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Practical Wisdom: Cultivating Authenticity and Inner Knowing

Pracitcal Wisdom with Rev. Dr. Ahriana Platten

This might feel a little controversial, but bear with me—I’m leading you somewhere meaningful. You may have heard about Meta’s recent announcement to stop fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. I find it troubling, to say the least. It’s made me wonder: can I keep showing up in a space where “anything goes”?

On one hand, these platforms are a beautiful way to connect with so many of you. On the other hand, it’s hard to navigate a world where truth feels optional. But isn’t that the reality of life in general? Anyone can say anything at any time. It’s just that technology now amplifies the chaos, creating believable videos and messages designed to distort and distract.

The result? It’s harder than ever to discern what’s true and what isn’t. Truth can feel slippery, reshaped by agendas and buried under an avalanche of information. And yet, truth is more than a concept to debate or a fact to prove. Truth is something we feel. It vibrates through our body, resonates with our soul, and aligns with our deepest sense of knowing.

As the world changes faster than we can imagine, developing the ability to sense and trust your truth has never been more important. The external world will continue to shift, but your inner compass—your intuitive knowing—can remain a constant guide. The challenge is learning how to listen.

What Truth Feels Like in the Body


Truth is not just something we think; it’s something we experience. When we encounter something that feels true, our body responds. There’s a sense of ease, expansion, or alignment. Conversely, when we face something false or misaligned, our body may react with tension, constriction, or unease.

Learning to recognize these signals is an act of empowerment. By attuning to your inner knowing, you can meet life’s complexities with clarity and confidence. And here’s the beauty of it: your truth doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. It just needs to resonate deeply with you.

Five Practices to Cultivate Inner Knowing


Here are five ways to help you strengthen your connection to what is true and authentic for you:

  • Practice Presence Through Breathwork

Start each day with a few minutes of intentional breathing. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale completely. This practice quiets the mind and creates space for your body’s signals to surface. Truth speaks most clearly in the stillness of presence.

  • Notice Your Body’s Signals

Pay attention to how your body reacts in the moment. Do you feel a tightening in your chest, a lightness in your heart, or a sense of warmth? These physical cues are your body’s way of communicating alignment—or misalignment. Begin to trust what your body is telling you.

  • Ask Yourself the Question

When faced with a decision or an idea, ask yourself: Does this feel true for me? Then pause. Sit quietly with the question and notice your body’s response. Truth often brings a sense of clarity or relief, while misalignment creates confusion or unease.

  • Spend Time in Nature

Nature has an uncanny ability to reconnect us with our inner knowing. Walk barefoot on the grass, sit under a tree, or simply watch the rhythm of the waves. The natural world mirrors truth in its simplicity and balance, helping us quiet the noise of the external world so we can hear our inner voice.

  • Journal About Your Truths

At the end of the day, reflect on moments when you felt aligned—or misaligned. Write them down. Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns that reveal what resonates with your authentic self and deepen your trust in your inner compass.

The Urgency of Developing This Skill


The pace of change in the world is breathtaking, and our ability to discern truth is no longer optional—it’s essential. External narratives will continue to evolve, and not all will serve your highest good. But you don’t have to be swept away in the current.

When you trust your inner compass, you align with the life you’re meant to live. You move with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. You become the steady light in a world that so desperately needs grounded, courageous, and truth-centered people.

Reflection


As you move through this week, I invite you to pause. Ask yourself: What feels true for me right now? Then trust what arises—not from the chatter of your mind, but from the quiet wisdom of your heart and soul.

P.S. Now is a great time to sign up for my email list, in case social media becomes unbearable for me. To do that, use this link.

 

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