The knowledge of truth is empowering and guides us to an ethical manner of living and being in the worldand guides us to purposeful living. Truth is the symbol of light and love. We are shaped by our values and beliefs that may be questioned as we become more self-aware and may find ourselves on a quest for truth to make sense of our mortal existence. Truth, defined in the Cambridge dictionary, is the quality of honesty and not containing or telling lies. Truth is important and frees us from ignorance, corruption and needless suffering. Loss of freedom is evident in misinformation and lack of truth that impinge on our personal freedom.

In today's time, we are confronted with the traps of untruths that infiltrate organizations, media and other establishments and influence our beliefs and interactions with others. It leads to deceit, damaged reputations and decreased trust. Many are seeking justice and human dignity worldwide because of corruption, greed and lack of compassion. Unfortunately, we witness leadership motivated by intense craving for power and greed that lead to self-destruction and harm to others. The self-centeredness and excessive longing for acquistion and material gain at any cost, may be the result of maladaptive behaviors and unresolved feelings that cannot be fulfilled outwardly. This behavior is demonstrated in all facets of socity where truth is sacrificed for personal favors and gain with no regard for human welfare.

Truth always prevail. Seek, hear, learn and love it. Truthfulness matters to society as a whole and enables us to grow and learn from life experiences. Truth can be achieved by the following five strategies: Be sincere, Adopt a critical thinking mindset, Be your own yardstick, Keep a healthy balance and Live your truth. Dr. Jean Marie highlights each.

Our 'Love In Action Practice' practice is to live your truth. Journal on your beliefs and values. How do they make you feel? How are you living? What are you saying? Are you congruent with what you say and how you act? Be the observer of yourself. Engage in healthy and gentle self-correction and see where it takes you.

Feel free to share your insights and experiences: Email [email protected]

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Inner Truth and Self-Discernment.