Can honesty be reframed as alignment with the present moment of becoming rather than adherence to past coherence or fixed identity?
The act of telling the truth may have been historically framed as an ethical standard, but what if it can be better understood as an expression of authenticity that is aligned with the current state of one's being? Honesty might instead be viewed as an accurate reflection of who someone is right now rather than a strict application of moral principles from their past. This perspective could allow for more flexibility, growth, and change in one's life.
Honest communication involves expressing what is true without intentionally misleading others.
This definition does not consider how much has changed since the last time an individual made an honest statement. It also ignores the possibility that one's perception of reality has shifted due to new experiences. Viewing honesty through the lens of alignment means acknowledging that people are constantly evolving and that they may no longer hold onto outdated beliefs or values.
Imagine a person who tells their partner that they do not want children, but later realizes they would like to become parents after all. If they had previously defined themselves as child-free, they may feel dishonest when they say otherwise. But this does not mean they were lying before; it simply reflects that their understanding has expanded over time. Similarly, someone who grows up believing in a certain religion may later question those beliefs and decide to identify as atheist. Being truly honest about this new alignment requires letting go of old assumptions and embracing the present moment.
This reframing suggests that honesty is not just about avoiding falsehood but about staying in tune with one's ever-evolving sense of self. It challenges fixed identities by allowing individuals to adapt and adjust based on new insights and experiences. By aligning oneself with the present moment of becoming rather than clinging to past coherence, people can be more truthful in their interactions while still remaining flexible and open to change.
Can honesty be reframed as alignment with the present moment of becoming rather than adherence to past coherence or fixed identity?
In an article published by Psychology Today titled "Honesty: Why It Matters More Than You Think," author Darya Rose explains that while it is generally accepted that honesty involves being truthful, there are other elements involved as well. She argues that honesty also requires aligning oneself with the present moment and allowing for flexibility in one's thoughts and actions.