To Be Seen

Blackness Rising! Greetings familia, hope everyone is well and in good spirits. 

I have been keeping my reflections close to the heart but in these times of many uncertainties, I felt that this reflection was one to share. 

To Be Seen may sound simple. I have been meditating on that statement for weeks. Part of the reason for sharing this reflection is, my spirit needing to extend the vibration of what happens when you are in that moment. The definition I am moving with, ‘The feeling that the person is fully present in your exchange and nothing will distract that vibe.’

During my recent time home, I was reminded of this soulful act. That feeling that you are, as a friend says, ‘tapped into’ the person in front of you. That feeling that you are not alone and your light is being received.

While speaking to an elder, I thought he was staring. I quickly checked myself when I realized he was not.  What he was doing was being fully present.  His eyes said, I hear you, I see you and I am here with you. That grounding act is not the norm in today’s society. I felt my soul exhale. It felt familiar in the most joyous way. 

The invisibility in Babylon is real. We are in a perpetual state of fighting for our lives. I fight to be seen as a black woman, a Panamanian, a ‘Latina’, a smart and capable black woman, an educated black woman, an engaging Immigrant, a dedicated worker, an athlete, an artist, a dancer, a loyal lover, a committed activist. This is just a short list. The fight becomes, as Maman Joyce put it, “being accepted and seen as a Being.”

My time at home served many purposes. It gave me what I needed and more. It mirrored back to me what I know best and how my soul moves when everything, body, soul, mind, spirit, heart, and movement is synchronized. 

I walked away marinating in this thought, ‘What a beautiful thing when our minds are not distracted and we can be fully present.’ When it happened the second time I said to myself, I want to do that more often. I understand and know love because of that truth. I give thanks for the reminder. 

Another exhaling moment came while spending time in Portobelo with my dear friends Soledad, Tattu and Gustavo, I shared my new HairStory Project initiative, #MyCrownSpeaks. While painting with Gustavo, Tattu went to create this painting that speaks to his interpretation of My Crown and the project. Once again, I felt seen and heard in the most loving way. To be seen on canvas, landed on the heart. The painting will now be the logo for the project. 

The other truth in this reflection is, A few weeks of not having to explain why I am black and speak Spanish is good for EVERYTHING. Oh Colon, you are my spirit's sacred place. This is one of the many reasons I call you home.

I know I have had these moments with my intimate circle, my family, my Black Soulful village and I didn’t appreciate it enough. I am glad that these reminders allow me to pause and reflect. To all those who stand with me and hold me up I say, thank you. I appreciate you.

Multitasking is a must in today’s world. Yet, my wish is to practice this act of being fully present both in my personal life and professional spaces every chance I get, with the hope of creating more moments for my soul to exhale. 

The sweetest truth of this vibration while we continue to wear masks to protect ourselves and our community is, the eyes tell a beautiful story. 

With this soulful reminder comes a reenergized spirit, a grounding soul and an awareness to hold onto my light as best I can. The other is to pause more often to see all of you.

I think all our souls need that moment, that moment when you are seen and you see the fullness of others.

To all who have taken the time to read this short reflection, I see you.

in light and love,

Yvette/Lepolata