The Masks We Wear

Hi there. Today I’d like to talk about the way we interact with each other as human beings. From time immemorial, mankind has sought to gain advantage and the upper hand by various means..namely fair or foul! Unfortunately we all play the game instead of being upfront and honest we are ruled by one overarching emotion…FEAR!

FEAR

Fear is a thing that can cripple us emotionally and hold us in thrall to it.  We become slaves to it instead of facing our fears head on and challenging our assumptions and facing the consequences.  How many times do we lie….either the BIG LIE or the little white lie and as we learn to lie it becomes ingrained in our psyche and we slip into lie mode as easily as slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes!

What are we afraid of ‘though?  We often seek others’ approval when we should simply be ourselves and if other people can’t accept us as we are then that’s their lookout isn’t it???  Most times ‘though, we don’t see it that way but seek to ingratiate ourselves with those we believe can advance our cause or help us along the way or even suit our purpose at the time and at other times we resort to being downright devious and manipulative just to get our way.

SELFISH MENTALITY

I have no problem with the ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ philosophy..after all, it’s simply a reciprocal arrangement…a kind of barter system…however, it’s when we constantly look for payback and end up with a ‘what’s in it for me’ mentality where we will not do anyone a favour unless there is something in it for us first.

Jesus in the Bible said to go the extra mile for someone and that is a fair way for society to function. There are millions of people who every day help out with no thought for personal gain and that is an excellent example for us all.

MASKS    

Isn’t it time to take off our masks and be and show who we really are….by acting in a simple, straightforward manner.  We need to just be who we truly are, warts and all and learn to unconditionally love and accept ourselves. When we act in a manner consistent with our own self beliefs then people begin to really see the value in us as a person and respect us more…because in us they see a far better model than the current one of hiding behind personas and falsity.

NOT EVERYONE LIKES, ADMIRES OR LOVES US!

We should understand that not everyone we come in contact with is on our wavelength, they may not like us for whatever reason, but by accepting that and seeing them as valuable human beings and being ourself, we stand a better chance of surviving the social milleu that we exist in.  By being open, honest and transparent, we can instil a respect from those who see us differently, because people prefer those with principles and honesty. So if we present ourselves with warts and all at least we will be vindicated and justified before society.

POWER GAMES

The problem with the above statements are that human behaviour isn’t always consistent! We are all individuals. Some like steak and some like veg!  Some are liberal and some conservative in their thinking! Some are simple minded and some like to think deep thoughts in their approach to life.  That’s the big problem ‘though….one man’s meat.   We all play power games when we don’t need to…..but they are all driven by FEAR!  My final thought would be….to be yourself…..don’t worry about exposing your soft underbelly in case someone takes advantage….you can say no…..firmly yet gently, can’t you?

We need to learn to be on a level playing field with each other but  feel that will never happen in this existence for until we learn to share, care and give up our cherished positions of personal power and become the servant to others, we will never advance…..as the master said…. ‘who among you wishes to become the master must first become the servant’.   I hope this has given you food for thought.  Steve Zepoloid