The concept of truth is one that has puzzled philosophers and thinkers for centuries. What does it really mean? Who does it apply to? Are there universal truths that hold for all people? In a thought-provoking discussion, Alex and C explore these profound questions, unpacking the essence of truth and how it manifests in our daily lives.
The concept of truth is one that has puzzled philosophers and thinkers for centuries. What does it really mean? Who does it apply to? Are there universal truths that hold for all people? In a thought-provoking discussion, Alex and C explore these profound questions, unpacking the essence of truth and how it manifests in our daily lives.
C shares an insight that resonates with many of us: the truth isn't always comfortable or convenient. Take the all-too-familiar inner debate that plays out when the alarm clock goes off for an early morning gym session. That small, quiet voice saying, "If you're really wanting to get where you want to get to, you need to get up out of bed and go do this" - that's the voice of truth. Not dramatic, but direct, guiding us to align our actions with our goals and values.
On the other hand, Alex highlights an important counterpoint. Sometimes, our truth in the moment is to rest and restore, even when the mind resists, fixating on external expectations and pressures. The key, Alex and C agree, is discerning our individual truth in each situation - tuning into that "highest choice," what's truly best for us, amidst the battle between mind and soul.
To illustrate this point, C shares a powerful personal example. For years, C lived according to others' expectations - from appearance to career path to relationships - while knowing deep down that this life was not in alignment with C's authentic self. Finding the courage to face that truth catalyzed a radical life transformation, despite immense external resistance. The lesson here is profound: sometimes the truth can be a silent whisper, while at other times it roars loudly. The key is to sit with it, listen closely, and allow it to guide us towards our true path.
Alex and C observe how much easier it can be to defer to others' "truths" for us than to honor our own. Whether it's letting a parent's opinion overrule our own desires or getting trapped in endless mental deliberation rather than trusting our instinct, external influences and overthinking can easily obscure our inner knowing. It's important to remember that the truth isn't meant to generate stress and pressure. In Alex's words, "If you're feeling stressed about something, it's probably not the truth you're looking for. The truth is not stressful - it's freeing."
So, how can we discern the truth that liberates and enlivens us? Alex shares a powerful quote from the book Conversations with God: "The truth is often uncomfortable. It is only comforting to those who do not wish to ignore it. Then truth becomes not only comforting but inspiring." A good litmus test is to ask ourselves whether what we're choosing ultimately leaves us feeling expanded and empowered to move forward. If so, chances are we're on the right track.
At its core, the journey of living our truth is one of radical responsibility. It's about owning the fact that we are the source of our choices and our current circumstances - for better or worse. While this realization can be deeply confronting, it is also incredibly empowering. If we created our present through our past choices, we hold the power to create a different future through the choices we make now. We can choose to live more consciously, courageously, and authentically.
In C's poignant words, "It's always been you. Every choice that I've made, every place that I've been, every person that I've met. It's all my choice, it's what I've attracted, it's where I'm going... If you made that choice to get to where you are, imagine the choices you can make to get to where you want to be."
The truth may not always be clear-cut, and discerning it is a skill we develop over time. But if we keep showing up to the inquiry with honesty and openness, we move closer to a life of authenticity, meaning, and purpose - one choice at a time.