio book | The New Adages, Volume 1
The Kindred Conversation Website | Read all of the New Adages online
The Kindred Conversation App (iTunes)
Contact | podcast@thekindredconversation.com
The Kindred Conversation
Karen Kindred, LCSW
Natalie House
Produced by: Leanna House
Music: Helsinki by Pleasant Pictures Music Club