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Twenty-Five Lent Meditation: Unmasking in The Wilderness, A 40-Day Spring Prayer - Autism Acceptance Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 8
SOULjourner,
Today, on my fifty-third birthday, we contemplate unmasking in the wilderness—a Lenten reflection on how this sacred act of divine unveiling helps us navigate a world that frequently has difficulty accepting neurological differences.
Come wander with me, where holy, wild things (and souls) are fully cherished.
As we explore autism in this Lent series, I invite you to consider your brain + nervous system.
In my view, rooted in soul care + personal experience, masking is NOT about concealing our true selves; instead, it serves as a survival strategy in a world that fails to prioritize, accept, and support the neurodivergent experience, particularly in Black bodies.
Just as the chameleon changes its color to blend into its surroundings to avoid threat, masking can be a protective adaptation. It allows us to navigate spaces that may feel unsafe or unwelcoming. However, this rhythmic act can also be exhausting + isolating, as it requires constant recovery.
By sharing our stories, supporting one another, and ARTvocating for change, we can help create sanctuaries of acceptance where unmasking feels safe + sacred.
SOULjourner, take time today to reflect: What would it take for me to feel safe enough to unmask? How can I contribute to creating spaces where others feel safe enough to do the same?
I created the 'So Not Typical' Collection, which is committed to fostering a community where we celebrate ourselves + challenge stigmas while prioritizing shalom + pleasure.
Prayerfully Contemplate Your Masking
Take a moment to contemplate:
Choosing Silence
Remaining quiet in social situations to avoid saying something that might be perceived as "wrong" or inappropriate.
Suppressing personal thoughts, feelings, or desires to avoid judgment or conflict.
Feeling as though speaking up might lead to misunderstanding or rejection, leading to self-imposed silence.
Echoing (Echolalia)
Repeating phrases, words, or tones heard from others to blend into conversations or appear socially "correct."
Using scripted responses or rehearsed phrases to navigate social interactions.
Mimicking speech patterns, intonations, or expressions of others as a way of adapting to social norms.
Imitating Others
Copying the style, dress, attitude, interests, and mannerisms of peers to fit in or avoid standing out.
Adopting behaviors seen in movies, television shows, or other media as a guide for "appropriate" social behavior.
Suppressing Stimming
Refraining from natural self-soothing behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or tapping to appear more "typical."
Redirecting stims into less noticeable actions (e.g., clenching fists instead of flapping hands).
Adjusting Eye Contact
Forcing eye contact even when it feels uncomfortable or unnatural to meet societal expectations.
Avoiding eye contact entirely in some cases to prevent being perceived as "too intense" or "different."
Over-Preparing for Social Interactions
Rehearsing conversations in advance to ensure responses align with social norms.
Visualizing and practicing how they will act in specific situations to minimize anxiety + avoid mistakes.
Adapting Speech Patterns
Modifying tone of voice, vocabulary, or speech rhythm to match those around them.
Speaking less about personal interests and more about topics others find engaging.
Feigning Interest or Emotions
Pretending to be interested in activities or conversations that feel unimportant to them.
Mimicking emotional responses that are expected in certain situations (e.g., laughing at jokes they don’t find funny).
Avoiding Personal Topics
Guiding conversations away from their own experiences to avoid vulnerability or judgment.
Withholding intimate details about themselves even when they wish to share.
Hiding Sensory Sensitivities
Enduring overwhelming sensory inputs (e.g., loud noises, bright lights) without expressing discomfort.
Wearing clothes that feel uncomfortable but are socially acceptable instead of prioritizing personal comfort.
Adapting Behavior Based on Environment
Switching preferences + behaviors depending on the people they are with or the situation they are in.
Acting differently at work versus at home to meet the expectations of each environment.
What else might you add to this? It’s also worth noting that choosing not to attend events where masking would be required is a valid act of soul care, as it helps protect against the mental + emotional toll that masking can take.
Recovery + Replenishing Practices for Unmasking
Recovery practices are essential for reconnecting with ourselves + nurturing our sensory wellbeing. What are your rhythmic recovery + grounding practices?
