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The drama of life compels us to constantly project the conventional side of our characters, the side that society has molded for us. In fact, this is repressing a deeper, more natural part of us that longs to be unleashed. Perhaps you've felt the unexplained pent-up energy or contrarily the weekend bouts of depression. This is a part of your spirit trying to free itself, probably frustrated in the attempt. The character you embody no doubt serves its function, but once in a while it can prove mentally healthy to channel those shadow-cast energies into a character of your own making, unbridled by civil norms, niceties or taboos. Let reign the alter ego.

The Alter Ego

Do not mistake the alter ego for a radical secondary personality. The alter ego is simply the more natural, less inhibited you. As such, use it as a form of relaxation therapy, a kind of leisure pursuit identity that gives you the freedom to truly express yourself, how you want, where you want, and when you want. The following six steps will guide you in initiating the alter ego dormant within you.

STEP 1 EXPLORE YOUR NEMESIS
In Chinese philosophy we encounter the cosmic principles of Yin and Yang (meaning "shaded" and "sunny" respectively) which represent the opposite but complementary interacting dualities of nature. As a corollary to these principles, view your daily character as Yang (the persona that life has foisted on you) and the nemesis of this character as Yin (the repressed persona that social routines have locked away). The first step you must take in creating your alter ego is analyzing yourself with a fine-tooth comb. The aim of this self-analysis is to incarcerate the Yang and liberate the Yin. Get in touch with what Yin actually feels as opposed to what Yang usually expresses. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself because the more natural your alter ego, the more powerful, and thus the more gratifying an experience incarnating it will be. So leave nothing repressed: using your alter ego as an outlet for your darker tendencies will neutralize the effect that these have on your daily character, helping you to better focus on your primary objectives. Like the big book says, "The truth will set you free".

STEP 2 CHOOSE YOUR LEGACY
After exploring yourself you'll be feeling the stirred energies of your alter ego straining to emerge. Similar to your daily character, the alter ego must have a purpose. Without planning for a clear-cut legacy, the alter ego will lose a sense of direction, creating

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