The other day I caught myself cringing considerably after replaying a video of myself dancing in which I thought I would look like Shakira, but looked more like Shrek (one might say that’s a cringe joke, am I right?). Anyone else been there? Well, this time stopped myself to ask, what is cringe? And where does it come from? Because it certainly doesn’t come from our authentic being.
In actuality, cringe does not even exist. Let me say that again. Cringe does not exist.
Cringe is our mind’s creation, and our mind (which is our ego/thoughts/feelings) in itself is not our authentic being. Our minds are also not an accurate representation of reality, as they are subjective by nature. Therefore, cringe is just as good as a figure of our imagination if we choose to view it that way.
On the other hand, I would argue that we may be closer to our truest selves when we have the courage to be cringe. If you reflect on moments that you have felt cringe, you might notice a common thread. We often feel it when we or someone else has been expressing their most vulnerable, authentic self, perhaps through creativity, such as an experimental fashion statement or exaggerated dance moves or top-of-the-lungs singing, or simply through the joy of genuine laughter with a small snort or high-pitched hyena howl thrown in. Therefore, what is classed
as cringe could just be a representation of pure, unfiltered creativity and joy, a manifestation of our authentic being.
So, next time you feel like jumping for joy, presenting a profound poem you wrote, or approaching another person to give them some words of encouragement (or when you witness someone else doing so), remember, cringe doesn’t exist.
Question: When does my feeling of cringe arise? What insecurity/self-defense mechanism might it be bringing to light?
Affirm: I have the courage to be cringe. I am free to express my joy & authenticity fearlessly. Yours Authentically,
Vanessa
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