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Polar-ity is a study for a larger painting that I am working on. The polar bear is a fearless animal with no known enemies except the human hunter. The color of her coat suggests purity of spirit. Since energy of spirit only flows when fear is absent, the polar serves as a valuable ally in overcoming fear, both physical and mental. The swirling designs in the background suggest the northern lights, or aurora borealis. The Aurora Borealis was named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreus. The Cree people called the northern lights "Dance of the Spirits." And many peoples have thought this phenomenon was a sign from God.

In my mind, I see Polar Bear as a messenger from the Universe that the time is here to put aside our differences and dance together in the Spirit.

This is a painting that came together rather quickly - maybe because it is a study I didn't overthink the process; just painted what felt right. From experience, I know when I paint the full-sized piece, certain elements will change.

With the moon setting in the background, the Sacred Warrior watches the dawning of a new era, when the balance of nature will be restored and the sacredness of all forms of life will be understood and celebrated.

The following story doesn't have a lot to do with this painting, at least not in an obvious way. But there are things at work in the spiritual realm and I haven't connected all the dots yet. But I know Buffalo is teaches some pretty important things:

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To remain well grounded

To provide abundantly for others

To find the strength to carry on our path

To be in harmony with Mother Earth

To give selflessly from the heart with pure intent

To learn the meaning of sacrifice

To understand the sacredness of life

So here's my story:  

I can’t explain the tears that welled up in my eyes and spilled over onto my cheeks as I drove away, leaving the ragged man standing on the corner, holding his hand written plea for help in the cold. I had felt compelled to roll down my passenger window and beckon him over while I opened my wallet to give him a couple of bucks. Except the only thing in my wallet was a twenty dollar bill. I gave it to him and chuckled to myself. That twenty dollars was destined to end up as a gift to a stranger.

The story really began the night before when I thought the bill had fallen out of my pocket somewhere on the sidewalk as I enjoyed First Friday Gallery Walk. I was going to buy something for myself when I discovered the money missing. I had chastised myself for being careless, then resigned myself to the fact that it would be a welcome gift to some unknown recipient.

When I told a friend what had happened, he said that I would probably end up finding a C-note. I laughed. Throw $20 bucks into the universe and get $100 back. Pretty good return on my investment. I was even a little disappointed when I got home and realized that the $20 was in my wallet – I hadn’t lost it after all.

Fast forward to this afternoon, when I was at JC Penney’s. I was shopping for myself, but couldn’t find anything that I couldn’t live without. So I left the store empty-handed. That’s when I saw the man and “lost” the $20 for the second time.

And I chastised myself a second time, too. “He’s probably just going to spend it on booze,” I thought. “You are an idiot,” I told myself. “You can’t afford to be giving away $20!” And then I thought of my father. He has always been the first one to reach out his hand to a stranger, to give when he can’t afford to, to help when he himself needed help. Sometimes those he has given to show their appreciation, sometimes they don’t. And sometimes he has given to con artists who prey upon the good intentions of others. 

But I realized that giving is not about the recipient. How they use what you have given is not important. The importance is in the giving, the sacrifice of your own desires and possessions – putting someone else’s needs in front of your own. And if that someone else is a stranger, then the giving is even purer. To expect nothing in return. To know with certainty that there will be no reciprocal action. No thanks, no favors, no deduction on your tax return. To be satisfied that the gift was just that – a gift. No strings attached. A random act of kindness.

I write this not because I want anyone to think I am a good person, or because I want anything at all. I write this because I want to share how wonderful it was to give enough that I questioned the gift. Because my friend was right. The joy I feel right now is worth at least five twenty dollar bills.

Pass it on.