The trending world
The trending world
Why authenticity is what marks true success in a world saturated with selling us things we often don't need
Say and write what you see and hear. But since you are timid in speaking, and simple in expounding, and untaught in writing, speak and write these things not by a human mouth, and not by the understanding of human invention, and not by the requirements of human composition, but as you see and hear them on high in the heavenly places in the wonders of God1.
—Hildegard of Bingen, Scivias [Click the link here to download the PDF.]
[This article is based off published works I took down. To view the originals, click here and here.]
In the wise words of Socrates, the “unexamined life is not worth living2.”
I believe this sentiment to be highly relevant in our modern world, with social media and innovation connecting us all in unprecedented ways.
As I try to start a successful coaching business, building a brand that’s not only inclusive, but offers sustainable value, it’s important to stand out among the crowd of content3.
Standing out in the crowded and saturated realm of social media and content creation requires a unique blend of authenticity, compelling storytelling, and genuine engagement, enabling creators to forge deeper connections with their audience and transform their content into meaningful dialogues rather than mere products .
[For more insights on building a distinct presence in social media, you can explore articles from Buffer and HubSpot.]
Reflecting on trends like "very demure" on TikTok, I realize they challenge my understanding of standing out and engaging meaningfully.
Instead of chasing viral moments for subscriber numbers, it’s crucial to cultivate genuine connections that prioritize meaningful dialogue over superficial metrics.
Redefining cultural shifts
The TikToker Jools Lebron, through her satirical lens, redefines demureness as a powerful assertion of individuality rather than a symbol of submissiveness4.
The trend encourages individuals to reclaim their identities, while simultaneously rejecting societal norms that often misrepresent our true selves.
Viral trends serve as fascinating reflections of the human psyche, illuminating our collective desires, fears, and social dynamics.
The recent "very demure" trend on TikTok underscores a growing appetite for authenticity and a desire to reclaim individuality amid a sea of digital noise, mirroring Plato’s Allegory of the Cave5, where individuals mistake shadows on a wall for reality, highlighting our quest for genuine connection.
Other notable examples, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge and the Mannequin Challenge, showcase how collective participation can foster awareness and empathy, revealing a fundamental need for social validation and connection.
By understanding these trends through the lens of the human psyche, we can better appreciate their significance in shaping our perceptions of self and community.
The radical reclamation act of self-care
Your time is the most precious and valuable resource you have.
As people are constantly vying for our attention, reclaiming your time is the most radical act of self-care.
With set boundaries, you not only limit your exposure to influence, but you create space for what truly matters.
Does this sound familiar:
As soon as your alarm goes off, you instinctively grab your phone, and what starts as a quick check-in on social media quickly spirals into a 30-minute distraction.
Many of us live in a cycle of constant digital connection that can quietly drain our energy, hijack our time, and mess with our mood.
If you are interested in reclaiming your time, send me a message to discuss the Digital Audit and Detox Guide.
By diving into your habits, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your digital life, you can gain more of your most precious resource, time.
Imagine this scenario:
It’s the end of a long workday, and you’re exhausted.
You crave a moment of mindless relaxation, so you tell yourself, "Just a few YouTube videos."
But what starts as a five-minute break quickly spirals, as one video turns into another, and before you know it, two hours have vanished.
Does this sound like an experience you’ve had?
I used to see YouTube as a harmless escape, but each hit of entertainment spiked my dopamine, which in turn, left me feeling more tired and unmotivated, like the app was quietly siphoning my energy without me even noticing.
Recognizing these patterns has been my first step toward reclaiming my time.
Reflecting on your digital influences
How do your digital habits shape your day, and what would you change to create more meaningful moments in your life?
Reflect on this and share your thoughts.
Some apps can help you stay connected, spark creativity, or teach you something new, while others can leave you feeling anxious, inadequate, or simply waste your time.
Identifying these patterns can help you understand how your digital habits influence your well-being and guide you toward making choices that truly benefit you.
It’s easy to let our digital habits run on autopilot.
Boundaries help you reclaim that control.
When was the last time you felt fully present without your phone?
I realized I was glued to Facebook and LinkedIn notifications even during family dinners, affecting my relationships.
Muting notifications after 7 PM initially felt like I was missing out, but soon it brought a sense of freedom.
