The Art of Being

Remember when you were a child — spontaneous, expressive, confident, and unapologetically authentic? You explored the world with curiosity, embraced your talents freely, and expressed yourself without fear or hesitation.What happened to us? When did life become so serious? At what point did the opinions and expectations of others begin shaping who we are? When did we stop being our truest selves?

A child lives fully in the present moment. They enjoy life without constantly worrying about what comes next. When they dislike something, they say so honestly. When they love something, their entire body reflects joy and contentment. Children are naturally connected to themselves.

Then, slowly, life begins to reshape us.

Expectations start to weigh heavily on our shoulders. We are told our voice is too loud, our laughter too much, our dreams unrealistic. We stop playing the piano because there is “no time.” We stop painting, singing, dancing, or expressing our emotions creatively. Gradually, we disconnect from the very things that once made us feel alive.

We abandon the activities that once brought us into a state of flow — those moments where time disappeared and we felt fully present, fulfilled, and at peace.

And what do we replace them with?

Often, stimulants to keep us going and distractions to help us unwind. Coffee becomes fuel for productivity; alcohol becomes a reward for surviving the day. Many of us live within this cycle without even noticing it. I sometimes catch myself thinking, “I need a coffee before that meeting.” Perhaps many of us do the same. And if you have managed to avoid this loop, I deeply admire your discipline and commitment to protecting your inner balance.

Last Monday, I attended a lecture at the Royal Geographical Society titled Who Speaks for Nature? Beyond the fascinating subject itself, what struck me most was the speaker’s authenticity. He was spontaneous, warm, grounded, and completely comfortable in his own skin. I have often noticed that people who spend a great deal of time outdoors carry this same quality about them — a natural ease and honesty in the way they exist.

I deeply admire people who simply come as they are, without moulding themselves to fit an environment or constantly worrying about how they are perceived. There is something incredibly freeing about that.

We live in a deeply judgemental world. The clothes we wear, the way we speak, where we were born, or how we choose to live can all influence how others perceive and respond to us. Yet when we learn to stand firmly in who we are — regardless of external expectations — we begin to reconnect with the child within us. And in doing so, we rediscover a more genuine form of happiness.

Guidance to Cultivate Your True Self

• Spend at least 30 minutes in nature each day. Practice mindfulness by slowing down, breathing deeply, and noticing the sounds and sensations around you.

• Spend time with animals and children. They are some of our greatest teachers when it comes to authenticity, presence, and joy.

• Reconnect with activities that bring you into a state of flow — singing, playing an instrument, painting, dancing, writing, playing sports, or anything that makes you lose track of time.

• When expressing yourself, do not shrink simply because someone seems rushed or disapproving. Continue speaking until you have fully expressed yourself. In doing so, you honour your voice.

• Stay connected to your body during conversations and interactions. Many of us unconsciously stop breathing and disconnect from ourselves when under pressure.

• And above all: breathe. Breathe deeply, breathe slowly, and breathe often.
  

  By Marcella Pearson