A different way of working with masks, if you're inclined to step into an active dreaming ceremony... It's still on my personal blog, but have a read if you like, it outlines all the steps - and gives ways to look exactly at the point where mask and self meet, and inquire into that, and invite healing wherever needed... https://www.elinekieft.com/blog/recapitulation-with-dream-masks
I've got a longer version too but never published it :-) If you'd like to know more, I can dig it out once I have access to my desktop computer again...
This one strikes a strong note in me. Maybe it's not a coincidence that like like the songs "Masquerade" from Phantom of the Opera and "The Stranger"by Billy Joel. I understand the unsettled feeling you get when you look in the mirror I get it too. I think for people who try to be honest with themselves, looking into the mirror can be disconcerting. What do I see? WHO do I see? What do others see? Can they penetrate the fascade? Am I safe?
When I see so many of our public figures lie, talk in contradictions, and say obviously ridiculous things, I wonder how they can look at themselves in the mirror when they get up in the morning. I try to be a certain way, do certain things in a certain way because I know that I have to look at myself in the mirror and I have to like the person staring back at me.
Your story about seeing the golden child rings true. One day I was riding the PATH from Manhattan to Newark and cleared my mind and just went into a meditative state. I had the sensation of sinking deeper and deeper into myself and suddenly I saw...deep inside me...a bright, shining golden presence. And what I realized is that this is what in within us all, although in some it is buried so deep and hidden within a lump of lead.
How difficult it is to be honest with ourselves — to accept who we really are. Can we look past the phoniness of what other people have coated us with - the positive AND the negative? Can we, like the sword of Gryffindor, take in that which makes us stronger? And can we use our mistakes to grow?
Do we change behind the mask? Can we become that golden child?
This is quite a wonderful piece, written at a difficult time of life. What was the original assignment? I wonder why the teacher was so insistent on it having a positive outcome? Was it her own insecurities? But I do know the feeling of wanting to make a teacher (or boss) happy so they would like me.
I don't remember ever getting an assignment causing me that much introspection. I am not sure I could have done such a thought provoking self-study as you presented here. Thanks for sharing this very personal insight.
This is such a powerful piece, Jeff, thank you for sharing it. Those masks have so much power—I can so relate to that. You’re witnessing your younger self here, and being brave enough to let us see you that way too.
Jeff, this was stunning. It’s so rare to witness someone return to their younger self with this much tenderness and truth. Thank you for the shout-out to Sea Salt and Silence—I’m deeply honored it helped inspire this. You remind me why we keep writing through the fear, through the mask, through the doubt: because somewhere, a part of us is still reaching for light. ❤️
Jeff, you are such a gifted writer. Your piece from college is also beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your AUTHENTIC self. I can relate to living behind a mask as well.
A different way of working with masks, if you're inclined to step into an active dreaming ceremony... It's still on my personal blog, but have a read if you like, it outlines all the steps - and gives ways to look exactly at the point where mask and self meet, and inquire into that, and invite healing wherever needed... https://www.elinekieft.com/blog/recapitulation-with-dream-masks
Thanks. I'll take a look
I've got a longer version too but never published it :-) If you'd like to know more, I can dig it out once I have access to my desktop computer again...
This one strikes a strong note in me. Maybe it's not a coincidence that like like the songs "Masquerade" from Phantom of the Opera and "The Stranger"by Billy Joel. I understand the unsettled feeling you get when you look in the mirror I get it too. I think for people who try to be honest with themselves, looking into the mirror can be disconcerting. What do I see? WHO do I see? What do others see? Can they penetrate the fascade? Am I safe?
When I see so many of our public figures lie, talk in contradictions, and say obviously ridiculous things, I wonder how they can look at themselves in the mirror when they get up in the morning. I try to be a certain way, do certain things in a certain way because I know that I have to look at myself in the mirror and I have to like the person staring back at me.
Your story about seeing the golden child rings true. One day I was riding the PATH from Manhattan to Newark and cleared my mind and just went into a meditative state. I had the sensation of sinking deeper and deeper into myself and suddenly I saw...deep inside me...a bright, shining golden presence. And what I realized is that this is what in within us all, although in some it is buried so deep and hidden within a lump of lead.
How difficult it is to be honest with ourselves — to accept who we really are. Can we look past the phoniness of what other people have coated us with - the positive AND the negative? Can we, like the sword of Gryffindor, take in that which makes us stronger? And can we use our mistakes to grow?
Do we change behind the mask? Can we become that golden child?
This is quite a wonderful piece, written at a difficult time of life. What was the original assignment? I wonder why the teacher was so insistent on it having a positive outcome? Was it her own insecurities? But I do know the feeling of wanting to make a teacher (or boss) happy so they would like me.
I don't remember ever getting an assignment causing me that much introspection. I am not sure I could have done such a thought provoking self-study as you presented here. Thanks for sharing this very personal insight.
This is such a powerful piece, Jeff, thank you for sharing it. Those masks have so much power—I can so relate to that. You’re witnessing your younger self here, and being brave enough to let us see you that way too.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Priya
Thanks for the restack! 🙏
Jeff, this was stunning. It’s so rare to witness someone return to their younger self with this much tenderness and truth. Thank you for the shout-out to Sea Salt and Silence—I’m deeply honored it helped inspire this. You remind me why we keep writing through the fear, through the mask, through the doubt: because somewhere, a part of us is still reaching for light. ❤️
Thanks so much Debra 💛🙏
Very well written, raw and real...
Even writing it at that time must have been a little uncomfortable.
Thank you 🙏
Jeff, you are such a gifted writer. Your piece from college is also beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your AUTHENTIC self. I can relate to living behind a mask as well.
Thanks, Christine. I see you.
Thanks for sharing. ❤️