Embracing Vulnerability: Reflections on Shedding Our Shells

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves encased in shells—protective layers that shield us from the outside world. These shells can take many forms: fear, pride, perfectionism. They serve a purpose, keeping us safe from harm and disappointment. But what happens when these shells become confining, preventing us from truly living and connecting with others?

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, a state to be avoided at all costs. We equate vulnerability with being exposed, defenseless, and open to hurt. However, what if vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength? What if vulnerability is the key to living a fuller, more authentic life?

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open ourselves up to new experiences and deeper connections. We let go of the need to be perfect and embrace our imperfections. We acknowledge our fears and insecurities, allowing us to move past them. We become more empathetic and compassionate towards others, recognizing that we are all human and all struggling in our own ways.

Shedding our shells is not easy. It requires courage and a willingness to be uncomfortable. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and facing our fears head-on. But the rewards are worth it. When we embrace vulnerability, we become more resilient, more authentic, and more alive.

So, let us embrace vulnerability. Let us shed our shells and open ourselves up to the richness of life. Let us connect with others on a deeper level and experience the true beauty of being human.

"The Inner Child and Self-Love: A Journey of Healing and Understanding"

From a young age, I always heard my grandmother talk about "que pesar," which loosely translates to "what a pity" in English. She used this phrase to describe the hardships and needs we faced as children, highlighting the basic and essential necessities for existence. It took me a while to understand this concept, as I had no reference point. What intrigued me was that this phrase seemed to run in the family; everyone would say "que pesar," whether it was for one thing or another.

Growing up, I was surrounded by the love of my paternal grandmother, the hardships of life, and the collective sighs of "que pesar" from the community. As an adult, I find myself in a daily battle with this concept. After therapy and failed relationships, I've come to realize that "que pesar" is a part of my inner child—the child I speak to every day, trying to educate and discipline, as this child throws tantrums. A significant part of its structure is the "que pesar" mindset.

I've reached a point where I have to reprimand this inner child to avoid falling into the spiral that has led me to numerous situations for which I take responsibility. However, I cannot turn back time to change them. Through this internal search, I've also identified a lack of self-love. It's fascinating how the programming we carry in our "hard drive," whether cultural or familial, affects our behavior. At times, it's so ingrained in our personalities that it's challenging to see this spoiled child or the lack of self-love justified by social beliefs or cultural programming.

During a recent work meeting, a close friend shared with me her experience of reading a book called "Be Water," which taught her to silence that inner voice and not just listen to it but educate it. She referred to this inner voice as "The Inner Child." This voice can lead us to problems or even depression, frustration, and/or poor decision-making. In conclusion, the behavior of your inner voice (or Inner Child) may be the result of conditioning during childhood, but it can be educated when confronted.

I'm currently in the process of educating this little voice and showing it how wonderful we are in this colorful world called life.

The Path to Life's Purpose: A Reflection on Transformation and Inspiration

(Para leer este artículo en español, desplázate hacia abajo hasta el final del texto.)

After the recent loss of my mother, I have reflected on how this transformation has impacted my life and work. Her passing has led me to question those moments when we feel lost and adrift in life, a period of deep introspection, especially as I watch my father mourn the loss of his wife.

Since I was young, I have ardently wished for my sisters to find opportunities in life. I have dedicated myself to showing them that effort can change our reality, opening their eyes to a world of possibilities beyond our immediate surroundings. They have been my motivation, propelling me to seek new opportunities and strive for a better life.

Over the years, I have seen my sisters embark on their own paths, which fills me with happiness as I see how they have flourished thanks to the seed I planted in them. However, this change has also led me to a crossroads. The life project I had cultivated like a garden has transformed into butterflies ready to fly. Initially, I believed my new purpose would be to care for these butterflies, symbolizing transformation and migration to new horizons. My mother's loss has reminded me of how fragile life is and how changes can leave us disoriented.

