I have been experiencing clients coming in and expressing that they think they are imposters. Many sensitive people are on the planet today, here to work on finding ways to fully express themselves. With sensitivity, people can experience fear, depression, and anxiety that can manifest in the form of destructive thoughts and behaviors.
Imposter is defined as a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. Imposter syndrome is used in psychology to describe high-achieving individuals who are marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’. This is sometimes referred to as the imposter experience.
C.S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” This may appear to be counter to what some might think of as a symptom of acute sensitivity, yet there are several things that can be done as a way to change the sense of being an imposter. Let’s get a whisper on the subject of the imposter experience:
Each person creates an identity built on personality, idiosyncrasies, coping mechanisms, life experiences, ego, and expression. Past life, childhood, or adult traumas on any level can leave an imprint or blemish on the soul, affecting their way of being in the world. When one begins to sense that their identity does not align with the core vibrations, the thought of being an imposter can begin to affect the heart and mind.
Ruminations are the result of an imbalance, adding to the creation of illusions around identity. Every person may unconsciously present themselves in a way that they think may gain favor. Honest confession of emotions in a relationship becomes the school of authenticity. Looking in the mirror can be challenging, but that is the place where love must be felt. Self-honesty is the position from which one becomes honest with others.
The key is finding ways to reach higher levels of self-awareness, a place where self-denial cannot exist. Once an issue becomes clear, the shifting of energy begins from that place. Overcoming the belief of being an imposter involves taking action. Acknowledging accomplishments with pride void of ego, accepting compliments, giving into the reality that nothing or no one is perfect, holding intentions to heal from the past, and speaking from a place of truth can become part of the actions needed to align with the true essence.
Love is letting go of anything false, such as a belief, a relationship, a defeating habit, or destructive thoughts. Comparing to others is one of the most destructive patterns associated with thinking one is an imposter. Those who think they are less that another feel sadness and regret. Those who think they are better that another feel arrogance and false pride. Without comparison, the true self is reflected.
It’s natural to feel self-doubt or lack confidence, but faith is love in movement. Do something until you feel good about it. Never give up on yourself. Feel gratitude for your successes and failures. Hold as much compassion for yourself as you would any other soul. With honesty, there is love because there is nothing to prove.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“While the impostor draws his identity from past achievements and the adulation of others, the true self claims identity in its belovedness. We encounter God in the ordinariness of life: not in the search for spiritual highs and extraordinary, mystical experiences but in our simple presence in life.” Brennan Manning