Intentional Unmasking in Safe Spaces
Seek out sanctuaries—whether physical or relational—where you can unmask without fear of judgment. This might include trusted friends, family members, or online communities of neurodivergent individuals who understand your experience.
Practice allowing unmasking in environments where you feel safe enough to reveal yourself.
Engaging in Stimming or Self-Soothing Behaviors
Reconnect with natural stimming behaviors like rocking, tapping, humming, or hand-flapping that help regulate your nervous system.
Use sensory tools such as weighted blankets, stuffed animals, play dough, fidget toys, or aromatherapy to create comfort + calmness.
Prioritizing Rest + Solitude
Give yourself permission to step away from social interactions to recharge in solitude without guilt.
Create a sensory-soothing space at home where you can decompress after masking-heavy situations.
Creative Expression as Release
Uproot + engage in radical imagination through creative outlets like journaling, reading/writing poetry, cooking, doodling, screaming, humming, painting, music, dance... creativity that helps to release pent-up emotions.
My favorite: blow bubbles to do fun breathwork.
Mindful Somatic Movement + Sensory Awareness
Practice stretching or other gentle movements that help you tune into your body to release tension caused by masking.
Spend time outdoors engaging your senses—listen to birdsong, feel the texture of tree bark, or breathe in fresh air—to ground yourself in the present moment.
Tear paper into strips or wadding it up to throw at the wall or into a designated container or trash can.
Connecting with Neurodivergent Communities
Join support groups through neuro-affirming podcasts or advocacy organizations where you can share experiences + find solidarity with others who understand the challenges of masking.
Participate in events like Autism Acceptance Month activities to celebrate neurodivergence and advocate for systemic change.
Sankofa (Reclaiming) Your Voice
Practice speaking up about your needs + boundaries in environments where it feels safe to do so.
Use affirmations: “I am worthy of being seen as I truly am” or “Who I am and how I am is sacred + beloved.”
Therapeutic Support
Work with a therapist who specializes in areas of healing, such as psychology, massage therapy, chiropractic care, pastoral care, spiritual direction, etc., to explore the impact of masking on your spiritual, emotional, neurological, and physical health. Through this support, you can develop strategies for self-compassion, emotional regulation, and holistic well-being.
A Call to Action: Creating Sanctuaries of Acceptance
While recovery practices are vital for replenishing after masking, we also get to work collectively toward creating enclaves of acceptance where being neurodivergent is celebrated rather than suppressed.
SOULjourner, let's commit to embodying an infinite spectrum of acceptance—not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
A Blessing - Sensing in The Wilderness
This Lenten season...
May this journey bring sanctuaries where unmasking feels shalom-filled + sacred.
May you find spaces where who you are and how you are is celebrated + cherished.
May you unburden yourself of guilt + shame where masking was present, whether knowingly or unknowingly—honored for its role in your protection.
May your journey lead to enclaves of acceptance where masking is not required—where, in the presence of neuro-affirming souls, you can reveal yourself without fear or hesitation, finding peace, pleasure, and joy in being seen, heard, and valued exactly as you are.
Amen + Asé
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The So Not Typical Soul Care Kit
A so-not-typical gift set to celebrate neurodivergence. Being typical is not the standard. Acceptance is. It's more than a gift set—a soul care sanctum.
As you embark on this journey with The 'So Not Typical' Collection, remember that Neuro ARTvocacy + empathy matters.
You're investing in a somatic practice of soul care to amplify your peace.
INCLUDED IN THE SOUL CARE KIT GIFT SET: Free Gift Wrapping included
1x - 8oz Non-toxic, Luxury Coconut Soy Wax, Candle (pick your essential oil scent)
1x - Pair of socks
3x - Assorted Greeting Cards: My momma is autistic, So not typical, Infinite spectrum of acceptance - 4.25 x 5.5 tent-style cards with luxe, embossed envelopes, nestled in a satin peach drawstring pouch
1x - College-ruled Journal, Bingo-guided back cover, ridiculously soft covers
1x - Faux Feather Pen
1x - Gold Electric Candle Warmer
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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