In our fast-paced world, where distractions are everywhere, it’s easy to lose touch with our deepest desires and our true direction. But each of us has an inner compass—a quiet, guiding voice that we can learn to follow. Yet, that voice often speaks softly, only heard in our quieter moments, especially during life’s challenging or uncertain times. This journey toward authentic living aligns with a powerful insight from philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: “The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with the falling of the dusk.”

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This quote suggests that wisdom and self-understanding don’t usually arrive at the start of our journey, but rather after experience, reflection, and growth. Just as the owl—a symbol of wisdom—takes flight at dusk, our true self often emerges when we’re still, reflective, and willing to listen. Let’s explore how we can connect with this inner compass, especially in moments of quiet, to find and embrace our most authentic selves.

Woman looking through the window

 

The Quiet Call of Authenticity: Learning to Listen

Our inner compass isn’t like a loud GPS, shouting directions as we move along. Instead, it’s more like a subtle nudge, a gentle pull that becomes clearer in moments of silence and stillness. To recognize it, we need to become comfortable with quiet and solitude, both of which are increasingly rare in today’s busy world.

It can be difficult to connect with this inner call because it isn’t always convenient or logical. It doesn’t operate on a strict timeline, and it doesn’t always align with our busy schedules. But when we carve out even a few minutes a day for reflection or stillness, we can begin to hear what it’s telling us.

For instance, you might feel a soft urge to pursue a creative project, start a new career path, or build a deeper relationship. These urges aren’t always loud—they’re often whispers that we can barely hear over the noise of daily life. But by listening closely, we begin to understand that these are signals from our true self. These inner pulls, however subtle, guide us toward authenticity if we let them.

Just like the owl of Minerva takes flight at dusk, our inner wisdom awakens as we take time to slow down. By listening to our intuition and inner desires, we can begin to trust our soul’s compass more, helping us make choices that align with who we truly are.

The Night’s Wisdom: Why We Often Find Ourselves in Reflective Times

The concept of dusk, as Hegel used it, goes beyond literal nightfall. Dusk can be a metaphor for times of transition, challenge, or uncertainty in our lives. When we’re unsure, facing change, or feeling stuck, we’re often forced to pause and reflect—sometimes even question the path we’re on. In these moments, we can begin to see our life from a new angle, discovering truths we might have overlooked during brighter, busier times.

Think back to a time when you were going through a challenging phase. Maybe it was a career change, a breakup, or a time of self-doubt. Often, these periods bring discomfort and even fear, yet they also open a door to self-discovery. In such times, we’re encouraged to sit with our emotions, re-evaluate our choices, and look inward for answers.

It’s in these dusky periods that our inner compass becomes most visible. When we’re at a crossroads, we can begin to sense where our authentic path lies, even if it’s faint at first. This is why the wisdom of the “owl at dusk” is so relevant: just as the owl takes flight in the evening, our clearest insights often come when we’re brave enough to sit with uncertainty and listen closely to what our soul is telling us.

Awakening Your Inner Compass: Practical Ways to Tune into Authenticity

While it’s important to recognize that our inner compass becomes clearer during reflective times, it’s also essential to nurture this connection daily. Here are some practical ways to tune into your authentic self and embrace that inner compass:

  1. Practice Self-Awareness Through Reflection: Setting aside time for quiet reflection, whether through journaling or meditation, is a powerful way to listen to yourself. This doesn’t have to be complicated—a few minutes each day can be enough. Write down thoughts, desires, and goals without judgment. Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns and hear your inner voice more clearly.
  2. Seek Silence in a Noisy World: The modern world is filled with distractions. Try to schedule small moments of silence throughout the day. These could be as simple as turning off notifications, taking a walk without headphones, or finding a quiet corner to sit. Silence helps your inner voice rise above the noise, allowing you to reconnect with your soul’s compass.
  3. Listen to the Body’s Signals: Our bodies often give us clues about whether we’re aligned with our authentic self. Pay attention to feelings of peace, excitement, or dread in different situations. When you feel relaxed and energized, it’s often a sign that you’re on the right path. Conversely, persistent stress or discomfort might indicate that you’re out of alignment with your true desires.
  4. Make Choices That Feel True to You: Decisions that align with your inner compass usually bring a sense of peace, even if they involve some uncertainty or change. Practice making small choices that feel authentic—this could mean saying “no” to a commitment that doesn’t resonate with you or trying something new that excites you. The more you trust your intuition, the stronger it becomes.
  5. Cultivate Curiosity Over Certainty: Instead of trying to figure everything out right away, allow yourself to remain curious about your journey. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do I truly want in this situation?” or “What feels most authentic to me right now?” Authenticity isn’t a fixed state; it’s a constantly evolving journey that unfolds as we remain open to growth.

