Encounter with Self.

A quick guide of questions and reflections.

Masks

We all wear masks, and this is normal. A mask is a way of behaving, a pattern of  my activities. A mask may be partly true, but it exaggerates my good qualities and hides the part of me I don’t want others to see. We all use masks to appear adequate when we think we are inadequate. 

Compliments 

Another way to become aware of what we think about ourselves is to examine the way we react to compliments: externally and internally. 

     • External reaction – how we act 

     • Internal reaction – how we feel 

Internal and external reactions might be the same or they may be very different 

Virtues and Faults 

Recognizing what we consider our virtues and our faults is another tool in self-awareness. 

• Virtue is defined as – areas of excellence, goodness, righteousness; a character quality or behavior we judge is excellent 

• Fault is defined as – a weakness, failing, imperfection or impairment; a character quality or behavior we judge is unattractive or unsatisfactory 

Perfectionism & Double Standard 

Perfectionism: a virtue only counts if it is always there I us, but a fault counts if it is ever present. 

Double Standard: we focus on our faults rather than on our virtues. Yet with others we may more readily see their good qualities and more easily excuse their faults. 

Questions for Reflection and Dialogue: 

1. What do I like about myself? How do I feel about that? 

2. What do I dislike about myself? How do I feel about that? 

3. What are the masks I wear? Briefly describe them. How do I feel about that? 

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10