by TESS

http://theboldlife.com/2011/03/drop-mask-reconnect-soul/

We create a soul disconnection when we don't feel comfortable in our own skin. We often pretend to be someone we're not, in order to temporarily feel good. We easily catch ourselves seeking approval, acceptance, titles, fame or achievement.

We give up who we are and place value on external people, places and things.

We pretend everything is good when it isn't; we pretend to be brave when we are afraid; we pretend to be happy, when we're miserable; we pretend to be clear when we are mistaken; we pretend to love; when we fear.

When we are attached to appearances, possessions, roles or attitudes, we feel disconnected, alienated and fake.

It takes a lot of energy to play a role in order to fit in.

It takes a lot of energy to be someone you are not.

It's a beautiful thing when we can let go, drop our masks, relax and be our authentic selves.

It's a beautiful thing to feel confident and competent being with anyone, anywhere.

The following tips will allow you to revel in your wonderful self.

"Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge." ~Audre Lorde

1. Get real

What's natural for you? Where do you feel most comfortable and with whom? What activities do you enjoy? Spend time discovering what you like about yourself and what you want for yourself.

You have the right to be different from everyone. Take off your mask and drop your armor.

Your finger print, voice print and soul print are unique. Cherish, nurture and celebrate the real "you."

"Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify. ~Henry David Thoreau

2. Simplify, simplify, simplify

Keep your relationships with yourself and others uncomplicated. Delete all drama in your life. Speak your truth with simplicity and honesty. Meditate and spend time in nature. Refuse to hurry. Walk slowly. Simplify your diet. Focus on your most important task. There's less sress in simplicity.

"I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief." ~ Gerry Spence

3. Stay open

Learn to judge nothing that occurs. Share your feelings and experiences from your heart. Don't hold back. Notice the sights, smells and sounds around you. Enjoy and appreciate your day as it unfolds. Savor small things.

Accept differences. Control less and allow more. Stay present. Be confident of your sense of mission and purpose.

Smile, breathe, and go slowly. ~ Thick Nhat Hanh

4. Breathe

Be mindful of the moment. Breathe. Attend to the present. Nothing is real accept the here and now. Breathe in, breathe out. Let your body and mind relax. Notice what you are feeling. Get in touch with the sensations of your body. Pay attention. Breathe. Let go. Remain calm.

"I release the need for this in my life." ~ Wayne Dyer

5. Release, rest, relax

Drop all fear. Let yourself be. Let others be. Bless everyone and everything. Release any anxiety you have about situations or others. Know life is unfolding as it should. Resist giving unasked for advice. As Jacob Glass says, "Stay in your own backyard."

"Love is the beauty of the soul." ~St. Augustine

6. Be wise

Forgive yourself and others. Release prejudice and preconceptions. Think for yourself.Listen more, talk less. Practice acceptance and detachment. When life is painful and difficult, take care of yourself. Allow your heart to guide you. Become grounded in love.