Mask Self

What it is

The Mask Self is the false version of ourselves we present to the world—and eventually to ourselves—to avoid facing the truth about our Lower Self. It is built around the Idealized Self-image and maintained through our defenses, or pseudo-solutions. Although it promises protection, it separates us from our authentic self and from others.

Why it matters

The Mask Self prevents genuine growth because it keeps us focused on appearances instead of reality. Spiritual work begins as we gently recognize and dismantle the mask, allowing what is actually true in us to come into the light.

From Bones

~1~

Note, the idealized self-image is essentially the same thing as the Mask Self, whose mission is to mask the Real Self by pretending to be something we are not.

In short, then, this is a pseudo-protection that doesn’t work. And yet we all do this; it’s universal. (Chapter 6)

~2~

When we are in disharmony in our emotions—in any way emotionally ill—it’s a sure sign we have created a Mask Self. The problem is, we don’t realize we’re living a lie. We don’t realize that we have built a layer of unreality all around us. (Chapter 3)

~3~

When we cover up our Lower Self, we add even more distance between us and the ultimate truth of our divine self. In the end, there’s no way around it: If we want to get at our Lower Self—so we can transform it—we must dismantle the Mask Self. (Chapter 3)

~4~

After a while, we became less and less aware of the false front we had created. But even though our awareness of our mask vanished, the guilt of pretending to be something we were not, remained. (Chapter 6)

~5~

We have to work toward enlightenment.

We have to work to develop our own souls, purifying our desires and our feelings—for real. If we’re not willing to do this, let’s at least not deceive ourselves.

If there is a discrepancy between our feelings and actions, let’s at least admit it. Then we won’t be hiding behind a mask. (Chapter 3)

~6~

We must start to identify our Mask Self and our Lower Self, along with our negative intentionality and our dishonest games. Once we do, all the energy we’ve put into the service of denial will be available to bring us the truth. (Chapter 17)

~7~

As we forge ahead in our work, we’ll see our masks and distortions for the unreality that they are. And this awareness alone will go far in helping us give them up.

We can’t let go of something if we don’t know we have it, or if we aren’t willing to express it. (Chapter 17)

~8~

What happens if we identify with our Higher Self, or spiritual self, but we haven’t yet come to terms with our Lower Self, or our Mask Self?…

Then we may well be escaping. Our identification with our Higher Self will be an illusion. (Chapter 17)

Continue with: Idealized Self-image • Lower Self • Pseudo-solution