Masks

     

     I was in an interesting situation this month—I went to Camp Arnes (a retreat centre about an hour north of the city) two weekends in a row on different retreats!  This second one I was helping to lead.  I came back from that retreat a few weeks ago with some food for thought I want to share with you.

     The speaking topic on this retreat (aptly named “Neked and Shameless”) dealt with the masks we wear.  In which ways do we hide our true selves from others in order to be gain acceptance?  It seems that many of us change ourselves from time to time in order to hide weaknesses and/or gain friends.  

     But will our wearing of masks actually get us what we seek, or does it get in the way of developing strong friendships with others?  The speaker suggested that the whole concept of masks is a “scam” and simply doesn’t get us what we seek, fragmenting friendships and creating alienation over the long-term.