“But today, when frightened or striving to impress, I often pick up my old masks.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

Seeing Behind the Mask

Richard Rohr

The word “person” is derived from the ancient Greek term persona, which referred to the masks actors wore in a play. Our core personas are made up of our deepest fears & earliest defenses. Oftentimes, we believe that is who we really are! To get quiet we allow The Presence of our being to shine. In the stillness and clarity of Presence, we see our masks for what they are: temporary (and sometimes useful) personas but not our true Being. With Presence, as we lay down our masks, we see past the masks of others to the true Being looking in their eyes & the tenderness hidden in their hearts.

Adapted from Richard Rohr Daily Meditations

A Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

It's crucial that we come to terms with the issues that undermine our own inner peace. It's hypocritical to try to end international war if we're ravaged by internal conflict. Personal integrity is the foundation of world transformation. Fill your Spirit, and your service will be infinitely more effective. Today, help me remember that my primary responsibility is the healing of my own mind and heart; my first contribution to world peace.

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day Breathe in the inspiration of goodness and truth. It is the spirit of honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love. It is readily available if we are willing to accept it wholeheartedly. God has given us two things - His spirit and the power of choice - to accept or not, as we will. We have the gift of free will. When we choose the path of selfishness and greed and pride, we are refusing to accept God's spirit. When we choose the path of love and service, we accept God's spirit and it flows into us and makes all things new. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may choose the right way. I pray that I may try to follow it to the end.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

The first reading today that spoke about “persona” had me reflect back to when I was new in sobriety. I didn’t know who I was. Like the reading, I had worn so many masks to cover up my insecurity and true being. I was lost. Who the Hell am I? And who the Hell are you?

Frightened by everything, working with a sponsor & going to meetings helped me begin to discover the true self and to discard the masks. Prayer and meditation deepened a sense of self. But still today, when frightened or striving to impress, I can pick up my old masks.

Yesterday with Josh, Kehau and their 4 kids, I was Popsie at the British Museum. When a classy woman appeared, I wanted to put on a different mask but, instead, laughed at myself!

Who the Hell am I, God? He’s answered many times; “you’re My child; just enjoy life, be who you are!” In countless meetings, vulnerability, laughter, joy and camaraderie has given me the affirmation to laugh at myself and grow.

Leaving the Museum, Josh left for work and Kehau, the kids and I walked through Chinatown, and found a neat looking Chinese restaurant. The sign walking in said “Mind the Steps!” They seated us at a large table ouside, we ordered and the kids meals came with French fries! Then, a bee flew into my Coke Zero; all of the kids started shrieking and laughing. Many people seated around us, and some of the crowd walking by either waved or commented on how cute the kids were. It was so much fun.

Thanks for showing me its ok to be Popsie, not James Bond, Superman or Hugh Hefner!