Day 8.
Masks.
Welcome back.
In the last session,
We delved into the concept of disrupting automatic response in Toltec teachings.
We explored how habitual decisions and behaviors influenced by our domestication and attachments can lead us to live life on autopilot.
We learned the importance of consciously making decisions,
Especially in significant areas of our lives,
To break free from limiting patterns.
Today's objective is to understand the concept of masks in Toltec teachings.
We will examine how the different identities or roles we adopt in various situations can affect our perception of ourselves and of others,
And how recognizing and detaching ourselves from these masks can lead to a more authentic existence.
The theory for the section states that we often wear different masks or identities in various social contexts which can obscure our true self.
Recognizing these masks is essential for living authentically.
Have you ever noticed that in your interactions with others,
You often project an image or identity of how you want them to see you?
Maybe not.
This is a common part of human existence and it serves as a tool to relate to others effectively.
These projected identities can vary depending on the situation.
So for example,
How you act around your grandparents might differ from how you behave with your closest friends.
In Toltec teachings,
They view these projected identities as temporary masks.
Temporary masks we wear to engage with others based on shared knowledge and shared experiences.
And these masks help us understand and relate to one another,
But they are not our true selves.
They are shaped by social agreements.
For instance,
I wear masks as an author,
As a martial artist,
As a musician,
As a private pilot.
These roles serve different functions in my life,
But they do not define my core identity.
It's essential to remember that these masks are not who we truly are.
When we identify too strongly with a mask,
Our self-acceptance becomes dependent on others' approval of how well we perform in that role.
And additionally,
Clinging to a mask long after it's no longer necessary can lead to problems.
Mastering the self involves detaching from these masks and recognizing our authentic self.
As masters of self,
We can wear these masks when needed,
But remain aware that they are not our true essence.
This awareness allows us to use these roles effectively without losing touch with our inner core identity.
Although being mindful of the masks others place upon you,
That may be important.
It's equally important to recognize when you're imposing masks onto others,
Though.
When you project specific identities or roles onto others,
You're essentially setting expectations for how they should behave,
Inadvertently allowing conditional love to cloud your perception.
And this projection crafts an identity in your mind,
Leading you to judge them for not fitting into the role that you've envisioned.
And this can happen unconsciously with anyone,
Be it family,
Be it friends,
Colleagues,
Or even strangers.
Take the case of Michael,
A man who,
After serving in the military,
Transitioned into teaching yoga and meditation.
Michael is a veteran.
He's a yoga instructor,
And he meditates.
Observing his interactions,
It's evident that people tend to project their expectations based on their perception of these roles.
Many see him only as a veteran,
Expecting him to embody certain stereotypical traits associated with military service.
And when Michael demonstrates gentleness or speaks of peace and mindfulness,
It conflicts with their preconceived notions,
Leading to surprise or even disappointment in some.
In the yoga community,
Some might struggle to reconcile his military background with his current role as a yoga instructor.
They might be taken aback upon learning about his past in the military.
Each group projects a different mask,
Trying to fit his or her—in this case,
His—diverse experiences into a single narrative that they have constructed about Michael.
And when Michael's actions deviate from others' fixed ideas,
It can provoke strong emotional reactions in some people,
Sometimes even leading to judgment,
Even alienation.
But despite this,
Michael does not allow anyone,
Does not allow any aspect of his identity to define him,
Nor does he succumb to the masks others try to impose on him.
So make sure you don't confuse your true self with the different masks that you wear,
And you also don't project masks onto others.
Those who are evil use masks brilliantly.
Evil may be a strong word.
To lure you into voting for them,
Giving them money,
Or even manipulating you into love.
Perhaps rare,
Perhaps not.
And conversely,
Those who may seem callous and grumpy can be pure and can be good.
When you focus on the masks,
You can get tricked or you can judge a good person harshly.
Here's the practice.
Reflect on your masks.
Think about the various masks that you wear in your day-to-day life.
These masks represent the roles that you play,
Like being a parent,
A child,
A worker,
A student.
Write them down on a piece of paper.
This act itself can be an eye-opener,
Helping you to see these roles as masks that you put on,
Rather than your true self.
And after listing them,
Look over each one and ask yourself as you do,
Are there any of these roles or masks that you want to shed or want to alter?
What steps might you take to change or let go of these masks if you think that's necessary,
Or if you think that a mask is holding you back?
Maybe that's a good question.
Ask yourself,
Are any of these masks holding me back?
Holding me back from success,
My goals,
And so on.
So let's sum this up plainly.
Masks are the roles or identities we adopt in different aspects of our lives.
And mastering the self involves recognizing these masks and not confusing them with our true essence.
This awareness helps us use these roles effectively without losing touch with our core self.
But what do you think?
Masks that are being worn frequently by you,
What could they be,
And how do they impact your behavior and your interactions on a daily basis,
Or weekly,
Monthly?
How can you practice detaching from these masks to connect with your authentic self?
Who is your authentic self?
How to self-baseline to measure for success.
Record moments when you consciously recognized and set aside a mask in various interactions.
And at the end of each week,
Reflect on these moments and assess whether you're becoming more adept to identifying and detaching from these masks,
Indicating a deeper connection with your authentic self or not.
If you are,
You're definitely on the right track.
Congratulations,
We've reached the end of this session.
And in the next session,
We will focus on goal setting,
Exploring how to set goals that align with our true desires,
And help us lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Remember,
The more you practice these techniques,
The faster and easier they will work for you.
Thanks again for allowing me to serve you today.
And as always,
Remember,
It's a great day to be alive.
And I'll see you in the next session.
Thank you for listening.
Good luck.
Bye for now.
