Authenticity and Instagram Face

Lately I’ve been pondering the ideas of Authenticity and Instagram Face. This is something that’s been rolling around in my head for awhile now. So, what is authenticity?

au·then·tic | ôˈTHen(t)ik | adjective 1 of undisputed origin; genuine: the letter is now accepted as an authentic document | authentic 14th-century furniture. • made or done in the traditional or original way, or in a way that faithfully resembles an original: the restaurant serves authentic Italian meals | every detail of the movie was totally authentic. • based on facts; accurate or reliable: an authentic depiction of the situation. • (in existentialist philosophy) relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life.

au·then·tic·i·ty | ˌôTHenˈtisədē | noun the quality of being authentic: the paper should have established the authenticity of the documents before publishing them.

Are Botox, fillers, plastic surgery expressions of your authentic true self? Or, are they attempts to comply with the cultural expectations? 

In our culture we have an issue with being authentically seen. So, instead of being our genuine self, we use Botox, Fillers, and Surgery to help us hide and comply. 

One look at social media will tell you our culture is obsessed with youth and sex. For example, look at the Instagram Face trend. “Instagram Face” is a cultural phenomenon.

There’s a societal movement pushing you to change your authentic body, the body you were born with, to something that’s deemed more acceptable by others. 

As humans, we are born with an individually unique soul. No one like another. Additionally, we have a have an equally unique physical body encasing that beautiful soul. And, each of us is built for a distinct purpose and destiny. Just as each type of vehicle in the parking lot serves in a specific capacity, so do we human beings. 

The Instagram Face phenomenon is like saying that a Corvette is the only ideal vehicle and every other vehicle should get mechanical work done to become just like a Corvette.

No matter that a Prius, a Sentra, or an F-150, is made to offer value distinct from that of a Corvette. Each and every vehicle is built for a certain purpose in a specific context – the way and where they drive, how they use fuel, and whether or not they haul cargo. A Corvette isn’t a family hauler. Its fuel economy is poor. It doesn’t do well off road. So why should every vehicle be expected to look and perform like a Corvette? There’s value and beauty to be found in all types.

Let’s break free from this toxic ideal of the Instagram Face. Honor your authentic vehicle of self. If you’re built for off-roading, love it! If your body is built for fuel economy, celebrate! And, if you’re made to be a family hauler, cherish your body! Every authentic expression of the human body has beauty. And, each helps you to manifest your own unique destiny.

I’ve heard this conversation between women more than once: 

Woman A – “I hate my (name the body feature here).” 

Woman B – “Oh my gosh, you’re so beautiful! I’d love to have your (name the body feature here).”

The fact is we treat ourselves worse than others whom we care about.

We speak to ourselves in nasty ways that we wouldn’t ever use with someone we love. And, we chose to hide, instead of being seen in our Authenticity and Instagram Face overcomes. So, we get the procedures, comply with societal pressure, and become another Instagram Face clone.

Would you criticize a Prius for losing a race to Corvette? No. Would you belittle a Corvette for having poor fuel economy compared to the Prius? No. Because, you’re smart and logically recognize that they are different vehicles and hold their own unique value. So, apply the same logic to yourself and others. Each of us have a unique vehicle of self called the human body. And your body has distinct and extraordinary value. Those that criticize don’t understand the value of their own vehicle. 

It’s ok to be who you are. Own your value. Own your awesomeness. You are made to be you and no one else.

The fact is, you, Child of the Divine, are beautiful. So, own your unique beauty. 

Skip the Botox and Fillers. Aesthetic Acupuncture honors your unique vehicle of self. It doesn’t make you look like someone you’re not. There’s a big difference between Authenticity and Instagram Face. You are the real deal, the genuine article, just as you are. Stand in your authenticity and your true beauty shines.