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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
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 21
SOULjourner,
Today, on my fifty-third birthday, we contemplate unmasking in the wilderness—a Lenten reflection. In this sacred, inclusive, and neurodiverse collective, you are embraced fully + profoundly appreciated.
Come wander with me, where holy, wild things (and souls) are fully cherished.
As we explore autism in this Lent series—and continue this journey throughout the year—I invite you to gently turn your attention inward, as you ponder your brain + nervous system.
This is an invitation to notice how you might engage in camouflaging, a broad term that encompasses the ways you shift your natural expressions to navigate a world that frequently feels unsafe or unwelcoming.
The Chameleon: Illustrating Camouflaging in Autism
Masking - Like a chameleon blending its colors in its environment to avoid a threat. Masking involves holding back a stim (or softening it), forcing eye contact, or silencing a passionate interest to blend into a neurotypical space. Beneath the exterior, the chameleon remains whole, but the effort of concealment quietly drains its energy over time.
My soul care take: A gentle tucking away of your truest colors—quieting the stims, softening your shine—so the world sees only what it expects.
Compensation - Here, the chameleon adapts. It mimics the shape + posture of a nearby leaf or branch to avoid detection, just as autistic individuals use memorized social scripts, mirrored mannerisms, etc. to navigate conversations + relationships. These adaptations, when unsupported, drain like a chameleon forever holding its breath. Yet with sustainable tools that support + accommodate, they transform into lifelines—not mere survival strategies, but sacred pathways to connection.
My soul care take: Crafting bridges, step by careful step—finding ways to cross into connection, even when the path feels foreign.
Assimilation - The chameleon doesn’t just mimic—it becomes its surroundings. Assimilation is adopting another’s laugh, style, posture, or interests so completely that your creative self fades into the background. Like a chameleon adopting the colors of a foreign habitat as its own, assimilation risks the denial of one’s true identity to avoid rejection or harm.
My soul care take: Taking on the culture, language, and rhythm of others so fluently, you mistrust your indigenous neurology, your native tongue, your sacred stims—blending until your breath carries only echoes of what once was.
“Indigenous neurology” reframes neurodivergence as innate wisdom, not deficit.
The Cost of Camouflage - Chameleons shift colors for survival, not choice. Similarly, autistic camouflaging often arises from necessity—avoiding judgment, securing safety, or simply being heard. Yet living in constant adaptation is soul-deep exhaustion, like a chameleon forever on high alert, leading to burnout, isolation, and the painful loss of self.
Sanctuary comes when the chameleon finds a place where its natural hues are not only safe but celebrated.
In neurodiverse communities:
stimming becomes a sacred rhythm,
communication is honored as holy oracle,
and passions blaze unapologetically.
At Mohawkmomma Studio, you are invited to shed the cloak—no longer morphing to belong, but returning to your God-given design, radiant + whole.
Your true hue, is welcome here.
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?
By sharing our stories, supporting one another, and ARTvocating for change, we can help create sanctuaries of acceptance where unmasking feels safe + sacred.
I created the 'So Not Typical' Collection, which is committed to fostering a community where we celebrate ourselves + challenge stigmas while prioritizing shalom + pleasure.
Contemplate Your Camouflaging
These are descriptive, not prescriptive—and certainly not meant to be exhaustive.
Take a moment to contemplate masking:
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.
Take a moment to contemplate compensating:
Compensating "Adaptive Behavior" Based on Environment
Switching preferences or behaviors depending on the people or situation: acting differently at work versus at home to meet each environment’s expectations.
Pre-planning conversation topics in advance.
Describing what supportive accommodations entail. Below is an example of my PDF list.
Using mental checklists in social settings.
Affiliating with a socially skilled loved one or peer to copy their behaviors.
Rehearsing jokes to share in social settings.
Studying social interaction in movies/TV shows.
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 energy 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
Permit yourself 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 wad 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 wellbeing.
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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