Tamidra

“…Everyone has a different way about themselves, some more concerned for others…others too fixated on themselves to see that others exist. There is a beauty and an ugliness to people, and life is made up of various moments that display the art of both.”-Tamidra

Sometimes I go about my day imagining others through the view point of a guest at an art museum. What if we’re all on display? I mean really. I went to a ballet this past weekend and had the displeasure of meeting a woman who thought I and the group I was with purposefully stole their seats. She proceeded to move all of our belongings to various parts of the theater. It was an interesting experience. The whole thing was a misunderstanding as several patrons were not seated correctly due to possible ticket errors. All other patrons were understanding, except…of course, this one lady who decided to create a scene that had nothing to do with the ballet. Actually, she was her own show. As I looked around the balcony, I saw that all eyes were on us(the woman and myself)-like a famous piece of art in an art museum. My response mattered. I decided that being the bigger person what the best option. To engage in such a small situation and create something bigger out of it wasn’t something I was interested in. After all, I was there to see the ballet, and I could see it just fine from any of the available seats. But the situation just makes me think about how we appear to others. Who are we in various moments throughout our days? Or who do we appear to be?

When I was crossing the street at the grocery store, there was an elderly man who was also crossing the street. A big truck stopped to let us across, but I hesitated. He said to me, “Come on, Darling, I think he’s going to let us cross. Besides, I’m closer to him. He’d have to hit me first before he ever got to you.” And he smiled. That was a genuine moment. The art of kindness was on display, and I began to notice the detail of this man. His hat indicated he was a military veteran. He had seen his hardships, yet-in this moment, the art of his life was that of kindness, peace, and heroism…and he was beautiful. He was an amazing piece of art that I will keep with me in the gallery of my mind and heart simply because he cared.

Now ask yourself who you are? What does the art of your life look like? How will people truly remember you? In the art gallery of life itself…..who am I?

~Tamidra~