What does it mean to live 'authentically'? To be authentic with myself? Authentic with others?
In the third step of our Omer Journey, we will focus on the dynamic: Tiferet. In Hebrew, Tiferet means 'beauty', but I believe the word 'Authenticity' best expresses its character.
1. Tiferet is the portal through which my core values flow into my normal 'operating system'.
For example: If my child misbehaves, my instinct may be to react negatively. But when I pause to recognize my deep desire for his/her healthy growth, and that my reaction will inevitably send him/her an important message about patient behavior, my response will [hopefully!] reflect my larger vision.
That's Tiferet kicking into action.
Tiferet shines the light of my deeper values into my consciousness, so that I can re-calibrate my feelings and actions.
2. Tiferet brings symmetry to my internal struggles.
For example:
A homeless person asks me for a quarter. In kindness, I reach into my pocket. Then I pause. Considering how the money may actually be spent, I break out of my giving mode to evaluate the situation.
I now have conflicting instincts: Give? Withhold?
Here, Tiferet expresses my deeper drive - beyond these instincts - to consider what truly concerns me:
Do I genuinely want to pursue my good will?
Do I genuinely want to be/feel responsible?
Or do I genuinely want to help this person?
If I truly want to help, perhaps we should walk to a store where I can buy him something to eat. That would satisfy my desire for fraternity and my desire to temper my giving impulse.
By plugging into my deeply-held objective, I am able to act authentically, and to actually synthesize my shallower instincts.
3. Tiferet is truth.
A document is authenticated when it has clear and verifiable origins. When my actions and feelings don't originate from my core values, they're less than authentic.
Conversely, when my behavior flows from my values, my actions will have strength, authenticity, and durability.
4. Tiferet is empathy
Empathy flows from deep within the soul; it's taking kindness the extra mile, by identifying with another's struggle from his/her perspective.
Kindness is my caring response to your pain. Empathy is my response to our pain.
So, When we have a tool that anchors our behavior to core values, and brings authenticity and symmetry to our personality and relationships, is it any wonder we call it (Tiferet) 'Beauty'?