June is a time when the world should celebrate the vibrant tapestry of queer lives. Yet, in our current political climate, we're seeing active attempts to silence, diminish, and erase queer stories and experiences. This reality makes our journey into the "Power of Pride" not just a path of personal growth, but a vital act of visibility, resistance, and radical self-affirmation. As a gay man, this resonates deeply for me, and I believe the principles of authentic pride are universal. This month, we embrace the defiant joy of owning every part of who you are, acknowledging every step, every triumph, and every moment of growth that has shaped the incredible person you are. We’re cultivating a profound sense of self-appreciation, learning to honor your resilience, your courage, and the unique gifts you bring to the world, knowing that your story is your power, and sharing it is an act of liberation.

The Anatomy of Authentic Pride

When we talk about pride, it's crucial to understand what kind of pride we're focusing on. There's a significant difference between authentic pride and ego.

• Authentic Pride is a deep, grounded self-appreciation that stems from earned accomplishment and genuine self-acceptance. It's a quiet, strong knowing of your worth, built from within. It doesn't need external validation or comparison to others. It's about recognizing your effort, your growth, and your unique contributions.

• Ego, on the other hand, is often fragile, externally driven, and comparison-based. It thrives on being "better than" and often crumbles when faced with perceived failure or criticism. It's a mask we wear, rather than the true face of our inherent value.

Cultivating authentic pride is essential for sustained well-being and truly empowered action. It's the bedrock upon which genuine confidence is built, allowing you to move through the world with integrity and strength.

The Psychology of Self-Appreciation

There's real psychological power in actively appreciating yourself and your accomplishments. When you acknowledge your wins, big or small, you're not just being kind to yourself; you're rewiring your brain for success and confidence. This practice leads to increased self-worth, greater resilience in the face of challenges, and powerful intrinsic motivation. It's a fundamental aspect of positive mental health – choosing to focus on what you've achieved and how far you've come, rather than dwelling solely on perceived shortcomings.

Think of it as building a personal evidence locker of your triumphs. Each piece of evidence, each moment of self-appreciation, reinforces your belief in yourself and your capacity to navigate life's complexities.

The Power of Visibility

In times when there are active attempts to erase or diminish our existence, simply living and sharing your truth becomes a profound act of defiance. Your authentic self, your journey, your joy – these are not just personal experiences; they are a beacon of hope for others.

Every story you share, every moment you allow yourself to be seen (even if initially only to yourself), contributes to a larger, more powerful narrative of strength, resilience, and unapologetic existence. Your visibility, your self-affirmation, and your authentic pride send a clear message: "We are here. We thrive. And our stories matter." This is a collective act of liberation, where individual courage inspires collective empowerment.

Be a part of the conversation, find your center, and be heard in our weekly service, Sanctuary.

There will be a short message, a meditation, and a space to release whatever is on your heart in a loving, non-judgemental space.

Get the link in the events section inside the community or 

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