I have always believed that life speaks to us in different ways and that there is an algorithm that perceives our energy and the moment we are living in. Recently, in a conversation with a friend, I discovered that his daughter is exploring life's purpose and its evolution through a podcast. This conversation resonated deeply with me. I firmly believe that our purpose as human beings is eternal and lies in doing good. However, often our ego blinds us, causing us to overlook the beauty of simplicity and the everyday moments that shape our lives.

Like a parent watching their children leave the nest, I too have experienced a mix of relief and nostalgia as I watched my sisters embark on their own paths, leaving me in search of a new purpose. Today, as an artist and development leader, I embark on a new initiative. Inspired by the transformation of butterflies, this project aims to help others find their purpose in life.

Like immigrants who come to this country in search of new opportunities, this initiative aims to be a catalyst for life stories to flourish, becoming butterflies that leave an indelible mark on our community. This journey of personal and family transformation reminds me of the beauty of life's purpose and the power of inspiration to guide us on our path.

By Edwin Gil

El Camino hacia el Propósito de Vida: Una Reflexión sobre Transformación e Inspiración

Tras la reciente pérdida de mi madre, he reflexionado sobre cómo esta transformación ha impactado mi vida y trabajo. Su partida me ha llevado a cuestionar esos momentos en los que nos sentimos perdidos y sin rumbo en la vida, una etapa de introspección profunda, especialmente al ver a mi padre lamentar la pérdida de su esposa.

Desde joven, he deseado arduamente que mis hermanas encuentren oportunidades en la vida. Me he dedicado a mostrarles que el esfuerzo puede cambiar nuestra realidad, abriéndoles los ojos a un mundo de posibilidades más allá de nuestro entorno inmediato. Ellas han sido mi motivación, impulsándome a buscar nuevas oportunidades y a esforzarme por una vida mejor.

Con el paso de los años, he visto a mis hermanas emprender sus propios caminos, lo cual me llena de felicidad al ver cómo han florecido gracias a la semilla que planté en ellas. Sin embargo, este cambio también me ha llevado a una encrucijada. El proyecto de vida que había cultivado como un jardín se ha transformado en mariposas listas para volar. Inicialmente, creía que mi nuevo propósito sería cuidar de estas mariposas, simbolizando la transformación y la migración hacia nuevos horizontes. La pérdida de mi madre me ha recordado lo frágil que es la vida y cómo los cambios pueden dejarnos desorientados.

Siempre he creído que la vida nos habla de diferentes formas y que existe un algoritmo que percibe nuestra energía y el momento que estamos viviendo. Recientemente, en una conversación con un amigo, descubrí que su hija está explorando el propósito de la vida y su evolución a través de un podcast. Esta charla resonó profundamente en mí. Creo firmemente que nuestro propósito como seres humanos es eterno y radica en hacer el bien. Sin embargo, a menudo nuestro ego nos ciega, haciéndonos pasar por alto la belleza de la simplicidad y los momentos cotidianos que dan forma a nuestras vidas.

Como un padre que ve partir a sus hijos del nido, también he experimentado una mezcla de alivio y nostalgia al ver a mis hermanas emprender sus propios caminos, dejándome en busca de un nuevo propósito. Hoy, como artista y líder de desarrollo, me embarco en una nueva iniciativa. Inspirado en la transformación de las mariposas, este proyecto tiene como objetivo ayudar a otros a encontrar su propósito en la vida.

Al igual que los inmigrantes que llegan a este país en busca de nuevas oportunidades, esta iniciativa busca ser un catalizador para que las historias de vida florezcan, convirtiéndose en mariposas que dejen una huella imborrable en nuestra comunidad. Este viaje de transformación personal y familiar me recuerda la belleza del propósito de vida y el poder de la inspiración para guiarnos en nuestro camino.