Try setting app-free moments during meals or the first hour after waking up6.
Building a brand that supports its community
As I explore these ideas in BrainSpark, I strive to connect with others who may feel overwhelmed or disconnected.
The cultural shift we’re witnessing isn’t just about adopting trendy labels, but about empowering individuals to break free from superficial standards and embrace inclusive, positive, and lasting change that resonates with a genuine sense of purpose.
I encourage readers to adopt a reflective approach in their daily lives:
Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day contemplating your thoughts and actions, helping to align your intentions with your values.
Intentional Choices: Make small adjustments to your daily habits that support authenticity and mindfulness.
Track Progress: Keep a journal of your experiences and engage with others to strengthen your commitment to living authentically.
In this journey of self-discovery and connection, I invite you to join me at BrainSpark.
Together, we can navigate life's complexities, explore empowering truths, and spark conversations that celebrate our unique journeys while building a community that thrives on growth and genuine connection.
Implementing changes for a healthier digital life
How do you want to feel at the end of each day?
Energized? Accomplished? At peace?
Which digital habits are currently standing in the way of that feeling?
What’s one immediate change you can make today to start reclaiming your time?
Your journey is unique, and together, we can create a space where individuality is celebrated, and connection is fostered.
Let’s embark on this adventure, breaking free from the shadows and illuminating the path toward a life of authenticity, purpose, and community.
Thank you for reading this article.
If you know someone who would benefit from this or other BrainSpark content, consider sharing it with them.
Found on page 74 of the PDF (page 59 of the actual document).
Project Gutenberg has this passage from Plato’s Apology (section 28) stating:
For if I say that that would be to disobey the deity, and that, therefore, it is impossible for me to live quietly, you would not believe me, thinking I spoke ironically. If, on the other hand, I say that this is the greatest good to man, to discourse daily on virtue, and other things which you have heard me discussing, examining both myself and others, but that a life without investigation is not worth living for, still less would you believe me if I said this.
Meanwhile, The Complete Works of Plato (Benjamin Jowett trans.), compiled by Dr. Mohamed Elwany, has the passage stating:
For if I tell you that to do as you say would be a disobedience to the God, and therefore that I cannot hold my tongue, you will not believe that I am serious; and if I say again that daily to discourse about virtue, and of those other things about which you hear me examining myself and others, is the greatest good of man, and that the unexamined life is not worth living, you are still less likely to believe me.
[You can view these passages in Greek by clicking the link here. Go to page 141 of the PDF, or 137 of the actual book; section XXVII]
According to the latest estimates, 402.74 million terabytes of data are created each day.
[Click here for more information.]
Demureness is traditionally linked to a quality of being reserved, modest, or shy, particularly in manner or appearance; it was often linked to feminine virtues of modesty and virtue, reflecting societal expectations of woman to present themselves in a restrained manner.
The term has its origins in the Middle English word demure, which appeared around the 1300s, initially describing something as calm or settled, and by the 1500s, it evolved to convey seriousness or a reserved demeanor, often associated with women and their modesty in dress and behavior.
In contemporary contexts, the concept has been nuanced.
The rise of social media platforms has introduced trends that play with the notion of demureness, often in an ironic or playful way.
[Click here for more information.]
An article by Psychology Today titled A Psychologist’s Take on Escaping From Plato’s Cave, shares some interesting insights about the cave allegory of Plato.
An excerpt from the intro reads:
“To Plato, we are all prisoners of a cave of our own making when we confuse truth with sensory impressions of the world around us. Truth lies beyond what we can perceive through our senses. As an everyday example, picture yourself standing at the ocean’s shore and looking outward to the horizon. The ocean appears as a flat expanse as far as the eye can see. Guided only by your senses, you might conclude that the Earth must truly be flat. Like Plato’s prisoners of the cave, you might mistake mere appearance for truth.”
The allegory remains pertinent today as we risk becoming blind cave dwellers when we assume that the only reality is what lies directly before us or what we can imagine.
To accept that our perception defines reality is to mistake mere shadows for the truth.
To break free from this self-imposed "cave," we must strive to view the world and ourselves through a renewed lens.
Tools like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing can help track your usage and set limits.
Great inspiring article. You are such a wonderful writer. I like that your very true to yourself and are not shy to express it.
Another, well written and truly inspiring article thank you for sharing!