Awakening to Authenticity: The Call to Be Alive
Glennon Doyle's poignant invitation to "Stop being good. Be alive instead" challenges us to reconsider the very fabric of our existence. In a world that often equates goodness with compliance and conformity, Doyle urges us to embrace the vibrancy of life itself. This call to authenticity resonates deeply, as it beckons us to shed the masks we wear and to engage with our true selves, filled with passion, joy, and even discomfort. The stakes are high: to live fully is to risk vulnerability, yet it is also the pathway to genuine connection and fulfillment.
In her work, particularly in "Untamed," Doyle articulates a profound shift from societal expectations to personal truth. This shift is not merely a suggestion; it is a radical reorientation of how we perceive our roles in the world. The dichotomy between being "good" and being "alive" invites us to explore the depths of our desires, fears, and dreams. It is an invitation to step into the wildness of our existence, where we can experience life in all its messy, beautiful complexity.
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in Doyle's quote is striking, as it juxtaposes the concepts of being "good" and being "alive." The verb "stop" implies a decisive action, a conscious choice to disengage from the passive role of pleasing others. In contrast, "be alive" is an active, dynamic state of being that encompasses all the richness of human experience. This metaphor speaks to the heart of our existence, suggesting that mere compliance to societal norms is a shadow of the vibrant life we are meant to lead.
In the speaker's tradition
Glennon Doyle's message is deeply rooted in the modern-spirituality tradition, which emphasizes personal experience and authenticity over dogma. Concepts such as dharma—the idea of living one's truth—align closely with her call to be alive. In this context, "goodness" can often be a distraction from our true path, while embracing our authentic selves is a form of spiritual liberation. This perspective resonates with the notion of kenosis, or self-emptying, where one sheds societal expectations to make space for genuine self-discovery.
In "Untamed," Doyle draws upon her own experiences to illustrate the transformative power of living authentically. This mirrors the teachings found in various spiritual texts, such as Rumi's poetry, which often encourages seekers to break free from societal constraints and to embrace their inner wildness. Just as Rumi invites us to "let the beauty we love be what we do," Doyle's message is a clarion call to align our actions with our deepest truths, fostering a life that is not just good, but vibrantly alive.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching resonates: a professional who feels trapped in a corporate job, adhering to the expectations of success defined by others. This individual may excel in their role, garnering praise for their "good" performance, yet inside, they feel a profound emptiness. By choosing to "be alive" instead of merely "being good," they might explore their passions, perhaps shifting to a career that aligns with their true interests, even if it means taking risks and facing uncertainty. This transition embodies the essence of Doyle's message, as it prioritizes personal fulfillment over external validation.
In the realm of relationships, the teaching can manifest in a different light. Imagine a partnership where one person constantly seeks to please the other, suppressing their own needs and desires in the name of being "good." This dynamic can lead to resentment and disconnection. By embracing the call to "be alive," both partners can engage in open, honest communication, expressing their true feelings and desires. This shift not only fosters deeper intimacy but also allows both individuals to grow and thrive as authentic beings, rather than mere reflections of each other's expectations.
A reflection
As we contemplate Doyle's powerful words, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: Are we living in accordance with our true selves, or are we merely adhering to the expectations of others? What would it look like to prioritize being alive over being good in our daily choices? This contemplation encourages us to explore the areas where we may be holding back, inviting us to step into the fullness of our existence and to embrace the wild, beautiful journey of being authentically ourselves.
