The Art of Concealing Emotions: A Veil Over the Soul
Masks we wear in the theatre of life, not to impress but for protection. This allows us to wear a mask, a disguise that lets our masks down and shows everyone the truth about our emotions while keeping them from hurting or judging. And beneath this shroud exists the World of Unsaid Emotions, which is nothing but an echo of our suppressed emotions.
The Hidden Self
Trying to hide emotions is one of the oldest motivations in human history. We all keep our emotions for a reason, smile when sadness still lingers, or act calm even when internally in turmoil. Sometimes, it’s fear of looking weak or being misunderstood. Sometimes that means internalizing unhealthy ways of dealing with stress and managing our emotions, other times it is a simple matter of survival in a society where stoicism and emotional indifference are revered.
The Burden of Silence
Although suppressing emotions can act as a shield, it could be an obligation. When words remain unsaid and feelings, unexpressed; it’s almost as if an internal war is waged… mass of strife where the heart squares off with the brain. The longer we bury our emotions the more likely they will be rooted in who knows what else, often leaking out from all directions.
Finding the Balance
We have to understand that sometimes we need to hide our feelings for a short period of time; however, doing it all the time should not even be an option. So finding the balance between protecting ourselves and serving through truth-telling. Voicing how we really feel with trusted people or through channels of expression can be cleansing, relieving the burden of keeping everything in.
The Power of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is hard but it is only in our vulnerability that we can truly connect with others and begin the healing process. The more we let ourselves feel, the bad and good ones alike… — allows us to mature and connect on a deeper level with others. When we open up to our humanness, it allows others space in their own hearts to be authentic and vulnerable.
At the end of it all, mastering how to hide your emotions is not about flawlessness but a reminder that we have learned more than we thought. We need to know where and when the mask fits properly commonly allowing our inner light to escape.
