Thank you Reka for the response.
Thank you Open for turning the prism to shine light upon the aspect of pain and how recognition allows expression leading to a sense of freedom...which I think you leveled the playing field for all to relate.,

I witnessed this just tonight as tears and frustration led to joy and laughter from a colleague as I held the space for her to just be in a moment of perceived conflict in the midst of chaos.. stillness

In a way that's what initiated my response because if I had chosen any mask or label then the experience would have been altered as I distanced myself by creating a barrier between us. I wore the misfit mask for quite awhile and still have people close to me express that they don't know what I'm talking about or "here she goes again" (makes me laugh to think of their facial expressions). It creates a barrier to really feeling each moment. At some point it just no longer matters in any realm. I think truly honoring the pain occurs as any identity dissolves, it felt like misfit/maverick provided comfort which just morphs into another mask or distortion. When the identity dissolves then the initial vulnerability or nakedness or feeling exposed occurs. If we jump into another space suit...we are right back where we started. I hope this helps others in some way.

Much love,
Erica