The Essence: The Key to Authentic Connection with Ourselves and Others

The word “essence” evokes depth, authenticity, and truth. It is the foundation of who we are, the core that defines our most intimate and genuine characteristics. However, in an increasingly hectic and distracting world, we often disconnect from it, which can lead to a feeling of emptiness or living a life that is out of alignment with who we truly are. In this article, I will explore what essence is, its importance, advantages, challenges, and how we can cultivate it to live more connected with ourselves and others.

What is Essence?

Essence can be defined as the set of characteristics and qualities that make a person or thing what they really are. In the human context, it is our "authentic self", what we are without masks, without external pressures, without social influences. It is closely linked to our deepest values, beliefs and feelings.

In philosophical terms, essence is often seen as the ultimate truth of a being. In a psychological context, it is what moves us internally, the point of reference for our actions and decisions.

Why is Essence Important?

There are several areas that influence our essence. What I describe below are the ways in which the essence finds to show itself and that help us identify whether or not we are aligned.

1. Authenticity: When we are connected with our essence, we can live in a way that is more aligned with who we really are, avoiding falling into the trap of living only to meet external expectations.

2. Emotional Balance: Connecting with our essence helps us deal with life's challenges with more resilience, more firmly and with a solid internal foundation.

3. Direction and Purpose: Knowing our essence gives us clarity about what really matters, guiding our choices and goals.

4. Healthy Relationships: People who are connected with their essence have an easier time establishing genuine relationships, as they present themselves in a true and open way.

And why should we want to identify our essence? What are the advantages of doing so? And after that, what are the advantages of not doing so? What are the negative aspects of knowing what my essence is? These are questions that even seem contradictory to what we have described about what essence is. But like everything, there are good and bad aspects of identifying our essence, and that is what I will present to you below.

Positive Points of Connecting with the Essence

• Self-confidence : Knowing who we are and what we value increases confidence in making decisions and in how we face challenges.

• Autonomy : Living from our essence frees us from the need for external validation.

• Inner Peace : Connecting with your deep self reduces internal conflicts and promotes a sense of tranquility.

Negative Points or Challenges of Connecting with the Essence

Despite the countless benefits, connecting with your essence also brings challenges:

• Confrontation with the Truth : Self-knowledge can reveal aspects of ourselves that we would rather ignore, such as fears, traumas or limiting beliefs.

• Social Resistance : The environment around us does not always encourage authenticity; being true to one's essence can cause friction in situations where there is pressure to conform.

• Vulnerability : Showing yourself as you really are can make you feel exposed, especially in social interactions.

The importance of being aware of the pros and cons of knowing our Essence is so that we can work more productively on connecting with it. How? Let’s see in the next point.

How to Work on Connection with the Essence?

1. Practice of Introspection

   
   

   Set aside time for reflection, whether through meditation, journaling, or simply contemplation. Ask yourself: What really matters to me ?

2. Values Identification

   
   

   Identify your core values and use them to guide your decisions.

3. Reconnection with the Body

   
   

   Practicing activities such as yoga, tai chi or dancing can help align body and mind, promoting connection with the essence.

4. Cultivating Authenticity

   
   

   Allow yourself to be yourself, even when there is pressure to conform. Continuous practice strengthens your confidence in your own essence.

5. Seeking Support

   
   

   Therapies, support groups or even reading books about self-knowledge can be valuable tools for those looking to deepen their connection with themselves.

The Essence in Relationships with Others

When we connect with our essence, we also improve the quality of our interactions with others. This is because:

• We Create Genuine Relationships : By showing up authentically, we allow others to do the same.

• We Develop Empathy : Understanding our own essence helps us accept diversity in others.

• We Strengthen Trust : Authenticity generates credibility and mutual respect.

Conclusion

Reconnecting with your essence is a transformative process that requires courage and practice, but the benefits are immeasurable. Being aligned with who you truly are provides not only a more meaningful and balanced life, but also allows you to build healthier and more authentic relationships.

After all, as Carl Jung said: "He who looks outside dreams; he who looks inside awakens." May we, every day, awaken to our true essence and create a more connected and human world.

And you, how have you been working on your connection with the essence? Share your experience in the comments!