The Higher Self, the Lower Self, and the Mask: Discovering Your True Essence

Have you ever felt like there’s more to you than what you show the world? Perhaps you’ve caught glimpses of a deeper, truer version of yourself—one that feels free, joyful, and connected. Or maybe you’ve noticed how certain emotions or behaviors seem to conflict with that inner sense of peace. What you’re experiencing is the interplay of three essential parts of your being: the higher self, the lower self, and the mask self. Understanding these layers can transform how you see yourself and navigate life.

The Core of Who You Are: The Higher Self

Imagine yourself as a series of concentric circles. At the very center lies your higher self—your true essence. This is the part of you that is connected to universal love, creativity, and wisdom. It is the divine spark within you that knows joy, peace, and purpose.

Think about moments when you feel fully alive, whether it’s during a heartfelt conversation, creating something beautiful, or simply being present in nature. These are times when you’re tapping into your higher self. It’s always there, waiting to guide you—but reaching it often requires peeling back layers of self-perception.

The Hidden Layer: The Lower Self

Surrounding the higher self is what we call the lower self. This is the part of us that harbors fear, anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions. It’s not inherently bad; it’s simply the undeveloped, reactive part of your psyche.

Consider times when you’ve lashed out in anger or withdrawn out of fear. These moments likely stemmed from the lower self. Its impulses often arise from past wounds or unmet needs, and while they may feel overwhelming, they hold valuable clues to areas of growth and healing.

The Outer Layer: The Mask Self
The outermost layer is the mask self, also known as the idealized self-image. This is the “face” we present to the world, designed to hide our vulnerabilities and gain approval. It’s the version of ourselves we think we need to be in order to feel loved, respected, or safe.

For instance, you might take on the role of the “always-put-together professional” or the “friend who never needs help.” While these personas may help us feel secure temporarily, they often disconnect us from our true selves. The mask isn’t inherently wrong, but relying on it too much can lead to frustration, emptiness, and a sense of living out of alignment.

Why We Create the Mask
The mask is often born out of pain and the fear of rejection. From a young age, we learn that parts of ourselves might not be acceptable to others. To protect ourselves, we construct a version of ourselves we think will shield us from pain and win approval.

For example, imagine someone who grew up in an environment where vulnerability was seen as weakness. They might develop a mask of “stoic strength,” hiding their emotions even when they’re struggling. Over time, this mask can become so ingrained that they lose touch with their true feelings and needs.

The Problem with the Mask
While the mask may provide temporary relief, it’s ultimately unsustainable. Pretending to be someone you’re not leads to inner conflict and unhappiness. True self-confidence doesn’t come from playing a role; it comes from embracing who you are—flaws, strengths, and all.

When you live behind a mask, you may:

• Feel disconnected from others, even in close relationships.
• Struggle with low self-esteem because your confidence is built on something inauthentic.
• Experience exhaustion from constantly maintaining the facade.
  

Unveiling Your True Self
Breaking free from the mask and connecting with your true self is a journey, but it’s one worth taking. Here’s how you can begin:

Recognize Your Mask: Start by identifying the roles you play in different areas of your life. Are you the “perfect parent,” the “tireless achiever,” or the “always-happy friend”? Notice when and why you slip into these roles.
Acknowledge Your Lower Self: When negative emotions arise, don’t suppress or judge them. Instead, approach them with curiosity. Ask yourself, “What is this feeling trying to tell me?” Often, our lower self is simply seeking understanding or healing.

Connect with Your Higher Self: Spend time in reflection, meditation, or activities that bring you joy. These practices help you access the wisdom and peace of your higher self. Journaling, prayer, or even a quiet walk in nature can also foster this connection.

Practice Authenticity: Start small by being honest about your feelings and needs with trusted people in your life. Over time, this honesty will strengthen your sense of self and allow you to build deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Seek Support: This journey doesn’t have to be taken alone. Whether through therapy, spiritual practices, or supportive communities, find people and resources that can guide you along the way.

Embracing Your True Self

When you begin to dissolve the mask, you make room for your higher self to shine through. This doesn’t mean rejecting the lower self or feeling ashamed of the mask. Instead, it’s about integrating all parts of yourself into a harmonious whole.

As you embark on this journey, remember: you are not alone. Each step you take toward authenticity brings you closer to the joy, peace, and love that reside within you. Be patient with yourself, and trust that every effort you make is leading you closer to your true essence.