Imposter Syndrome

Religion projects perfection,
when perfection is what we already are.

Imposter syndrome is the psychological feeling of insecurity and self-doubt, manifesting as a negative self-image, when we are actually quite capable people. Imposter syndrome is a misunderstanding of perfection, when that’s what we naturally are – minus our ideas.

People are attracted to the idea of perfection.
The truth is that this idea of perfection is a charade.

It keeps us in spiritual poverty.

All beings have a self-image, pretending to be or adopting something they are not; this self-image is the imposter. We all learn to project a persona, a mask :-), and we place this self-image before our supreme being of pure consciousness, which has no characteristics except compassion for all (was that the meaning of the first commandment?).

Religion – or any spiritual set-up – makes sure that we lack confidence, and so we become dependent. This is why the Buddha said, “Do not take my word for truth; test it for yourself.”

The Buddha’s first noble truth was to admit that we are suffering from imposter syndrome. If we are just looking for a quick fix by reading or hearing teachings, we become merely actors, imitating reality. We will remain unenlightened until we show compassionate understanding for all.

When we realise that it is our self that is the imposter,
we feel silly protecting and projecting it.

This is why we experience discomfort;
to a genuine practitioner, however, this is a teaching.