Dedicated to Cristián, a Friend Amidst Loss: Reflection on Impermanence and Loss

Life presents us with constant changes, some more difficult than others. After the death of my mother, a loss that left a deep void in my life, today my father arrives in Charlotte seeking a new opportunity after losing his partner of 55 years. This transition led me to reflect on the mental battle of human conditioning.

We all struggle with different life questions, especially when faced with extraordinary circumstances. How can we be normal in a world that sometimes seems abnormal? We resist a life conditioned by a distant model of human reality, seeking answers amid uncertainty and pain.

In moments like these, I find myself recalling the words of a friend who shared a post during the day. Nothing lasts forever. This phrase resonates in my mind as a reminder of the impermanence of life. Everything changes, everything flows, even the pain and sadness we feel in moments of loss.

Death reminds us of our fragility and the fleeting nature of our existence. Every day we are alive is a precious gift, an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the present. Embracing impermanence with open arms allows us to live more fully, aware of the beauty and fragility of life.

The key is to find peace without disguising the pain that loss causes. Pain connects us with our humanity and allows us to feel compassion and empathy in a world often insensitive to the human experience.

Facing impermanence and loss challenges us to live authentically and intentionally. Accepting that we are not perfect and that life is full of changes allows us to embrace the complexity of human emotions with open hearts and minds.

"Art Saved My Life: A Reflection on Transformation and Community"

Art has saved my life! It all started with a group of great friends, the Marin Brothers, Juan and German, who supported me in the early 2000s with my website and designs, promoting my career back then. This support was especially crucial after the traumatic departure from Colombia following the loss of my partner in a kidnapping attempt.

Many moons have passed since then, with multiple changes including a pandemic, eclipses, and the loss of my mother. In this process of internal transformation, I find myself repeating the same message because art has been and continues to be the catalyst for the many experiences in my life. Today, in my work as CDO of the Latin American Coalition, I see clearly the need to promote the arts as a means of healing, of finding ourselves as a community, as an instrument to unite cultures, and to convey a message of social unity.

It is in this context that the "Amigos" campaign was born, organically growing from my work in development. This campaign highlights the artistic component of social reflection on the meaning of immigration, embodied in the form of butterflies that will adorn the facade of the LAC building. These butterflies symbolize a natural process, one that humans have undergone for multiple reasons. In my personal case, it gave me the opportunity to live and become the artist who saved his life through art. Today, I use art to inspire others to save themselves or to highlight the importance of an organization like LAC, highlighting the helping hand of thousands, millions who, like me, are simply seeking another chance at life!

I invite you to join us on April 28th at 3 pm to celebrate as friends the launch of this campaign, which will undoubtedly leave a mark on the hearts of many individuals in the city of Charlotte. We will have many surprises at this event, including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra inaugurating their mobile stage, and the local group Ultima Nota as guest artists, who generously composed a song for this project, to be released on this day. I want to thank the McColl Center for their support in the process of the Clay Butterflies, especially Doris Kapner, and a huge thank you to my great friend and amazing artist Nico Amortegi, who has led the clay workshops for the creation of the butterflies in this great project.

Tickets here

Dancing Through Grief: A Tribute to My Mother

From a young age, I have always loved to dance. It's something innate that runs in my blood and transports me to another dimension. During my grieving process, my sisters and my nephew joined me on the day we completed the Novena for my mother, a tradition in the Catholic religion where we pray for nine consecutive days after the death and funeral.

Since my family is scattered around the world, we connected via video call and prayed together. On the final day, we decided to perform a ritual and release some of her ashes, which I had brought with the intention of placing them in a plant. However, this did not happen due to various reasons and beliefs within my family. During the release at a creek near a local park in the city, my nephew scattered some of the ashes, and I took the rest and danced with them to a song by Carlos Vives, a song I always danced to with my mother, whose name was also Rosa, like my mother.

