Written by: Uni Cunningham

Sometimes You Have to Step Out of Yourself

We go through the motions of life, numbing ourselves to the pain of not being authentic.

Human life is among the most sacred in many cultures around the world. But, on the other hand, when we cave to the societal pressures that betray who we are to our very core, we are disrupting the sacred.

Some professionals call it living inside the box. We live inside the box when we betray our principles, values, hopes, and dreams. When we ignore that voice in the back of our head that says "this is gonna end badly" or "stand up for yourself," we are conditioning ourselves to distrust our sacred self. We distrust our humanity.

The result is a disconnection from our true selves. We go through the motions of life, numbing ourselves to the pain of not being authentic. We may even get really good at faking it, but we know something is wrong deep down. This is the cost of ignoring our sacred self.

When we are out of alignment with our true selves, we cannot fully step into our power. We may have all the potential in the world, but if we are not living authentically, we will never reach our full potential. Instead, we will always be second-guessing ourselves, holding back, and playing small.

Sacred Space

As sacred as it is, human life is among the most vulnerable. Our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits are, but a glimmer in the vast sky of stars and are constantly coming under attack.

Sometimes that attack comes from within; sometimes, it comes from the dominant surrounding culture. Like a star, we shine bright but only for a moment, and during that moment, we must defend our inner being.

We must learn to embrace the voice which speaks life, light, and love. This voice does not compromise our core beliefs or values. Instead, it views them as being sacred decisions that unselfishly affect those around us.

Only when we live from a place of authenticity can we be mighty. When we align with our true selves, our light shines brightly, and we become a force to be reckoned with.

We no longer allow the dominant culture to dictate who we are or what we do. Instead, we step into our power and create our own lives. We become change agents, shaking up the status quo and inspiring others to do the same.

As a result, we bring more light and love into the world, honoring both our own sacredness and that of others. So let us dare to be who we truly are and live with authenticity, knowing that by doing so, we are protecting what is most sacred.

Freedom Outside

If living inside the box is betraying who you are or what you stand for; then residing outside the box is stepping away from the things that bog us down. Living outside of the box embraces your uniqueness and dreams and fully accepts yourself, worts, and all.

Our box is created by what we were born into; economically, spiritually, educationally, family, and culture. We don't make the box, but it's our job to realize we are sacred beings worth far more than the world's riches. It's our job to break out of the box, live to our fullest potential, and be true to ourselves.

Yes, it can be scary to think about living outside the box. But just like anything else in life, it's a risk worth taking. Indeed, the only way to find out if you can fly is to jump off the cliff and spread your wings. So what are you waiting for? The world needs your light!