DOWN BUT NOT OUT - FROM ABUSE TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SUBWAY

Once in a while a story hits our news stands reaffirming to us the tenacity and strength of the human soul.   Stories which serve to remind us of the huge potential, we as human beings have to conquer and rise above what is often insurmountable challenges.   As spiritual beings living a physical experience, these challenges serve and test our spiritual growth.  How we deal with life’s challenges often mould us into who we become.  Dr Wayne Dyer once said something along the lines of  “When we change the way we look at things, things around us change.”

Enrico Thomas, one of New York’s best emerging artists, is one such incredible human being who has triumphed.   Art literally saved his life.  His biological father was very abusive and when Enrico was only three years old he scalded him with boiling water disfiguring his face and leaving him in a coma.  At the age of eight as an escape, Enrico began drawing. He then ran away from home as a teenager to live in a shelter. He later earned a scholarship to the Pratt Institute.   Enrico fought his way back from an existence  which almost destroyed him and is now successfully known as “The Subway Artist of New York”.   Enrico uses the actual New York City Subway map as his drawing paper, resulting in a most interesting collaboration of his signature architectural style with the abstract quality of the subway map.

Esther: Enrico you have an incredible story to share with the world.  What has made you the person you are today?

Enrico: There is an African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” So many people have helped me along my journey and have shown me love. The love and patience of all these people, such as mentors, counsellors, friends, etc broke through the darkness of my early life and helped me to love and accept myself just the way I am.

Esther: What is art to you, what does it do to your soul and where does your inspiration come from?

Enrico: Art is a force that comes from a higher source. It uses our bodies and minds to channel the beauty that is all around, below, and above us.  Art takes me away from the gravity of the world and allows me to soar above earthly problems.  It helps me forget my problems. I think we are all good at something and if we open ourselves up to receive the gifts that the universe gives to us so freely and unconditionally, there is nothing that can limit us. Beauty is all around us and it is this omnipotent beauty that inspires me to create the beautiful subway and architectural drawings that I am known for. If we open our eyes we can see much more than we think we can.

New Year Greetings

The New Year is well underway and as always many of us have been looking at how we can empower, transform and makes changes to our lives. 

2010 in its own way had its challenges and successes.  Yet doesn't every year?  More importantly, doesn't this constant evolving from one year to the next, moving fluidly from one time frame into another mean that this journey is about growth.

The more we learn from our experiences and dealing with life's challenges,  the more we grow into who we are now, is the more we can learn to become present in our lives and to situations we experience.  Being in the moment presents us with the opportunity therefore to deal with life differently, more smoothly and more rationally. 

So whatever this present moment in time has in store for you, approach it in the present and you will soon start to see and feel more in control of life, more aware of what is really going on around you, thereby breaking through the illusion of what is.

For this time of year, therefore, I am going to share two very inspiring stories with you about triumph over insurmountable obstacles and life's experiences.

Nothing is impossible.  As Louise Hay states - the point of personal power is in the present.

Much love and light always