The Mask We Wear?

Why do we tell both truth and lie to ourselves, and others?

I am motivated to understand better the human will (mine and others’) and what influences personal will and actions of doing good and bad. Jung’s thought seems reasonable, personally relatable, and less mysterious.

Carl Gustav Jung, the famed Swiss psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst delved into the depths of the unconscious mind and explores the interconnectedness of the individual and the collective unconscious. An essential aspect of Jung’s theory is the division of the psyche into three main parts:

• The ego: the conscious part of the mind and represents our sense of self, personal identity, and rational thinking.
• The personal unconscious: consists of memories, thoughts, and feelings temporarily inaccessible to the conscious mind. It includes both individual experiences and repressed or forgotten material.
• The collective unconscious: contains the archetypes and universal symbols shared by all humanity (or one’s tribe).

The human psyche is a complex web of thoughts, emotions, and self-perceptions. Within this intricate tapestry lies the persona, the mask we wear to navigate the social landscape and interact with others. Our ego, influenced by societal norms and personal experiences, shapes this persona. While projecting a certain image can have benefits, it can also lead to negative consequences.

Note: Religious and spiritual teaching addresses many of these concepts but uses different words such as concupiscence, free will, vice, virtue, sin, evil, reconciliation, Imago Dei, spirit, soul, etc.

For example:

But “soul” also refers to the innermost aspect of man, that which is of greatest value in him, that by which he is most especially in God’s image: “soul” signifies the spiritual principle in man (CCC363).

(CCC1705) By virtue of his soul and his spiritual powers of intellect and will, man is endowed with freedom, an “outstanding manifestation of the divine image.”

The soul is the subject of human consciousness and freedom; soul and body together form one unique human nature.

The Good: Social Harmony, Confidence and Empowerment, Adaptability, Personal, and Professional Growth

Presenting a polished image can foster positive relationships, reduce conflicts, and build meaningful connections.

The Bad: Inauthenticity, Pressure and Stress, Isolation, and Identity Crisis.

The disconnect from our genuine emotions and desires can breed internal conflict and feelings of emptiness. Constant striving for perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout. Identifying too strongly with a projected persona (or group) can blur the lines between who we truly are and pretend to be. Over time, this may lead to confusion about our identity and true purpose in life.

The Balance: Self-Reflection, Vulnerability, and Setting Boundaries

At the core of Jung’s theories is that each person is unique and possesses a distinct individuality.

Jung believed that everyone has an innate drive towards a natural and necessary process for personal growth and development. He called this process individuation; a profound and transformative journey towards self-discovery, self-acceptance, wholeness, and a deeper sense of meaning, social interconnectedness, and purpose in life. (Religious teaching speaks the same but uses different words)

Not losing touch with our authentic self requires the exercise of courage and faith in God’s love, and who we are called to be; ie., the best version of ourselves.

Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection allows us to identify when our projected persona becomes too divergent from our authentic self. Taking time to introspect and understand our motivations can help us reconnect with our core values.

Vulnerability: Embracing vulnerability and allowing ourselves to be more open and genuine with others can foster deeper connections and mutual understanding. Authenticity often encourages reciprocity from others.

Setting Boundaries: Learning to set healthy boundaries between the persona we project and our private self can protect our mental and emotional well-being. It’s essential to recognize that we are not obligated to please everyone at the expense of our authenticity.

Ps. Submit only to the authority of God’s Love to say who you are. Be willing and gracious in accepting the love you deserve as a child of God, …no compromises.

Now you are prepared to go out and share that same Love with others you meet.