That provokes some thought - thanks Chris! I've also long believed there is a collective dimension to consciousness. I wonder if part of the fear of exposing one's self is a fear of losing part of one's self if it doesn't "resonate" with others? (I think that keeps me apart a lot of the time.)

Interesting thought Bill. You know, Carl Rogers developed a sort of mantra for himself, that I've found immensely helpful since I first heard it: "What I am is good enough, if only I can be it openly." For me, digging deeper into "who I am" and being open with others/allowing myself to be seen (as appropriate) along the way are two parallel and mutually supportive processes. Easier said than done thought right! Coming down from head-space to heart-space (and gut-space :))--or perhaps connecting them--helps me often. Would be curious to hear what helps others...