Creating Masks


Even the most unartistic among us
are makers of masks.

"Carnivale" copyright 2005 Meri Arnett-Kremian.

Because we want to hide ourselves from others
or because we don't recognize our own truth,
we create the impression that
we are stronger
or weaker
than we truly are.

We lead people to believe we are brave
when we are quaking in our boots.

We imply that we are helpless
despite our actual competence,
often to make others feel stronger
and more capable.

We disguise our acute intelligence
with shallow thinking,
with reckless behaviors
that belie our thoughtfulness.

We create masks with layers of misleading words,
inauthentic gestures,
veneers of half-truths overlaying our real selves,
worrying that we're not good enough as we are.

While these masks may be colorful,
they hide our light from the rest of the world,
keep all but those closest to us
(and sometimes even our intimates)
from encountering the gift of our deepest selves.

What would happen
if you faced the world
with your own shiny face
and showed
your wild and beautiful heart?

I wonder.



Comments

rebecca said…
i love the words..
wild and beautiful heart.
my hope is that true beauty is born from being present, hook,line and sinker.
simply being willing.

taking the time to truly see with facination,
listen with compassion,
act from the heart.


xoxoxo,
r
A.Smith said…
The wonder of Carnivale is that it lasts only a week or so. I don't believe that masks could ever hide the eyes, the mirror of the soul, and all the paint in the world could never eclipse the light of love, when seeing through it not because, but in spite of any mask.
wonderful and inspiring!
perfect, love it love it love it!
Delwyn said…
Hi Meri

another thoughtful post today...

some masks or personnas are necessary to complete certain tasks and roles but between those we trust and love there is no place for facades...

Happy days
Judy Wise said…
What a beautiful work of art (the words as well as the painting). xo
HeartFire said…
Gorgeous pictures and wonderful words!
poefusion said…
hello meri~ i love your artwork. it's terrific. and your words are perfect. i think we all wear a certain mask but ultimately show our true colors to those who are closest to us. i like to think my colors are the same with or without the mask.

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