By 
In life, we notice many different masks (some call them labels). Some wear the mask of a race. Others wear the masks of the fans. Another one, 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 wears masks in our daily lives.
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 waking up with these masks, hiding and covering up who we really are. As we travel through our lives, we hide from those we love, from those who love us, and ultimately from ourselves. We take on the clutter of life and accumulate extra *stuff* to complicate our lives even more. Some people have put on so many masks that they no longer know who they really are. But what is this like to be true to ourselves? How do we truly come face to face with the true self, if we are continually hiding our true self?
Celebrated author Ronald Rolheiser states, “We live knowing that others don’t fully know or understand us and that others can never fully know or understand us, that they are ‘out there’ and we are ‘in here.’ St. Paul calls this living ‘through a glass, in darkness’, an enigma, a veil, a mist of unreality that separates us from God and from 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 with others is by revealing or taking off the masks we are wearing. The philosophers of history call this moment, this unveiling, aletheia, translated from the Greek–αλεθηια (unveiling). If we take off our masks and let our true selves shine before everyone, we will not only achieve perfection, but we will then be transfigured into our deepest, most genuine selves.
How we achieve this moment of aletheia is different for everyone. Some turn to the spiritual realm, others to aesthetics, others turn to friends, others to counseling, others to retirement, others to sports, others to nature. The encounter with ourselves is one that can take place at any time and place. Unmasking/revelation is essential to the journey of our lives. Therefore, it is fitting that this encounter with our truest selves begins at a familiar point in our lives, one that inspires us and catapults us into the process of revelation and discovery.
However, the encounter with our true self is not easy. Throughout our lives, especially in the fast-paced lives that we live here in the United States, we are conditioned to put on our masks. Sometimes these masks are put on as a necessity. Other times, masks are put on as a defense mechanism in response to the states of being that surround us. However, to be truly edified, to truly enter into a genuine encounter with oneself and with others, we must reveal our true selves and let ourselves and others find the beauty that is OUR TRUE SELF. In this encounter, we feel uplifted, empowered, and determined to become the best person/me we can be. We are works in progress, and that progress must be shown for what it is and not hidden behind a mask.
Ask yourself, in meeting oneself and others, do we take off the masks we wear? Do we allow ourselves and others to see us for who we really are? Do we commit without budgets? Do we learn to understand ourselves and others as through a mirror?
The revealing of the masks we wear is a journey of a lifetime. Let’s start it! Doing so will allow us to know who we are and allow us to improve our lives (be it a spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical or relational improvement).
full of wisdom
PS: “In the torment of the inadequacy of all that can be achieved, we realize that, in this life, all symphonies must remain unfinished.” -Karl Rahner
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works that are the result of inspiration, many years of study, personal contemplation and reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (whether personal or professional). Feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these jobs might turn out. Plagiarism is a real crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I’m doing. Thank you. Full of Wisdom.