“She did not know yet how sometimes people keep parts of themselves hidden and secret, sometimes wicked and unkind parts, but often brave or wild or colorful parts, cunning or powerful or even marvelous, beautiful parts, just locked up away at the bottom of their hearts.
They do this because they are afraid of the world and of being stared at, or relied upon to do feats of bravery or boldness. And all of those brave and wild and cunning and marvelous and beautiful parts they hid away and left in the dark to grow strange mushrooms—and yes, sometimes those wicked and unkind parts, too—end up in their shadow.”~Catherynne M. Valente
I recently returned from a fabulous Mastery Retreat in Mount Shasta. As a Halloween party of sorts we were asked to put together a costume that will somehow show a deeper facet of our souls. A part of us we haven’t necessarily expressed in the world. For me, that meant having to look behind the mask I’ve always worn; the way I show myself to the world.
One would think it would be easy to create a costume of our own expression but for me it was quite difficult. Creating a costume to express who I am, meant I actually had to look at who I am and as you probably know, this is not an easy task.
Finally I decided to bring along a purple feather boa and 2 headbands. One headband had a halo and the other had devils ears attached. I wasn’t sure what I was trying to say but for whatever reason, those items seemed right. The best part about the story is after toiling and un-necessarily stressing I forgot to pack all the aforementioned items!
The night of the party, I showed up without a costume but with my amusement. A mic was set up for everyone to explain their fabulous and super creative costumes. There were inter-galactic light beings, emissaries of the universe, scribes, unicorns and spiritual guides. I watched and listened in awe of the creative expression! Since I didn’t have a costume, I was not going to approach the mic but then it hit me….
I have worn a mask all my life! I have hidden a part (not all but a part) of me, in essence, under a bushel, behind a mask, my entire life! I wasn’t supposed to wear a costume. I was supposed to take one off and be me. I was supposed to shine from the inside out.
I stood in front of the mic, with no costume and told everyone in the room I came as ME because I’ve worn a mask my whole life. I told them I finally took off my mask and here I am. I told them I took up personal narrative story telling to help me express not just stories of others, but to express MY stories.
It was very liberating to say “Hey, I’ve had this mask on and now I’m taking it off.” Did I feel vulnerable? Yes. Did I feel like I was standing up there naked with no costume? Yes, because it was the truth but it is also true it was the very thing I needed to do.
Dressing up and wearing a costume is fun! We can be someone we are not. We might even be able to express ourselves and share things too painful to express if we didn’t have that mask BUT at some point, it becomes more painful to live behind the mask; too painful to hide and disconnect from others and ourselves.
At some point we all need to take off our masks, express ourselves and show the world who we are. For every supposedly ‘wicked and unkind’ part we keep hidden there are brave, colorful, powerful, marvelous, and beautiful parts, just waiting to be expressed.
Are you willing, ready and able to take on a challenge? I challenge you to take off your masks and let the world see just a small hidden part of you. I know it will take courage so be bold and brave! In a world of so many masks, stand out by taking yours off and shining your light!~Debbie
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Debra is a gifted Clairvoyant Reader, Energy Healer, Author, and Intuitive Business Consultant providing insight and guidance to clients around the world. In addition to her clairvoyant readings, business consulting and healing work Debra also offers one to one personal empowerment sessions and leads meditation workshops to help people heal and awaken to their own truth and spiritual gifts.
