Today’s journey highlights one of our most fundamental survival tools, the masks we wear…
From our earliest moments the world bombards us with messages about who we “should” be. Societal expectations, media portrayals, and even family dynamics can lead us to construct a series of masks – facades we wear to fit in, be accepted, or avoid rejection.
“You are in integrity when the life you are living on the outside matches who you are on the inside.” – Alan Cohen
I love the clarity of this quote, that we are in integrity only when our inside matches the outside, when what we show the world is the same as what we really are on the inside.
But this word integrity could also bring along with it the burden of judgement if we feel that this inner/outer congruence is something that we lack.
The wearing of masks is a tool in our survival toolkit, and we are likely to reach for a mask whenever we feel that our true face would not be acceptable, and would get us rejected.
Understand that it is a scared part of you that has the need to mask-up in order to feel safe, and that it is this scared part of you that needs YOUR love the most. Your complete acceptance of yourself decreases the need of acceptance from others – in the presence of your own love, the need for a mask becomes lessened.
“Wouldn’t it be powerful if you fell in love with yourself so deeply that you’d do just about anything if you knew that it would make you happy? This is precisely how much life loves you and wants you to nurture yourself. The deeper you love yourself, the more the Universe will affirm your worth. Then you can enjoy a lifelong love affair that brings you the richest fulfilment from inside out.” – Alan Cohen
Being more authentic and standing in your true integrity doesn’t necessitate you ripping off masks like a sticky band aid. Every step you take towards acceptance of your SELF, is another step further away from needing validation from anyone else. Take the baby steps even though it feels like an unendingly slow process, and one by one the old masks will simply lose their value.
Here are some guiding mantras to help you connect to your true authenticity:
- Embrace the process: Unmasking your authentic self takes time. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate every step forward.
- Love conquers all: Extend love and compassion to all parts of yourself, especially those that seem “unworthy.” This self-love empowers authenticity.
- Progress, not perfection: Aim for progress, not immediate perfection. Every effort, even the smallest, is a step toward a more authentic you.
- Let go of the need for approval: True validation comes from within. Seek self-acceptance instead of external validation.
Remember, the most beautiful version of yourself lies beneath the masks. This journey of self-discovery might be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable – a life filled with authenticity, fulfillment, and a profound connection with your true self.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: The masks we wear.