As infants who only understood oneness with the mother, we were surrounded by people, attitudes, traumas, relationship dynamics and all manner of parental projections with which we identified. We, therefore, hung our name tags on our parents' old unresolved and projected "stuff" in certain prescribed ways that formed a mask and a costume meant especially for us. Though we were mistaken in donning the mask and costume laid out for us, this mistake kept us attached to our caregivers, and/or helped us survive sometimes horrendous childhoods.

But our survival technique has now become the albatross around our necks, while we walk the planks laid out for us by the roles we play. Do we imagine that our problems are really the result of some external force? Again, we are mistaken. Most of the problems that we have today have come about as a result of the role we play, its script and the choices we have made out of that identity. The solution lies in finding the Authentic Self.

And yet, our world teaches us that finding the Authentic Self is, at best, a well-guarded secret passage of mythical proportions, and at worst, wasted time and effort, for it simply cannot be done. If we believe that, we are mistaken yet again. Not only is it possible to find and begin to live out of our authenticity, but it is the most hopeful journey we will ever take. It offers us the potential of a lasting peace, and yes, even joy. Working the pages of this book offers a practical yet deeply spiritual guide to finding and living the Authentic Self.