As I walked across Market Square, I suddenly felt a familiar stirring of fearful cautiousness that provides me with a warning that something is amiss. I have practiced and learned to listen carefully to the message this wave of emotion offers me; to ignore it would be personally irresponsible as it would not serve me well. I deserve more than to ignore a sign of discomfort and attempt to fly by the seat of my pants.
I was on my way to the gallery opening in Kingston, Ontario of artist/painter extraordinaire, Heather Haynes and her equally talented sister, photographer/jewellery designer, Whitney Haynes. Although there is a small sense of shame as I tell you that I had not heard of these well known humanitarians until the day before this event, it didn't surprise me as I keep myself somewhat sheltered. Many who are close to me would say that I am well connected in my community, and yet I stick to small circles where I feel comfortable and focused on what I am intended for.
As I moved closer to the gallery location, I suddenly realized that there would likely be a tightly knit crowd at this event that, for the most part, I would not know many. This, along with other insecurities, triggered the crazy gremlins in my head that told me there was no way I would fit into this group of invitees. An additional fear of earlier patterning presented itself as a bead of sweat moved down the middle of my spine. I listened to it, and it stopped me in my tracks. I told myself, “Listen and you will learn”. I looked in the direction of some voices to my left, and saw a sign that read ‘lamb for sale’. I smiled at the fact that you can actually buy lamb at an outdoor market; it seemed odd to me. This distraction was a gift as it allowed me the time that I needed to take a step back, breathe and determine the reality of all of the messages being fired my way. Looking ahead, I could see the gallery across the street. A young girl was playing the guitar, and there was a group of people chatting and laughing on the side walk. It was then that I knew I had the choice to determine the difference between which message was real and which was not. I did know the truth, and I pushed the rest aside, and walked confidently toward the warmth of the sweet girl’s music.
I walked through the door with trepidation but it quickly dissipated the moment I laid my eyes on one of Heather's paintings. The look in the woman’s eyes was filled with fear, and yet, it also exuded gratitude; I was overwhelmed with the artist’s ability to provide this contradiction in one piece. Also displayed, was a biography of the woman in the painting. I read it, and a tear came to my eye; it wasn’t so much of sympathy, but of understanding. I was overwhelmed with warmth and calm. Within minutes, I was taken away from my anxious state and absorbed in the mystification of what hung on the walls of this studio. I took a moment to look around the room, and found myself surrounded by painting after painting and story after story of the children and women of Africa.
It was like I was all alone in this room filled with brave and soulful beings, and it felt incredibly peaceful. And yet, I was overwhelmed by a wave of sadness that I haven’t been able to shake for days. After I left the gallery, I realized that I had been there for 30 minutes before I looked up and recognized some friends I knew. I remembered how worried I was just before walking through the gallery’s door, and how quickly the worry dissolved with my first glimpse of a series of paintings that, like a written novel, tell a passionate story of those who are close and also very, very far away.
I left the gallery with a ‘wrap’ bracelet by Whitney Haynes that I have been wearing every day since. As I place it around my wrist each morning, there is a warmth and ‘feel good’ that comes with it; some kind of connection that I cannot describe. What I know for sure is that this sister team provides a natural tranquility more powerful than any meditation you will ever practice. There is a subtle and strong dedication to LovingKindness communicated through their art that provides everyone in their presence with incredible empowerment; a gift that these girls provide with global authenticity.
