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Denis Oakley's avatar

I struggle with therapy because for me it is still performative. The only way that I have found works so far is art therapy and to talk about what I draw and NEVER make eye contact with the therapist.

I am the emperor who cannot take off his clothes. I have no idea what I am wearing, or indeed if I am wearing anything.

That’s worrisome when I think about it. So I happily live in a bubble of pretence. Unaware of whether I am authentic or inauthentic, clothed or not. As Chinua Achebe said “I have worn the mask so long that it has become my face” (sic). Or perhaps my face has become the mask.

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Silke's avatar

This story brought me to tears. We all long for compassion and are often willing to give it to everyone but ourselves. Thank you so much for this beautiful retelling!

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