Why do we hide our hearts when deep down we long to be understood?

Maybe someone told you that you were “too much” or “not enough” – or both.

Maybe you learned to pretend to be something you’re not to stay safe.

Maybe your heart’s tired from speaking your passions to deaf ears.

20 years ago, even though I was onstage all the time as an actor, I secretly had a love–hate relationship with being seen. Then an acting class exercise cracked my protective shell wide open.

The entire group was focused on me: challenging me with different improv situations. I kept trying to “pull myself together” in between scenes, when I heard my teacher Richard tell me not to do that. Instead, he asked me to just be where I was and let everything flow – including tears.

“I’m not that comfortable having everyone’s eyes on me,” I blurted.

Richard replied, “You’ve chosen a strange set of careers for yourself, then. Part of you wants this.”

Part of me did. Part of me knew I was meant to be seen.

I deeply trusted him and felt safe in the space he held, so I continued, courageously committing to releasing my emotional masks and energetic armor.

By the end of that exercise, layers of protection had melted away. I felt in tune with everyone in the room. I could see through their layers of protection to their hearts and souls.

It was a moment of Oneness.

Being seen begins with a choice. It’s vulnerable. It’s risky. We feel totally engaged and utterly powerless. When we show up fully, there’s a kind of surrender forward: heart open and “all in.”

There may be nothing more courageous than this.

If you long to be seen. heard, and understood, but you’re holding back because the possibility of being rejected scares you …

You are not alone.

You belong, exactly as you are right now.

You just need to remember …

If you’d like support in releasing your emotional masks, book a FREE breakthrough session. It would be my honor to support you.

With passion & love,
Lauri