It is through self-realization that one manages to give meaning to one’s life, allowing one to live in a fulfilling way. To do this, we can impose objectives to achieve, analyze the path taken or choose to reveal ourselves. In his book reveal oneself, the author Arnaud Riou proposes to question his own existence. Are we where we should be based on our values, our essence or our authenticity? These are the famous existential questions not to be avoided.
Photo provided by Editions Albin Michel
A work of introspection is sometimes a necessary step to situate oneself in relation to our needs. Pausing and daring to question yourself frankly are worth the effort. If the answers aren’t quite what you want, why not fix it? It’s never too late to change. Life is precious, so you might as well live it in such a way that you are happy.
For the author, to reveal oneself is to let appearances melt away, drop the masks and move towards our true personal essence which is unique to oneself in order to walk and live our life mission.
In the exercise of introspection, one must know how to show indulgence. The vagaries of life often mean that we have made choices knowing full well that it was not always the best option. We sometimes move forward, a bit blindly, it’s part of life.
Making bad choices, making a few mistakes, taking a few detours along the way, is not so serious as long as you are aware of it. What is serious, on the other hand, is to continue on the wrong path. We’re bound to end up doing what we didn’t want to do for a lifetime, and that’s not the essence of happiness, we all know that.
As for those around us, they are often struggling with the same problems as us, sometimes forced to make certain bad choices. So instead of judging, let’s be kind to others as well.
Humility and free will
The author also warns of the importance of being humble. Nobody is perfect, so let’s be realistic and don’t try to impose unattainable goals on ourselves, otherwise we risk losing out in the equation to the point of losing all hope of moving forward.
Sometimes, certain trials force us to question ourselves. Why is this happening to me? Could I have avoided it?
It often takes significant events for us to question ourselves.
For the author, nothing happens for nothing. And it is often this questioning, if it is carried out in all authenticity, which makes it possible to shake oneself up to better understand. This is in fact what the author calls revealing himself.
After the big questions come the choices. Sometimes they are obvious, but if nothing comes to mind, we suggest letting ourselves be guided by our intuition, the famous great wisdom. Sometimes it is enough to put a question in writing on a piece of paper and let the question sit for a few days, and then, if one is attentive, answers should arise.
The answer can be found in a book, in a film or during a conversation that may seem banal a priori. Certainly, when you find the answer, you will know it inside, then it is up to you to decide the new direction to follow. This is called free will, for which you are solely responsible. It’s up to you to take your destiny into your own hands and achieve your life mission.
♦ Arnaud Riou is the author of a dozen books including, Awaken the shaman within you, Dare to speak and know how to say, Play the role of his life and The new sages.