The Masks We Wear

In life, we dawn on ourselves many different masks (some call these labels). Some wear the mask of a career. Others, wear the masks of hobbies. Still other, put on the mask of happiness. While others wear the masks of sadness, illness. There are many types of masks, too many to mention. However, suffice it to say that each of us wear masks in our daily living.


However, the question is do we define the masks we wear or do we allow them to define who we are?

Many of us, live our lives dawning these masks, hiding and covering up who we truly are. As we journey throughout or lives, we hide from the ones we love, the ones who love us and ultimately ourselves. We take on ourselves the clutter of life and piling on additional *stuff* to complicate our lives even more. Some people have dawned so many masks, they no longer know who they truly are. But how is this being true to ourselves? How do we truly come face to face with true being, if we are continually hiding our true self?

The celebrated author, Ronald Rolheiser states: "We live knowing that others do not fully know and understand us and that others can never fully know and understand us, that they are ’out there’ and we are ’in here’. St. Paul calls this living as ’through a glass, darkly,’ a riddle, a veil, a mist of unreality that separates us from God and others, and from what is authentically real (1 Cor. 13:12-13)." (The Restless Heart, p.7)

One way to achieve the true encounter with ourselves and each other is by unveiling or removing the masks we wear. The philosophers of history call this moment, this unveiling, aletheia, translated from the Greek--aletheia (unveiling). If we remove the masks and let our true selves shine before all, we not only reach toward perfection, but then, we are transfigured into our more profound and genuine selves.

How we go about achieving this moment of aletheia is different for everyone. Some turn to the spiritual realm, others to the aesthetics, others turn to friends, others to counseling, others retreat, others play sports, and others turn to nature. The encounter with ourselves is one that can take place at any time and place. The unmasking/unveiling is one that is essential to the journey of our lives. Therefore, it is fitting that this encounter with our truest self begin at a familiar point in our lives, one that inspires and catapults us to the unveiling and discovery process.

Albeit, the encounter with our truest self is not an easy one. Throughout our lives, especially in the fast-paced lives we live here in the United States, we are conditioned to dawn the masks. Sometimes, these masks are put on as a necessity. Other times, the masks are put on as defense mechanism in response to our surrounding states of being. Yet, to be truly edified, to truly enter into a genuine encounter with self and others, we must unveil our true selves and let ourselves and others encounter the beauty that is OUR TRUEST SELF. In this encounter, we are uplifted, we are fortified, and we are resolved to become the best self/person we can be. We are works in progress, and that progress needs to be shown for what it is and not hidden behind some mask.

Ask yourself, in the encounter of self and others, do we remove the masks that we wear? Do we allow ourselves and others to see us for who we truly are? Do we engage ourselves without any presuppositions? Do we learn to understand ourselves and others as through a glass?

The unveiling of the masks we wear is a life-long journey. Let is begin it! Doing so will let us encounter who we are, and allow us to better our lives (be is spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical, or relational betterment).

Full of Wisdom

P.S.--"In the torment of the insufficiency of everything attainable, we come to realize that, in this life, all symphonies must remain unfinished."--Karl Rahner





Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.