A Visceral Connection & Authentic Quests

How does one live an authentic life and connect to their authentic truth? This question has plagued and inspired me all my life. In hindsight I suspect that my career moves, love choices and artistic pursuits have been attempts to answer this grand question. I am always looking for people and opportunities that resonate. This resonance will help me reveal another layer of my authenticity. And own my authentic voice. I recognize that here the question is more important than the answer. The answer to this question is likely to evolve as I enter different phases and cycles in my life. But the key for me is to stay alert and tuned into visceral connections. The older I grow the more I recognize the power of visceral/instant connections. People and places that I seem to recognize and connect with immediately. Not just intellectually. But at a visceral and almost primitive level. This connection to me feels authentic and if followed usually leads to much joy and meaning.

In contrast whenever I tried to intellectualize my choices and choose "safe" people and options and become overly goal oriented I tended to pave the way for anxiety, misery and deep unhappiness. Whereas whenever I followed my deeper voice and went towards things that made my curious, inspired or alive I became connected to a deeper authentic place within me. And by carving out space in my life and regularly dedicating myself to things that inspired/moved me I feel I am slowly inching towards a more authentic and soulful place. Yes, the journey may take longer and a more convoluted path but the results I feel will be more enduring. So I am learning to trust my gut instincts more and to loosen the grip of the mind from everyday choices.