Why "Take Off Your Mask"?

So…why the name “Take off Your Mask”…you ask?

I have always had a desire to write a book, but the timing was never right or I wasn’t in the right frame of mind. As we all know…starting is the hardest part! Since I am extremely fascinated by our humanness and have been a keen observer of human behavior & relationships, I had a concept of what my book would be about.  I would journal some of my thoughts and ideas and have written numerous chapters in my head!! But, so far not enough to hunt down a publisher and design a cover! BUT, I have had the title for the book for several years.

A few years back I was talking, (okay it was probably RANTING!), about why people are so different in different social settings. They wear one mask at home, another at work, another at church, another with their friends, etc., etc… I looked at my wall where I have a collection of African tribal masks hanging and stated, (okay I probably yelled it out!), “Why don’t people just take off their masks!” and so the title was created. It just made perfect sense to name my Blog this as this is the first step to getting the creative juices flowing again. I am still on my mission…...

I have to admit that I have always loved African tribal masks. The artistry and vast styles are truly works of art. As each mask varies according to each culture and tribe, most masks usually have a spiritual or religious meaning and are used in religious or social events and for ritual dances. In most cultures the person wearing the mask conceptually loses his or her identity and "becomes" the spirit represented by the mask itself. I find this to be true with some people. They loose their identities, need to pretend to be something they are not and hide the “real” and “authentic” being that they were created to be.  I’m talking about “being real”. Getting to know yourself and getting to the point in your life where you are surrounding yourself with others that you can be “yourself” with and they love you just as you are. We all need those kinds of people in our life. It may be a process, but learning to take off the masks and be your authentic self is freeing. And surrounding ourselves with other non-mask wearers makes for a beautiful life!

Just Sayin’,

Christina