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Dropping the Mask

John Sovec

MasksWe walk down the street, holding our guts in, showing off our newest outfit from the latest designer, and looking down through Prada glasses in our aloofness at the world.

Or we find ourselves trying to fake our way through a project because we fear that there will be huge ramifications if we do not appear to have all the knowledge.

How many days have you put pressure on yourself to be perfect? And how many times have other people or situations pressured you into appearing perfect? It can be so easy to fall into the trap of trying to appear to be more than we are, to impress the world with our strength and invulnerability. It is amazing how much value is placed on our need to be successful in society. And as we struggle to live up to this expectation, the bar keeps getting set higher and higher until we find ourselves desperately trying to hold on to our reputations.

But there is a different way where we could find ease and comfort in not having to be perfect. A place where we can relax and connect with people who are exactly what they say they are. A place where we don’t have to try and impress people with who we are. That refuge is found in the heart of the soul. A place where true caring and spiritual peace rise above expectations and impressions – a place where we get to recognize each other for who we truly are. Each breath we take, each asana we practice, each honest conversation we have with ourselves and our loved ones brings us closer to that center.

How do we get there? It’s as simple as taking a chance during the day and letting your mask down. Put aside the armor that you wear to hide your vulnerability – and feel the lightness of your soul blossom. Have some fun. Dance, skip, eat cookies, meditate, look foolish, read a silly book, say you don’t know, apologize, wear something out of fashion that makes you feel comfortable.

Take a day off from being “YOU” and just be you.[tags]pressure on oneself, connect with people, let your mask down, need to be perfect, be yourself, asana[/tags]

Author: John Sovec

John Sovec is a psychotherapist and yoga teacher serving the community of Pasadena. In his therapy work John specializes in focusing clients on uncovering their personal strengths, building upon those strengths, and encouraging clients to live the best lives…

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