1 – False Notions

False Sarsaparilla / Happy Wanderer (Hardenbergia violacea)

Keyword – False Self (Façade)

Who did you learn to become in order to feel loved, accepted or safe?

From early childhood, we can learn to hide feelings, needs and parts of ourselves that seem unacceptable to the people around us. We adapt. We perform. We please, withdraw, control, achieve or become whatever we believe will protect us from rejection, shame, fear or pain.

Over time, these adaptations can become so familiar that we mistake them for who we really are.

False Notions invites you to become curious about the façade — the personalities, behaviours and beliefs you may have developed to protect what lies underneath. Rather than judging these adaptations, this essence encourages the self-honesty to recognise where your outward presentation may no longer reflect your genuine feelings, desires and motivations.

The first step towards recovering the True Self is recognising what is not truly you.

Invitation: This essence invites you to notice where you may be hiding, performing, pleasing, pretending or betraying your genuine feelings — and to become curious about what the façade has been protecting.

Loving qualities: Self-honesty • Authenticity • Self-awareness • Curiosity • Humility • Courage • Desire for truth

Patterns revealed: Façade • Pretence • Self-deception • Self-rejection • People-pleasing • Approval-seeking • Hiding • Denial • Self-betrayal