Seeing the Unseen: Embracing the Greatness Within

There is a quiet tragedy unfolding inside many of us. It is not an outward catastrophe, but something that happens silently within. It's the tendency to overlook our own greatness: to hide from our full selves, and ignore what we do not like or understand about who we are.

Dasha Dare - coach and photographer - says, "Photography has always been about seeing greatness, the essence in another human being." She also shares not everyone is capable of seeing their authentic selves: both the greatness and the parts they might dislike or disown.

Many people resist viewing themselves: really seeing and appreciating who they truly are. They look away from the awkward photos, the tired expressions, the moments they deem they are unworthy of acknowledgement.

Often, we as human beings curate and filter - both online and within - our image. And in doing so, we suppress the full truth of who we are from ourselves. And this suppression can lead to ongoing festering of beliefs that may not serve and perhaps are simply not true!

Through her unique process of capturing clients' images in coaching sessions, Dasha reveals truths that words alone may never uncover. She explains, "It’s been very healing and powerful to sit through the discomfort of what you see, rather than brushing it off or turning away." 

As coaches, we are the mirror for our clients: reflecting back what we are noticing our client is sharing - both verbally and non-verbally. This includes physiology, expressions, energy, emotions, which supports our clients to become more conscious so they can make choices to maintain, enhance or change behaviours, thoughts, patterns. 

So much of our energy can go into avoiding the discomfort of being seen.  Dasha said as a coach and photographer, "Our immediate reaction is to turn away or suppress... But then it (the discomfort) grows. It (can) result in disconnection, anxiety, and shame."

With every unwanted image, there is an opportunity to meet self with compassion, to understand rather than judge and appreciate what each and every part of ourselves brings to 'the table' and how these parts can support the effectiveness of the whole person. 

As we choose to explore all the different sides of who we are, greater awareness arises, something shifts, we become more accepting and curious. And we stop identifying solely with the curated parts and begin to embrace the whole of who we are.

Dasha says true identity is, "The one that remembers who we were before the world told us who to be."

Greatness, then, is not something to chase or perform. It's something to remember and witness and it begins with the willingness to really look at ourselves inwardly, even the parts we wish weren’t there.

This is where healing begins. And from that healing, true freedom arises when we realise we have the ability to change our perspective and we unlock a world of choice and freedom.

We are all creators of our world, as Dasha reminded us: the first step is seeing the creator within.

Below are some reflective questions to ask of yourself

• What part of yourself are you avoiding seeing?
• What might become possible if you welcome all of you into the light?
• How would your self-image shift if you looked through a lens of compassion rather than criticism?

Be Empowered.

www.empower-world.com

To hear the full conversation with Jeanine Bailey and Dasha Dare, click here.

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