Returning to What Was Never Lost: A reflection on uncovering the authentic self
- Gillian Drader
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
As I sit here looking through my living room window in the early morning, gathering my thoughts for the day, I’m watching the birds in my yard—just sitting there, being birds. And I’m reminded again of the importance of beingness, of living from the true identity, the true self we were created to embody.
In my own personal journey, and in my work as a therapist and spiritual companion, I often find that the heart of the matter is this: how we lose touch with our essence. Amidst the busyness of life, the conflicts of the world, family dynamics, and the pressure to be what others need us to be, we slowly drift from the voice we were meant to speak from. Layers of untruth begin to cover our soul’s voice and we find ourselves taking on identities that aren’t ours or are false reflections of our true essence. But sometimes, grace surprises us—with a glimmer, a nudge, a memory—and we remember.
Some of the most beautiful moments I’ve experienced, both personally and in the lives of those I walk with, are these sacred glimpses of reconnection. When someone remembers who they were before the forgetting. When they touch back into the original beauty of who they are. The journey of remembering, of returning, of restoring that essence and the gifts that it holds is not only healing—it’s holy. And it matters—not just for our individual lives, but for the world. I truly believe each of us carries a unique imprint, a frequency of presence that no one else can bring. And this, I believe, is where the true miracle lies; not just in remembering who we are, but in offering that self to the world.
When we show up in our fullness and true identity —with nothing to prove and nothing to hide—we become presence. Our lives begin to carry a kind of quiet integrity that ripples outward. We offer others permission to do the same. Because the true self isn’t self-centered—it’s deeply connected. It listens. It responds. It brings clarity, compassion, and creativity into every space it enters.
The world needs more people who are anchored in their true essence. People who bring soul into systems, gentleness into conflict, beauty into grief, and courage into everyday decisions. People who lead from wholeness—not perfection, but presence.
Our true self, when lived into, becomes a kind of medicine. A balm for a weary world. And that medicine is not just made—it arises from remembering who we were before we forgot.
Uncovering the authentic self isn’t about becoming something new—it’s about coming home. It’s about allowing the truest part of us, the part formed in love and mystery, to take up space in the world again. Not as a role or a label—but as a living presence.
So I wonder—like the birds who remind me daily of the simplicity of being—what would it be like to simply return to the truth of who you are? The birds don’t try to be lions or elephants. They just are. And their being is enough. I wonder where, in your own life, you may have lost your true self. And I wonder what might happen if you began to notice what helps you remember.
Practical Steps for Remembering Your True Self:
Quiet Reflection: Set aside a few moments each day to sit in silence. Allow yourself to simply be, without any roles or expectations. Notice what emerges
Nature Walks: Spend time in nature and observe the natural world. Let the simplicity of the birds, trees, and water remind you of your own inherent beingness.
Journaling: Write about moments in your life when you felt most alive and authentic. What were you doing? Who were you with? What can you learn from those memories?
Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities—painting, music, dance—that allow you to express yourself without judgment. Let this be a space where your soul can speak.
Gillian’s spiritual journey has been a rich tapestry of paths within the Christian Tradition. From an early age, she was drawn to the mystery and beauty of connection to the Divine. Her work as a therapist and spiritual director over the past 25 years has been a further weaving of her passion to see people live from a place of mental wholeness and spiritual depth. Gillian serves on the Board of Directors of The Contemplative Society.
Contact Gillian at: admin@contemplative.org
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