These practices don’t have to be perfect or take up a lot of time. Rather, they’re about cultivating a gentle awareness that allows you to tune into the whispers of your soul. By incorporating these practices, you’ll find that your inner compass becomes a reliable guide, pointing you toward choices and actions that feel right for you.

To help illustrate this journey, let me tell you about a client of mine, Helen, a corporate manager who initially came to me feeling stuck. On paper, she had it all: a good career, a stable family life, and financial security. Yet, deep down, she felt unfulfilled and disconnected. She found herself questioning, “Is this all there is?”

Through our coaching framework, the BETAS process, Helen began to reconnect with her authentic self. This process guided her through a journey of Body awareness, Emotions, Thought patterns, Action, and Spiritual connection. Helen started by tuning into her body and noticing the chronic tension in her neck and shoulders. When she allowed herself to slow down and pay attention, she realized this tension was rooted in fear—the fear of leaving her stable job.

Exploring this emotion, she recognized it was driven by her learned belief that security was paramount. She had held this belief since childhood, but it was now keeping her from exploring more fulfilling paths. With time, Helen began to challenge this limiting thought, questioning her assumption that financial stability required staying in her current job. Through reflection and reframing, she allowed herself to envision new possibilities.

Taking small but meaningful steps, Helen decided to pursue a long-time passion by working on a PhD and launching a nonprofit to promote digital equity. This was a significant leap, but by connecting to her spirit and committing to a daily practice of self-reflection, she was able to stay grounded throughout the journey.

Just recently, after nearly seven years, Helen received her PhD. She’s a much more vibrant and radiant woman today, living a life that resonates with her authentic self. Helen’s journey is a testament to the idea that authenticity isn’t a shortcut or a magic pill; it’s a commitment to consistent self-awareness and meaningful action.8

Authenticity as a Path, Not a Destination

One of the most important truths about living authentically is recognizing that it’s a journey, not a destination. Authenticity isn’t a single point we arrive at; it’s an ongoing process of tuning in, checking in with ourselves, and adjusting our course. Life is ever-changing, and so are we. Our needs, desires, and values may shift over time, and that’s okay. What’s important is maintaining a commitment to honesty and self-awareness throughout.

Living authentically requires patience and resilience. There may be times when your authentic path feels challenging, or when those around you don’t fully understand your choices. But as you continue to trust your inner compass, you’ll develop a deeper sense of confidence and peace, knowing that you’re following the path that’s right for you.

Remember Hegel’s words about the owl of Minerva: wisdom doesn’t always come instantly. Often, it’s through trial and error, reflection, and persistence that we become more aligned with our true selves. Authenticity grows stronger with each small choice we make that’s true to our values, dreams, and deepest longings.

 

Conclusion: Embracing an Authentic Life as a Lifelong Practice

As you move forward, consider that the journey of authenticity is a gift you give yourself daily. Living authentically isn’t just about big life choices; it’s about honoring yourself in the small, everyday decisions and allowing your soul’s compass to guide you, even when you can’t see the entire path.

In a world full of pressures and distractions, embracing authenticity is a radical, rewarding choice. It means choosing to listen, trust, and align with the quiet wisdom within you. Just like the owl of Minerva, our true insights often emerge as the day quiets down and dusk settles in. By taking time to listen, reflect, and make choices aligned with your inner compass, you can awaken to a life that feels true, meaningful, and uniquely your own.

When we live authentically, we create a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can foster a world that values the truth of each soul’s unique journey. So, pause, listen, and trust the whisper within. Your soul’s compass is waiting to guide you toward a life of fulfillment, purpose, and peace.

Need support finding your soul compass to live an authentic life? Connect with us to start your journey toward clarity and purpose. Schedule a free discovery call today!

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