Imposter

Imposter Syndrome - Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite external evidence of their competence, those with imposter syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds, and do not deserve all they have achieved. Individuals with imposter syndrome incorrectly attribute their success to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent than they perceive themselves to be.

Imposter syndrome was coined in the 70's in order to label findings where successful, high achieving women were seeking help for persistent feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. 

This internalized persistent perception of being weak and not ever being enough. To center your thinking on yourself and how you lack in some way in comparison to others or the expectations of others, resulting in the identity within your community of choice as a loser, as a fraud.  We are all impacted by self doubt, but this is a more extreme form that can damage our ability to grow and achieve our potential. Imposter syndrome is a form of self harm and advertently harm to others as well, dishonoring one of the key principles, ahimsa, of yoga philosophy. Practicing the knowledge of ahimsa (non violence), the very first Yama of Patanjali Yoga Sutra, involves refraining from the hope of causing physical and psychological pain to any living being including yourself, and instead exercising compassion into every aspect of daily life. But, it isn't just a passive state of avoiding violence -- ahimsa implies the active expression of grace and kindness.

None of us are 100% equipped for the position we are in, whether that be in the workplace, homelife, community or a relationship. We all were created to have the capability to grow & improve. This blessing of growth and change should be celebrated, not hidden away like a dirty secret.The caveman part of our psychology sees where we are lacking. It fears we will be found out and put in danger. But by appreciating our strengths, differences, failures, our milestones & our own personal journey of growth, we can shift how we perceive ourselves. Rather than feeling not good enough or focusing on where we need to be better, changing our focus to continually celebrate our positives & growth to move forward within the workplace, homelife, community or a relationship. 

The tendency to focus on our weaknesses can be seen in our everyday lives – we get 95% positive feedback but we obsess on the  5%, we don’t look to our strengths, we don’t see growth but how far we are from 100% perfectionism that we perceive in others. Comparing yourself to your teacher, your boss, your mentor ... fortunately these individuals came and paved the paths before us in order to make way for our devine skills and uniqueness to shine for others to find light in themselves. These same teachers, bosses and mentors questioned their ability at one time too and also started at a square one on their own path. The difference between those that we look up to with their internal light shining bright, is that though they may have felt less than, they didn't give into that, rather they leaned into what they loved to do in order to serve others, in order to be a connecting and functioning piece within the tapestry of life. 

From this idea of leaning into love to serve, we weave back to ahimsa. What better way to practice compassion, grace and kindness while moving forward than serving? Serving through the divine skills you were born with and naturally have a purpose on this earth for.  Serve as in SEVA. The word "Seva" is a Sanskrit word often used in the service realm of yoga. Yet, seva is more than just the want to help others. Taken as a whole, the word “seva” means “together with” and describes the actions based on togetherness and integration, that collectively uplift others through the understanding of their needs. It is an expression of compassion for others and a genuine desire to uplift those around you.  I believe seva to be a combination of bhakti and karma yoga. Bhakti being the yoga worship inspired by divine love, the practice of selfless devotion and recognition of the Divine in everything. Karma yoga is known as the path of action, or selfless service towards others, renouncing the future fruits of our efforts as a spiritual offering rather than letting the ego become attached to the results of our actions. Lean into serving through the skills which you were divinely blessed. In turn serving others in love without any expectations or return. 

No one is an imposter when filled with divine gifts to live out their purpose in love while on this earth. Believe in the truth that you are enough as you lift others to the same realization through your divine gifts. Dare to dream and love BIG, get out of your way to move forward. Don't just stop at freeing yourself, look for ways to inspire others to find freedom from feeling like the imposter. Support through recognition, kind words or creating opportunities for others through your own capabilities. In doing so, we connect all the paths of our lives making it not easier but divinely integrated for those to make their way after us. 

Written by Brooke H.