I did this with joy and fond memories as a tribute to the amazing woman she was. Today, after that moment, I look back at the video my sisters recorded, and I remember it with joy. Letting go of loved ones is not easy, as we are often conditioned to believe that letting go is like cutting the anchor that ties us to them or the situations that we fear to leave. But we shouldn't stay attached to processes that life itself leads us to let go of because there will always be more to learn, more people to meet, or someone else to dance with.

In my process of detachment and living a more authentic life, I wake up today to the greatness and beauty of a new day with the most beautiful memory of my mother. The most special thing I will always carry in my heart is that I could dance with her until the last moment of my process. Don't be afraid, let go, and dance through life.

Reflections on Life: Good, Bad, and Everything in Between

It's been a constant question: what is good, what is bad? Often, what is right for me may not be right for others, and vice versa. As many of you already know, my mother passed away a week ago, and it's been a rollercoaster of emotions. There's something indescribable about this grieving process.

To keep it short, my relationship with my mother was also a rollercoaster. We had our moments when I distanced myself, but I always came back. She was the only person I felt comfortable crying to and sharing my struggles with. One of the most significant moments was when my mother accompanied me during the difficult time of fleeing to the United States, escaping for my life and with a broken heart. She cried with me, feeling powerless, trying to console me, saying, "Son, I know life is tough, just remember this too shall pass. You must be strong."

As I sit here writing this, I wish you were here by my side, telling me the same thing, "Just remember, this too shall pass." In your honor, mother, I know that "this too shall pass." Last night, in my sleepless nights, I watched a podcast on YouTube with Jay Shetty and guest Trevor Noah. Something clicked in me about how growing up with nothing shaped the person I am. It's not about material things; it's about how such situations shape our perspective on life differently.

This is something I've tried to understand all my life because when I tell stories, everyone reacts as if they should do something for me, and I've let this happen repeatedly because I thought it was the right thing to feel or be "normal." But what is normal? We all go through countless experiences, lived experiences, or whatever we want to call them, which are part of life. It's part of our process, our development as individuals, in our mission, if we want to call it that, or not. It's part of life. This is neither good nor bad; it just is!

Being authentic and vulnerable is something we criticize as a defense mechanism because we are scared to confront the comfort that we sometimes create in our social, family, or any space. Just remember that each of us chooses the path or learning that we decide to take. Just remember that there are situations beyond our control that we may never understand because our lives have a different focus, and this is neither bad nor good; it just is. And as my mother used to say when she saw me cry, "Give it time; this too shall pass."

I invite you to watch this fantastic interaction between these two individuals who open up to show their authenticity. It's neither good nor bad; it just is!

Watch Video Here

Remembering Rosa Amelia Correa: A Legacy of Love and Authenticity

Rosa Amelia Correa

(November 27, 1950 - March 25 2024)

Rosa Amelia Correa, daughter of Cerafin Correa and Marina Aristizabal, passed away on March 25 at 5:55 am. She married Conrado de Jesús Gil Bedoya at the age of 20, and together they had six children: Edwin Gil, Jair Gil, Heidy Gil, Yubeli Gil, Sandy Gil, and Yuliana Gil.

Throughout her life, Rosa was a dedicated family woman, facing multiple difficulties with courage. Recently, she fought against cancer and Alzheimer's, leaving a legacy of love, forgiveness, and resignation that will be remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close friends.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the fruit of the love and dedication she gave to her family, are as follows:

From Jair: Maria Fernanda Gil, Matías Gil y Miguel Gil

From Heidy: Laura Melisa Longas, Cristián Longas, Valentina Longas, Sebastian Longas

From Yubeli: Samuel and María Antonia

From Sandy: Kevin Rodríguez

Great-grandchildren:

From Laura Melisa: Luciana

From Valentina: Jerónimo

In honor of Rosa's memory, the family appreciates any donations to the American Rose Society in her name.

Rosa will always be remembered as a great wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose power of forgiveness and resignation made her unique in her love for family and her close surroundings.

