Honesty: Courageous for Liberating Self
The spirit that colored this Inner Listening session or Quiet Time revealed how honesty serves as the key that unlocks healing. Guided by Tuan Anh, participants from six countries were invited to pause, breathe, and listen to themselves more deeply. Quiet Time, he explained, is not simply sitting in silence, but creating a moment to slow down, connect with heart, and let the inner wisdom surface. At the core of this practice lies the courage to be honest—with ourselves first, and then with others.
Tuan Anh shared his personal journey openly. He recalled moments when he was not truthful with his parents, struggled in relationships, or hid emotions behind a mask of strength. Fear, shame, and insecurity often shaped his choices. Yet, he discovered that honesty became the first step toward healing. By apologizing to his family and partner, and by admitting his struggles, he experienced reconciliation and inner freedom.
"I begin to let go of the idea, work doesn't value me. In fact, I'm longing for an inner freedom and peace inside that I need to practice and grow," Tuan Anh added.
During the session, participants were invited to sit in stillness and reflect honestly on their own lives. They were asked to notice if there were things they had been avoiding, feelings left unsettled, or relationships where peace was missing. This gentle exercise reminded everyone that honesty is not abstract—it becomes real when we dare to face what is difficult to admit.
The sharing that followed showed how honesty touched many hearts. Aya from Indonesia expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much for the session! You are my family! I love you so much." Another participant reflected on family pressures, realizing the importance of not passing inherited burdens down to the next generation. Collin from the USA shared that the session gave him peace before sleep, a simple reminder of the serenity that comes with honesty and authenticity.
From these stories, it became clear that honesty is more than just telling the truth to others. It is also about being truthful with ourselves—admitting when we are afraid, insecure, or burdened. In doing so, we remove pretenses and open space for genuine connection. As Rob Corcoran once said: "Trust depends on the authenticity of our life, our openness, and our willingness to start with change in ourselves.
Personally, I realized that honesty requires courage. There are parts of myself I sometimes want to hide—out of fear of judgment or shame. But this session reminded me that honesty is liberating. When we acknowledge our weaknesses, we create room to grow. When we admit mistakes, we open doors for reconciliation. When we are truthful about our motives, our actions align more closely with values of purity, unselfihness, and love.
The main call to action from this session is simple: practice honesty every day. Even five or ten minutes of Quiet Time can make a difference. Writing down our thoughts, sharing honestly with trusted friends, or bringing honesty into family life can break cycles of silence and misunderstanding.
In the end, Quiet Time reminded us that honesty is not only a virtue but also a daily practice. It is the compass that leads us back to authenticity, healing, and peace. When we find courage to be truthful, we not only heal ourselves but also create space for others to heal.
—
Author: Amalia Sekar Mahanani (Alumni Trustbuilding Program Yogyakarta & part of ruangobrol.id)
Editor: Anisa Eka Putri Kusmayani