Vulnerability. Many mistake it for ‘weakness,’ when it is truly a strength. To connect with others and oneself in the most authentic way, defenses down, accepting of the ‘basement’ of the mind. This is a superpower. This is the core of human community and connectivity and the ropes of consciousness that fortify our bonds. This painting represents the self’s ability to authentically give to the other, as symbolized by the heart and the ‘arm’ extending its offerings (thoughts, feelings, experiences represented by the fluttering butterflies/flower petals). To open itself and share what is internal, to make that material external and in doing so leave itself in a vulnerable state, defenses down, if even for a moment. My hope is that each time you slip into your soft new t-shirt, you feel strong enough, self-confident enough to offer parts of your subconscious mind to yourself, and eventually, to others, in profound acts of empathy and solidarity.