A Farewell to My Mother

I wrote this poem amidst

The anguish, the haze, the

Decadent display of my mother.

I can only pray for her to find rest and cease the pain.

Understanding life's intricate course is complex,

For we perceive it through the lens of our life's movie,

In the matrix of transformations, a profound reflex,

A mysterious journey, sometimes so brilliant.

I dream of seeing you soar as a bright butterfly,

In a garden where we'll meet once more,

Thank you, dear mother, for this guiding light,

For being the portal our family adores.

In unity, we pray as you take your final flight,

With gratitude for the lessons you did implore.

Though this process of sorrow may seem oppressive,

In the world of slumber, one day, we'll explore.

A grand garden awaits, where you'll alight,

As a magnificent butterfly, a sight to adore. Ami madre 🌹

Edwin Gil

Special Note:

In this moment of farewell to our mother, Rosa, we reflect on her life, her legacy, and the authenticity she always showed within our family. During these days of grief, we have experienced a wide range of emotions and difficulties, but we have also learned valuable lessons as a family.

Rosa was an exceptional woman, who faced cancer and Alzheimer's with courage and determination. Her legacy of love, forgiveness, and authenticity will endure in our hearts forever. In honor of her memory, we ask that if you wish to do something in her name, consider planting a rose bush or making a donation to a charity that is meaningful to you, in honor of our dear Rosa. or to American Rose Society.

The metaphor of the rosebush that Yuliana shared with us is especially moving. Rosa was like a rose that everyone wanted to pluck from the bush to which she belonged, symbolizing the struggle she faced in her relationship with our father and in life in general. Despite the difficulties, she remained true to herself, being a source of inspiration for all of us.

We fondly remember her love for our father and her ability to live authentically, despite criticism and challenges. Her life was an example of authenticity and unconditional love.

In this moment of farewell, we remember our mother as a unique and special person, whose legacy will live on in us forever. May her memory inspire us to live with authenticity and love, as she did.

Reflections on Loss, Art, and Life's Meaning.

Reflections on Loss, Art, and Life's Meaning

Living through the process of witnessing my mother's daily decline over the course of several years, losing her to the relentless grip of cancer and Alzheimer's, has been an incredibly challenging journey. It's been a time marked by feelings of helplessness and impotence, as I watched her struggle and deteriorate. This experience has forced me to pause and reflect deeply on the true essence of life.

In these moments of sorrow and introspection, art has been my solace and my guide. It has offered me a different perspective, a lens through which to view the world and make sense of my emotions. Art has been more than just a creative outlet; it has been a lifeline, a source of strength, and a means of expressing the depths of my soul.

Through my art, I aim to inspire others to embrace their authenticity, confront their fears, and find the inner strength to live with purpose. I believe that art has the power to transform lives, to heal wounds, and to bring joy and wonder into our lives.

As I continue on my journey of self-discovery and artistic expression, I invite you to join me. Let my art be a catalyst for your own transformation, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is light, and that through creativity and introspection, we can find meaning, purpose, and beauty in life's most challenging moments.

In honor of my mother, I penned this poem amidst the anguish and haze of her illness, a farewell to her as she prepares for her final flight. I dream of her soaring as a butterfly, finding peace and rest in a grand garden where we will one day meet again.

"Understanding life's intricate course is complex, For we perceive it through the lens of our life's movie, In the matrix of transformations, a profound reflex, A mystery's journey, sometimes so groovy.

I dream of seeing you soar as a butterfly bright, In a garden where we'll meet once more, Thank you, dear mother, for this guiding light, For being the portal our family adores.

In unity, we pray as you take your final flight, With gratitude for the lessons you did implore. Though this process of sorrow may seem tight, In the world of slumber, one day, we'll explore.

