A mask of ego prevents us from being our true selves by trapping us in a false self. If you wear that mask long enough, you begin to forget who you are beneath it.
We all have an idea of who we are. It’s often our ego that defines our identity rather the our true self. Our egos can be mistaken for our personality. It’s our mind-altered state that makes us believe that we are what we think we are. But that’s rarely the truth.
“The ego, however, is not who we really are. The ego is your self-image. It is your social mask; it is the role you are playing. Your social mask thrives on approval. It wants control, and it is sustained by power, because it lives in fear.” -Depak Chopra
Although that may be true in parts when we become attached to this false sense of self we try to live our lives as this “version” of ourselves, unconsciously trapping ourselves in the prison of ego. This mask of ego that we wear makes us persuade others that we are this person we are not. The problem with that is we become unable to be genuine selves.
Being validated and approved is what makes the mask so powerful, and well-fitted. It provides us with a predetermined role and a script that we follow to feel and appear valuable and successful. It gives us a false sense of satisfaction.
“These false masks are by their nature unrealistic. We can’t live up to them. This can leave us feeling like fakes. We become terrified that we will be ‘found out.” So we do even more to look like we’re perfect.” -Cindy Wigglesworth
The false self that originates due to the mask of ego can result in stress, anxiety, depression, fear, anger and other negative emotions. So our mask of ego give is a greater sense of identity, security, and importance to protect ourselves from the pain of our past.
Taking off the mask of our ego would leave us feeling increasingly frightened, out of control, uncertain, and isolated. And while all of these emotions are surfacing, there comes a time when we become tired of pretending to be someone else. Which can lead to nervous breakdowns, and our true self being exposed.
“For all that is secret will be eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all” – Luke 8:17 (NLT).
From Pity to Praise 