home history approach     theory & model     process     practice     benefits aspects courses sessions facilitator contact Links Theory and Model  a holistic approach         key concepts What is meant by the key concepts of Mask, Lower Self and Higher Self? The concept of Mask and Lower Self are used to describe the consequences of the neglects and hurts that we suffered in our early years. As infants and children, our body, mind, feelings and will are constantly being stifled by our parents and society. We are not allowed to fully express our joy and pain so we erect a Mask, which enables us to bury our deep rage and disappointment at not being able to be true to ourselves. Our Mask presents an acceptable face, while at the same time disguises the negative impulses, from those on whom we rely and depend upon. In effect the Mask conceals both the Lower Self and the Higher Self. The Lower Self is the hateful and destructive energy that we hold against ourselves and against those who prevented our true and free expression. We are generally not aware of it. It absorbs a great deal of our energy and is expressed indirectly through our personality and directly only when we feel threatened and out of control. Our Higher Self is our authentic spiritual reality, which is our essential true self and source of our energy and consciousness.