As we present ourselves to the world, we have a tendency to be a little dishonest because of our need to be accepted. In essence, we all wear some kind of mask as we move about the world. We all play various roles, if you will, in order to provide some function in greater society. Whatever mask we choose to put on every day creates confusion however because we are not sure if what we are seeing is real or not. Could the mask be a distraction to who we really are? Perhaps the dark eyes represent a lack of substance? This is the “Great Masquerade” we all participate in, and it’s up to us to discover what it creates and how we can negate its undesirable effects. Let’s take a closer look.
If we are to have any real understanding of the game we are playing with ourselves and others, we need to consider it from the perspective of genuineness. We are all aware at some level that most people are pretending to be something or someone they’re not. The masks that many politicians, religious leaders, and corporate executives wear, for example, have created such an atmosphere of distrust that we have difficulty connecting with one another or understanding what the truth is.
When someone is wearing a mask, they are attempting to conceal what lies underneath. The mask may look good, but it is not representative of who the person really is and what their intentions and motivations are. Our goal is to become discerning so that we are not deceived by appearances. The motivation to pretend comes primarily from two areas. The first is the idea that we must be something that is acceptable to others and society in general, or in essence, be what others want us to be. The second is that we do not know who we are or are insecure about what we do know and are therefore afraid to present it to others.
It is understandable that we wish to be accepted by others, but do we really have any control over this? The reality is that we do not. In our efforts to please others and be what they want us to be, we fail to recognize that no matter what, it will never be enough. Can you see that we are going about this in the wrong way? Our essential purpose lies in discovering all that we are and then sharing it with the world. This takes time and courage. If we continue to be afraid of what we see in ourselves, we will never be able to offer our unique gifts to the greater whole. Our efforts to reverse the process of how we gain self-awareness will prove fruitful. If we continue to try to understand ourselves and our purpose through the eyes of others, we will always end up shortsighted. Always remember to go inward first and then bring forward what is found there. The reversal of the process is a painful one indeed because our self-analysis may reveal things we do not like. We must become aware of what needs improvement first in order to have a foundation to build upon. This is ultimately the only way to resolve our insecurities. A sense of ourselves will help us participate more fully in life by understanding what we have to give. This completes the cycle of creation, you see! How do we reverse the process of understanding ourselves through others and see ourselves through our own eyes? The following questions may provide some assistance and motivation to help you get started.
Who am I, and what is my purpose?
What can I provide to the world to make it a better place for everyone?
Is my purpose to be what others want me to be?
Do I have the courage to find my authentic self and present it to the world?
What purpose does the mask I wear today serve?
*Just a little hint here. It is better to present a less than perfect version of ourselves than to pretend to be something we’re not. Be yourself and others will trust you!
These are difficult questions, for sure. The answers can be found, and they will provide for us the healing we desperately need. The development of our authentic selves is a long process and requires commitment and honesty. In time, we will find the essential purpose we have been looking for. It has been hiding within us all along! Thanks for joining me today, and always remember that courage is available to you, so jump right in and remove the mask when you’re ready. You will find you didn’t really need it after all!
All my love and support, stay safe and be well