Announcement: "There will be a masquerade party tonight!" Great! But we didn't know there would be a masquerade party, and we hadn't brought a mask! I wonder if we could wear a COVID mask... or would that project a negative message?!
This brief situation -- an unexpected invitation, followed by a mild panic, then questioning what would be appropriate -- ended just as quickly: the host would provide masks!
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Are you aware when you put on a mask? (Photo: Statue on ms Zuiderdam - Larry Gardepie) |
This is how a blog theme begins! Throughout any given week I notice a hesitation or a bump along my road in life. I begin to wonder what was said or just happened, and then I reflect on my reaction and how I might have responded differently.
An announcement for a party suddenly became a reflection on masks!
- Am I aware of the masks I put on?
- How do others see these masks?
- Is there a way to remove the mask and be myself?
And maybe a more important question: WHY do I wear these masks?
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What does your mask look like? (Photo: Statue on ms Zuiderdam - Larry Gardepie) |
I don't have answers yet for these questions, but what I am realizing is that some masks are created:
- Out of fear of what others might think of me;
- To protect myself from these fears; and,
- As a way to project who I want to be.
In addition, maybe it comes down to expectations of myself and expectations that others have of me... that is, expectations I have accepted and put on, like a mask!
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How do you interpret other people's masks? (Photo: JM, ms Zuiderdam crew member - Larry Gardepie) |
As I dig deeper, I wonder what I -- or we-- might be hiding:
- Feelings of incompetence?
- Fear of being rejected?
- Not feeling accepted?
I guess it is okay to put on a mask of calm or patience when working with others who are afraid or who are trying to learn... but some of our masks might isolate and give a false sense of security.
Maybe it is time to notice our various masks. Maybe it is time to talk about what our masks mean. Maybe it is time to take the risk of lowering a mask or two and being accepted for the beautiful people we are.
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Larry Gardepie
Dialogue San Diego Consulting |