The Mask

This is the face we put on for the outside world. It’s an idealized self image which we cannot possibly fulfill. The mask also seeks to blame and judge instead of owning the lower self feelings underneath. Our mask self cannot possibly admit that we feel hate or jealousy; instead we project these feelings on to others and hide behind judgments.

The mask is different for everyone. Many of us wear the mask of control or perfectionism. Others put on the mask of power and dominance. Still others wear a mask of love or serenity. The mask depends on what our idealized self image is and what messages we received growing up. Some of us were taught that we must be loving and kind and never show any anger. Others learned that they needed to be perfect or they would not receive love. What all these masks have in common is that they conceal our lower selves and project these feelings on to others.