Why it is good not to wear a mask

Even as I write this I feel terror in my body

As I post this off, I feel terror in my body, shaky hand as I write, a nervous knot in my stomach.

I have to remember that it is ok to feel these things.

I have these reactions because as humans we love to fit in. And going against the societal norm is difficult.

But I know that I love being true to myself.

That I feel so amazing when I make my own choices.

That to feel in control is to feel empowered.

That when I feel empowered, I also can allow myself to feel huge compassion for all those around me, who still yet have to make their own choices.

Before entering as shop without a mask on, I have to calm myself, breathe deeply. Feel love for myself and then start to spread that love out to everyone around me.

So much fear can be dispelled with as act of kindness and love.

I don't feel anger towards the staff when confronted -as they too are living in fear. This position of power, as some may use it as, cannot be used to degrade others.

I can try to sit with them and feel compassion for what they feel they have to do.

I try to see what it is they are afraid of for themselves and then I say, what if you were not scared.

What would your life look and feel like if you didn't feel scared.

If you didn't feel

scared of getting sick;

scared of passing it on to others;

scared of not being vaccinated;

scared of not being compliant;

scared of someone getting angry at them, for not being compliant

What about the many, many people who for reasons known to them, cannot or will not wear a mask.

They have had to put up with looks of anger, resentment or fear and more. Probably confronted and degraded in front of other customers. They do not have to explain themselves to anyone. It is no-ones business.

I'm sure lots have maybe hidden themselves and shopped online or asked someone else, which is robbing them of their privacy and independence.

People haven't had a hug, or seen a face. I hug people.

Teenagers, who are going through their rites of passage towards adulthood are missing hugely on the >250,000 different facial expressions humans use to communicate to one another. This is their time for them to develop the next set of social skills, needed to find their place in the world. They are going through huge changes and they need support and so much love. Children are seeing the visual effects of fear as well as living in fear.

I do not want my children to grow up in a world, where wearing masks is normal.

I am doing this to help push back to level 0

I am doing this to educate people in compassion and understanding for those who may be unable to stand up for themselves.

I am doing this for those who cannot or chose not to wear a mask.

I am doing this for my children.

I am living a normal life.