Behind The Mask: A somatic path to your truest self
Have you ever noticed how much energy it takes to get through the day? We often carry a hidden tension in our bodies without realizing it. In Core Energetics Therapy, we explore this through three distinct ways we manifest our energy: The Mask Self, the Lower Self, and the Higher Self. Connecting with and understanding these parts – and where they live in your body – is the key to releasing chronic stress and feeling truly at home in your own skin.
1. The Mask (Our Armor)
This is the face we show the world to stay safe, belong, and fit in. It’s the “people-pleaser”, the “achiever”, or the “always strong” persona. It is comprised of our idealized self-image and false beliefs about ourselves, others, and how the world works. Its expression is confusion, blaming, justifying, criticizing, and judging, and can be described as incoherent, striving, distorted, a defensive shield, or rigid. Some might even call it the “false self”.
2. The Lower Self (Our Fear, Our Pride, Our Self-Will)
Hidden by the mask, our lower self’s nature is to contract and restrict life energy flow in response to a perceived threat or a painful experience. This is the part who is scared (fear), resists and says,“ no I won’t” (self-will), and holds self apart and separate – “I’m better than you” (pride). Its expression is tight, forceful, and direct with a secret mission to hurt back. It is often unpleasant and childish, which is why it gets covered up by the mask.
3. The Higher Self (Our Core)
Protected by the mask and lower self, the higher self is our genuine life energy – our core. Some of its qualities are easeful, flowing, connected, open, expansive, loving, curious, harmonious, willing, accepting, unitive, and creative. Some may call it the “true self” or “divine self”. When we are aligned with our higher self, we are in the present moment with a sense of aliveness and vibrancy – we say “yes” to life.
Moving Beyond The Mask
Most of us unconsciously spend A LOT of energy holding up the Mask and defending our vulnerability with the Lower Self – it’s exhausting!
Somatic counseling helps you to gently drop the armor, move through the resistance, and align with your genuine self, transforming “no I won’t” into “yes, I will”. By learning to listen to and follow your body's physical signals, together we can release old pockets of stored stress and stuck energy, calm the nervous system, and help you live daily from your Higher Self.
What does a session look like? We will begin with orientation to the present moment by connecting with the physical body and observing what is showing up – sensation, feelings, and thoughts – and continue to follow your energy and consciousness with curiosity and mindful regard. There will be a combination of talking, movement, breathwork, specific embodiment exercises catered to your needs, and there is a good chance of playfulness, creative visualization, and working with imagery.
Ready to feel more grounded?
Curious to know more about yourself?
If you are tired of carrying the weight of your armor and want to say yes to life, let's work together. I am excited and honored to step onto this path with you!
Please visit our website to read more about my Somatic Counseling services and to book a free consultation.