TOPIC: FACADES

"All facades fall sometime, then the mask comes off and the real heart is seen."
~ Jessiqua Wittman

Have you ever wanted to tear down someone's facade? Any conflict can trigger old feelings of not being listened to, of being misunderstood. Worse yet, another's deceit and dishonesty can be crazy-making. At times, we all feel as though there's a vital truth, a living heart, a spiritual wealth that's being denied us. If we could only "break through!"

Yet in reality we all wear masks, to our benefit or harm. The ability to manufacture elaborate, serviceable and invisible psychological constructs is an instinctual coping mechanism that lets the ego function. We can't peek behind all facades, but we can make strides toward a healthy process of confronting our own masks of deception and denial. The personal self mirrors the spiritual self in that both become concealed by falsehood. How often do you cover your personal truth?

What's your neutral state when no one is looking? When we're with people, it can be tough to keep that neutrality. We might feel that we must demonstrate explicitly when we're upset, or not upset. This perceived need may stem from our family of origin, from how we learned to be heard when a simple "no" wasn't enough. We may have learned to mask certain feelings, or portray feelings that weren't ours. But as teenagers and adults we each need to learn to state our personal truth without having to prove it or shout it. If we don't honor our truth, how can we expect anyone else to do so?

When we can simply express our feelings without false display we'll be able to experience them. We'll become conduits for our real emotion and deepest pleasure. But if we're wrapping ourselves up to conceal any vulnerability, whatever happens to us has to go through all those extra layers. Sometimes love doesn't even reach where we truly live.

Think about this...

• When do you hide behind a facade? Think of your physical neutrality when alone, and then notice any changes as you interact in the world. Can you reveal your neutral state in public, or do you put on a face?
• The intention to drop all pretenses is a powerful undertaking. Let others know today that you would like to share beyond the facade, to take down your mask. Without any expectations, communicate to one person your willingness to interact on a deeper level.