The Music of Authenticity — How Well Do You Play?
I don’t remember when it began, but the quest to show up as your authentic self is at the heart of cultural conversations in love, in play, and at work.
Do You. Be You. It’s the Authenticity Challenge and the Challenge of Authenticity.
What does that even mean? What does it look like? At the end of the day, when faced with ____________ (pick your own barrier), what do you do?
My answer takes me back to my creative roots. Shout out to the High School of Performing Arts/Music and Art — maybe it was there where I learned to own myself.
I respond to the challenge of authenticity by playing myself like a finely tuned baby grand piano. In the same way, a virtuoso pianist knows their instrument, I know myself. I know my keys and my reach. There are songs I can play well and others where I need more practice. When deciding what and how to play, I consider:
Does this arrangement resonate with the situation? Is this my musical composition or someone else’s arrangement? Maybe I need to play another tune? Modulate to a different key? Perhaps a different style of music? And what do I want to achieve? Do I want people to sing along, dance to the beat, or listen in quiet reflection? Is my intention harmony or cacophony? What if my keys are out of tune, and I misread the situation? How do I keep my instrument in tune?
To quote a friend, “life and change are partners.” I don’t know every situation I will face, but self-knowledge, creativity, and some good old-fashioned improvisation have served me and others well. Self-mastery is key. Some confuse personality with attitude. My personality is who I am.* My attitude and approach depends on the circumstances.
The instrument does not change, but the music might. I may need to expand my repertoire. Whatever response I choose, it always begins with considering the audience and the outcome, and being willing to play — I trust my instrument.
*based on a quote by Frank Ocean
