Hot Flow Zen

For Lila.

Do you remember that time I was your boss but I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t get my shit together to get 500 staff uniforms in order? I think about that at least once a day. I think about that because you did it for me. Graciously. All anybody wanted was their uniforms in the correct sizes (I was too overwhelmed) and a server station upstairs (too much corporate goon red tape to get that for you. Something about the designers had to approve any structures brought into the building.) In the end, I wasn’t that great at being a boss, but you made it a lot easier for me and many other people around you. 

I didn't make you art to talk about that, but it would be impossible to talk about you at all without first bringing up pressure, work, efficiency, solutions, resilience and the way that you share those things with people that need them. You are a perfect storm of all of these factors. I always smile to myself any time you post anything (weekly) that says 

Hot Flow Zen

Because that seems to be the chapter of life you’re in. I’m so proud of you for lighting the match to that bridge and walking out of a painful and traumatic situation with your head held high. All of this time since, I’ve watched you work to do the sometimes painfully hot work to move the trauma out of your body and heart through an intentional flow without causing damage because of the pain you’ve been in. I’ve seen you find your new zen while remaining authentic. That’s the sign of a truly evolved spirit. I’m so proud of you, inspired and grateful for that example. 

I love that these colors, your colors, represent that heart and throat chakra, born through shadow in their ability to work together to help others and in turn, teach you so much. Of the decades and decades I’ve been working, you are one of the hardest, smartest workers I’ve known. So it’s only fitting that you would use the fire of change to transform not only yourself but countless others in the presence of your classes. It is very unnatural for you to have something that you don’t instantly come up with ways to share and give away to others. It’s a big part of what makes you so radiantly beautiful. 

This painting is a portrait of the sudden, explosive life changes you’ve taken both the hits of and drastic growth and self-awareness from. There are many deep scrapes and scars, more than that, the fairy dust-like magic of who you got to come out of that storm. You’ve created an entirely new world for yourself. One where you are so, so seen and so, so loved - by you, for you.