ALOK: How to Be Authentically You in A World Full of Fakes

Do you ever wonder why it is that society hates people who live authentically?
In this episode of Habits and Hustle, I chat with ALOK about their observations as to what tends to happen to us when we aren’t living authentically, when we finally start living authentically, and what kind of reactions that may provoke from society.
ALOK also shares their personal experience on how they have internalized feelings of hate towards themselves, how it almost drove them to suicide, and how they got over it.
ALOK (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artists, their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition.
What we discuss:
01:53: About Alok
07:29: How was Alok brought up?
11:05: How did Alok start living authentically?
18:20: How can you start living an authentic life?
19:45: Was Alok jealous of other people who came out before him?
23:25: Where do LGBTQ prejudices come from?
40:19: What was Alok’s experience with suicide?
46:55: What does Alok journal about?
54:28: How would Alok call himself?
01:10:25: Where can you learn more about Alok?
Key Takeaways:
- Most of us feel depressed, anxious, and sad because we are not living authentically. We are living lives that others, whether it be our parents or society, tell us we “should” live. We tend to sacrifice what our truth is and as a result, live a life that is out of alignment with what we truly want and are passionate about.
- The biggest motivator behind the hate many people who go against the grain is jealousy and envy. When someone sees someone else rejecting what society has forced on them, they express it as anger and hate, but it stems from the feeling of being upset with themselves that they don’t have the same courage as that person to live the life they want.
To learn more about ALOK:
Website: www.alokvmenon.com/
Instagram: alokvmenon...
My links:
Website: www.jennifercohen.com/
Instagram: @therealjencohen

[@danielle_r.k]

I read Alok's book for a class on gender and feminism, and then watched a bunch of their videos during the lecture. They are so well-spoken, and they advocate for humanity in a beautiful way. Thanks for a great interview!

[@jayalexandertilley]

When a being is embodied it protects and houses wisdom. When wisdom is radiating through a being's expression we all feel it. We all become aware of truth, wisdom and right relationship; we all know the medicine we would send out to children. We wouldn't be able to recognize this if we weren't already a container for that very wisdom. Instead of sending out an emissary embodying the wisdom of love, take cue, when in the presence of radiance, that part of that radiance is you reflected, and continue that unfurling inside so that you embody that same fullness and wisdom. Then we can all move the medicine of radiance into all the spaces we inhabit, all the lives we touch, all the young ones who are osmotically present.

[@calliopelove]

Excellent interview, Jennifer!!!! I just discovered Alok and I've been binging them all day! I learned a lot :).

[@my2cents581]

What did you learn?

[@carolynmaxim7935]

Absolute truth. Tremendous heart and spirit of abundance. Thank you kindly for sharing. 💖

[@my2cents581]

Absolute truth? How so?

[@justinkonopka]

“mistaking wounds for mouths” OKWJDKSJS every sentence they speak is filled w intelligent love

[@javawatson1350]

Such a Benedictive conversation ❤

[@lazeau]

thank you both so much for doing this work :) also alok you've inspired me to dye my hair purple, cyan and black

[@lemondrop7305]

I think there could be a better title for this video that doesn’t sound so cliche. Alok: Authenticity is Capital

[@my2cents581]

Aloe: Authenticity is the opposite of reality and human biology!

[@0826ah]

@my2cents581 Actually, authenticity makes complete sense because no one is identical (not even identical twins). Could you imagine how boring this world would be if people were not authentic?

[@Munstermash1313]

VD

[@emeraldmosley8938]

*promosm* ☝️

[@greghdn]

I like his dressing style.

[@Tnbrisket]

*their 😊

[@my2cents581]

The alarming amount of Dis/Misinformation in this video is beyond alarming and should be removed immediately, if not sooner!

[@jayalexandertilley]

I am deeply sorry that you aren't able to receive the liberatory medicine contained within this exchange. I hope you come to a place where the freedom offered here can reach you and soothe you.

[@aaronakbar420]

From my perspective, it really seems like somebody speaking from their personal experience, which doesn't really enter into the realm of misinformation. But please do correct me if I'm wrong. What specifically are you talking about when you say that it's alarming?

[@Tnbrisket]

Use language, what is misinformation about it?