Confident Authenticity in an industry of Judgment and Observance

12 of us gathered at D&D to discuss ways in which to find authenticity in environments where we feel judged. I called the session from a place of vulnerability, acknowledging that when engaged in creative practice, authenticity feels easy and natural. But when I'm involved in some industry engagements outside of the rehearsal room, I can feel anxious about what others are perceiving and miss out on being my 'authentic self', my 'best self'. The question I asked is 'what does authenticity mean to

- Importance of safety. Are our own judgments there to protect us in spaces that don't feel safe to be our authentic selves in? Does judging help to keep us safe?

- Leaning in to discomfort. If we feel judged because of our creative spirit and ideology, should we lean into these moments more and choose to radiate ourselves even bigger rather than going smaller?

- When are we censoring ourselves and when are others censoring us? Noticing that.

- 'Leading Mindfully' by Pete Burden and Rob Warwick - This book was recommended for talking about the difference between 'noticing' and 'judging'.

'As we understand complexity, we can change what we notice and pay attention to. Including the often invisible forces of power that constrain how we think we should behave. It turns out we’re not powerless; far from it. This book will show you how you can make a difference in practice: by learning to notice, to enquire and to respond more effectively to what is happening in the groups and teams you belong to.'

- A mantra - 'We're here, we're present, let's fucking change the world'

- Re-thinking perceived power according to our values. If our values are what they are, why do we place so much power in those who don't share them?

- Our artistic work and personal selves are so intertwined. IT IS PERSONAL.

- What tools can help us to be consistently authentic - coaching, meditation, mindfulness, somatic practice, IFS/parts work, Meisner, NVC, talking and community, applying Open Space fundamentals.

- What's the relationship between 'authenticity' and 'integrity', 'vulnerability' and 'resilience', 'presence' and 'connection'? We need truth and courage to be all of these things. We need permission and forgiveness.

- The rehearsal room has all of these things built in. We can fail! How can we translate that into the rest of the industry?

- We have parts, yes, but do we also have a stillness at our core? A core that all our parts join into.

- When you become deemed a 'safe pair of hands' in the industry, ie. known, trusted, somewhat predictable, it's more important than ever to hold on to your authentic self. We are changing all the time!

- IS ART OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS AUTHENTICITY? It never stops. The power of acknowledging this emergent authenticity through our work.

- Collective authenticity vs Auteurism. When does 'authenticity' become an abuse of power?

- Thinking about authenticity as the future, as risk taking.

- A quote from someone in the group - 'I comfort to afflict and afflict to comfort'.

- Another quote - 'Just because it's about you doesn't mean it's personal.'

- And another - 'Our systematic industry is at odds with the qualities of creative practice'.

- Other book recommendations - 'Ways of Seeing' John Berger. 'What a Body can Do' Ben Spatz.

Thanks to all for the contributions!