Unmasking Ourselves: An ART Based Journey Toward Authenticity

We all wear masks from time to time. Sometimes they’re light and almost invisible—like a polite smile at a crowded gathering. Other times, they’re heavy and carefully crafted, hiding pieces of who we are so we can “fit in,” avoid conflict, or make others more comfortable.

Masking can feel like a survival skill. For many, it’s learned early—born from moments when showing our true selves felt unsafe, unwelcome, or misunderstood. In certain spaces, it can even help us navigate social situations or protect our inner world. But over time, constantly wearing a mask can take a toll. It can keep us from speaking our truths, exploring our needs, and forming the deep, authentic connections we long for. It can leave us feeling unseen, even when surrounded by people.

The emotional cost of masking can be profound—heightened anxiety, lingering sadness, and the quiet exhaustion of performing a role that isn’t quite us. That’s why noticing when and how we mask is a powerful act of self-love. It’s the first step toward being gentler with ourselves, softening the need to perform, and allowing more of our authentic selves to shine through.

One way to explore this is through the Mask Activity, a form of art therapy that invites deep reflection. In this exercise, use two separate copies of our mask to create two versions of your mask:

• The Front of the Mask – representing what the world sees. This may include traits, expressions, and behaviors that friends, family, and society expect or value.

• The Back of the Mask – representing the self as you experience it privately. This might include feelings, truths, dreams, or struggles that rarely make it into the open.

Looking at both masks allows us to reveal the parts of ourselves we show and hide, and more deeply reflect on why we choose the ways we have until now. Self reflection is powerful looking inward, and it can be tender, surprising, and ultimately liberating. This activity is known to motivate more honesty, compassion, and freedom. 

The Mask Activity is a Somatic Tool for getting closer to ourself, it is also my gift to growURpotential.org and all the ways this community is helping me embody my role as a Healing Healer. If you want to explore this tool with me, email me at Bequi@growURpotential.org or schedule a consultation with me today!