Values
In several of the articles I’ve written, I mention authenticity and the benefits of living in alignment with our values – living authentically.
Beverley has contacted me to ask that I produce some kind of straightforward checklist on how to lead an authentic life.
Here’s what I’ve come up with (so far!):
1. Know your values and principles and commit to them daily.
2. Learn from your reactions and examine your habits. What do they tell you about your alignment with your values and principles?
3. Prioritise time for silence and quiet reflection (so you can hear your intuition speaking to you – your intuition is your key to your authenticity.)
4. Examine your motives – inspiration or coercion?
5. Live and work with conscious intent rather than on autopilot. Another term for sustainable living is “Conscious Living”
6. Be present. (Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” is the best text I know on this.)
7. Give up seeking approval from others and start living by your own lights.
8. Spend time alone. Be happy in your own company. (To give yourself some time away from the influence of others and just be yourself.)
9. Practice speaking up. (Voicing your truth can be an effective way to support yourself and others – with assertiveness rather than evangelising)
10. Learn the Gentle Art of Non-Persuasion.
True intelligence is the capacity of the mind to yield to the wisdom of the heart. Altazar Rossiter. (From Developing Spiritual Intelligence. The Power of You.)
Whenever you are true to yourself, you are beautiful. Andrew Schneider
This site seeks to explore the heart and soul of downshifting to a more sustainable, ethical and holistic way of living and working, in keeping with the needs of the planet, humanity as a whole and ourselves as individuals. 
Hi Sally,
I love your website – I found it while looking for a definition of ‘alignment’ following a really powerful conference call with two wonderful people, one of whom spoke about the power and importance of working ‘in alignment’.
I’d love to place your article about ‘How to lead an authentic life’ on my Complementrary therapy Blog – may I?
I’ve been grappling with that very subject in recent months – so your article is a breath of fresh air to me!
Best wishes,
Liz
Thanks for the compliment Liz. I’d be delighted if you’d place the article in your blog.