Why we wear masks
Have you ever felt like a fake?
I have!
When I worked as a truck driver I felt like I was wearing a mask pretending to be someone I wasn’t. It was so frustrating to keep my true self in hiding.
If you’ve ever worn a mask and felt like your true self was hiding this video is made for you!
Learn why we wear masks and how to peel them off.
If you find yourself wearing a constrictive mask that is concealing your true self here are…
5 Tips to Peel off the Masks that Constrict You
1. Recognize that you are wearing a mask.
2. Ask yourself: Is this mask expanding me or constricting me?
3. Ask yourself: What am I afraid of?
4. Ask yourself: How can I bring more love into the areas where I am afraid?
5. Practice being your expanded self!
Not all masks are bad. Some masks expand us into the person we dream of being.
Here is an image of some of my masks both expanding and constricting.
‘Mask Family Portrait’, Laura Hollick in various masks. Hand mask painting/ hair/makeup Sue Upton. Photo by Kevin Thom.
I would love to hear about your masks!
How would you describe your expanding masks and how would you describe your constricting masks?
Tags: being fake, being your true self, black and white masks, hiding, kevin thom, Laura Hollick, masks, Sue Upton
January 22nd, 2012 at 11:35 am
laura, this is great. thanks!
January 22nd, 2012 at 11:35 am
beautiful and phenomenal!
January 22nd, 2012 at 12:57 pm
At 36 years old I’ve finally decided to shed my mask and be my true self. Not speaking up when I disagree with something is dishonest. I’ve decided to be my more authentic self.
January 22nd, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Luara, nicely done. This is wonderful timing with a conversation I had this morning.
Best, Michael
January 22nd, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Beautifully done!
January 22nd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Awesome! ♥
January 22nd, 2012 at 1:50 pm
I love the dress and the video is well done. I always enjoy the set design of your videos. Very inspiring.
January 22nd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Beautiful Laura: thank you for such a powerful direct hit to so many important helpful insights with such beauty!! Blessings
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Wise words, beautiful images . . . thank you!
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Thanks Laura–this video was very inspiring. I’ve been hiding behind my mask for many years–I just turned 40 & I think it’s about time it came off
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:59 pm
I love the clarity and muted tones –Thank you for this rich topic to ponder!
January 22nd, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Wonderful! Love the explanation of expansive and contracting purposes of wearing masks. And beautiful set!
January 23rd, 2012 at 4:16 am
Wow this is so powerful!! I constantly wear masks to please others! This comes from fear, based on others not liking or accepting me for who I am. Fear of being judged or laughed at. They don t realise who I really am, which is so fake and dishonest. Seeing your masks made me feel that it creates such a barrier and restricts flow and enjoyment for both parties involved. I think its time I explored life without my masks!!! Thankyou Laura!
January 23rd, 2012 at 9:42 am
Ooh what a great topic, and you bring it to life so well Laura! I remember during your workshop I created a collage that had a lot of “covering up of faces” like masks. I know this year I’m really shifting out of those old masks, that did serve me for a time, but that no longer allow me to move forward.
Thank you for this and for all the great work you do Laura!
January 23rd, 2012 at 10:04 am
I love the idea of looking at transitions or new/old behaviours as masks. It is exciting to think of trying on (expanding) masks and then deciding whether you want to keep them on or take them off (easily). It is also empowering to think of constricting masks as temporary and easily self-removeable. Thank-you for this empowering way to look at creating change in life.
January 23rd, 2012 at 11:00 am
My constricting masks are made of fear, insecurity and doubt. They appear defensive, know-it-allish and small.
My expanding masks are made of something bigger than me, something channeled, something not of me. They look to be all-knowing, mother of all, wise, patient, compassionate and kind.
There is a happy medium, an every few months I get to hold on to that authentic feeling. And those times are a precious gift.
January 24th, 2012 at 5:27 am
Wowza, Laura! I just watched this now, sitting in Pearson Airport on my way to visit the Mayan ruins in Tulum. I think travelling out of our home can lend itself to dropping familiar masks, and trying out new ways of being in the world. I welcome that on this dream trip! I am also thinking of last July when you were holding my hand as I was looking over the cliff during my Soul Art Intensive with you. Wow, was that scary! It was one of the most terrifying things I have ever done, since I am pretty afraid of heights. You were very kind, holding my hand and guiding me in tapping into my inner resources for meeting that challenge. It was about looking … looking into the abyss, and I believe that is the beautiful space within me that is beneath my mask. Laura, I so thank you for the work you have done and the loving and generous way you are sharing it with the world. With love, Andrea.
January 24th, 2012 at 8:45 am
Laura! Powerful and right on time. I wanted to share this with you and now you have opened the door. Finally, just in the past few days I have understood a new facet of my Soul Art Journeys. My quest to “be seen” and express myself caused great shifts, and I am sharing a part of me that I have kept hidden from view for many years. My divorce and the stigma of divorce made me go into a spiritual hiding. I realized that all of my art of myself had no faces. Instead of a mask, I completely wiped away the face, but it had the same effect…I’m coming out! Yea! I cannot express the peace, love, and joy that I feel. The world just opened up to me in a new way. I got so unblocked and began to fearlessly write my life. Soul Art is healing. Thank you, Laura.
Face to face, heart to heart,
Rosa
January 26th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Great post. As you mentioned some masks can actually help us and protect us. Protect us from the people in our lives who consciously or unconsciously donot want us to expose our truest beings. But to peel that mask away and live in the fullest expression of your life is the greatest gift you can give yourself. I believe that when we have dream we need hold that dream close to our hearts – hold it tightly and do not throw our pearls to swine. Loved your “painted mask”. Thanks again, Jane
January 28th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Thanks Laura, Great topic for discussion! My masks are being peeled off even more after the great nu business mentorship course with you! It reminds me of the powerful quote:
“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
James Arthur Baldwin (American Essayist, Playwright and Novelist, 1924-1987)
January 29th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
[...] a theme for two new pieces digitally made on my phone. The idea came alive after I watched Why We Wear Masks via Soul Art Studios. I don’t know about you but I have a nice collection of masks. Some [...]