“Hugot” and authenticity

“Hugot” and authenticity

Flourishing as human beings requires that we be open and honest with ourselves and others. Often we keep our true feelings bottled up inside, afraid to let our vulnerabilities show. However, it is precisely when we can bring our innermost thoughts to the surface that we begin to flourish.

This is why hypocrisy is a trap we must avoid. Kung hindi, paano tayo huhugot?

The Filipino idea of “hugot” captures this well. “Hugot” means to articulate one’s deepest longings, pains, and emotions. Rather than bury our hugot, we need to let it out. This takes courage and involves risk, as we do not know how others may respond. But it is only by taking this risk that we can experience the freedom and flourishing that comes from living authentically.

When we hide our true selves, we remain stuck in our heads and disconnected from others. But when we share our hugot, we forge genuine connections. Though we may tremble at our own audacity, we often find that others relate to our struggles more than we ever imagined. Our humanity is affirmed.

—
Matthew 23:27-32. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-242: AUGUST 30, 2023]