A grand garden awaits, where you'll alight, As a magnificent butterfly, a sight to adore. Ami madre 🌹"

Embracing Change and Growth: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In life, we often find ourselves facing challenges that test our resolve and push us out of our comfort zones. These challenges, much like the pain a baby experiences when coming into the world, are part of the natural process of growth and transformation. It is through these challenges that we learn to embrace our uniqueness, trust our instincts, and discover our true potential.

As an artist, my journey has been one of constant evolution and self-discovery. I have embarked on various projects that have shaped my perspective and approach to art, each one teaching me valuable lessons about myself and the world around me. One of the most significant aspects of my work has been learning to accept and transcend my own history, using art as a tool for healing and personal growth.

My travels around the world have also played a crucial role in shaping my artistic vision. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of art in unifying communities and challenging stereotypes. Through projects like gathering handprints of hope on a flag, I have witnessed the profound impact art can have in fostering understanding and connection.

Currently, I am in the process of writing a book and shaping the concept of my next exhibit, Alchemy. This journey of self-discovery has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to confront my fears and embrace my true self. Additionally, my role as Chief Development Officer at the Latin American Coalition has been a deeply fulfilling project that feeds my soul.

Helping an organization like the Latin American Coalition has been one of the most amazing projects of my life. It has brought me back to my immigrant roots and reminded me of the challenges of survival and finding purpose and passion in this world. Much like the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, immigration is a natural instinct to survive and overcome difficulties, expanding our hearts and creating more diverse societies.

In conclusion, being different or thinking differently and following your natural intuition can be challenging, but it is through these challenges that we truly learn to live authentically and fulfill our unique potential. Trust your instincts, embrace your uniqueness, and remember that growth often comes with a certain amount of pain, but it is through this pain that we truly learn to live.

Where is Edwin Gil?

Without a doubt, 2021 has been a year that no one will forget, a year of pandemic and subsequent changes for many people. I was not an exception. I moved to Phoenix, traveled the west coast of the US, and had the opportunity to get to know a different region of the country. I also discovered a lot of things about myself. Sometimes, along the way, we forget who we are because of our desire to raise our social standing. COVID, without a doubt, has made us view life from a different perspective. As a result, I have drawn closer to my ART, the most valuable thing in my life.

As many of you know, ART saved my life. Now more than ever, I shout that reality to the world.

Not only has it saved me in difficult times, but it also has been a tool for me to help others. In the last eight years, my Faces of Diversity installations have brought to many the message of the importance of diversity, reconciliation, and understanding differences. In this way, I hope that I have sown hope for a better and more united world. 

In 2022, three new Faces of Diversity are already scheduled in North Carolina, New Mexico and Nevada. It is my hope to confirm more of these projects for the coming year to continue on my mission of breaking stereotypes through art. 

New Series: Where is your heart?       

This series is dedicated to our passions that motivate us to live. At times in this pandemic, I have felt depressed without knowing why and it has been art that has helped me survive and pass through that difficult stage that has happened to all of us. And therefore, I was moved to create a series celebrating our different passions that have kept us mentally sane on a daily basis.

Love, friendship, music, dance, yoga, family, travel, reading, wine, hiking, food, plants.... These are some of the many topics treated in this series.

I hope that you will share with me what has helped you stay mentally and emotionally balanced.

In the series Where is your heart? I have incorporated the hummingbird because of its symbolism.

In my community work this year, I am proud to Co-Chair with my partner Valdo Figueroa in the event call Fresh Brunch for One N Ten. You can find more information here: https://aesaz.co/ELP/BRUNCH2022/

Follow us on Instagram @edwingilcom 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Edwin.Gil

Web site www.edwingil.com

More about One N Ten https://onenten.org 

Layers

Today I would like to thank all my friends and family that took time to accompany me on this new stage of my life.

𝓛𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼 without a doubt, producing an exhibit in the middle of a pandemic was something that I didn't think was possible but once again, reinventing ourselves, confirms for us that we can achieve everything we desire. I have always been a man of stories, of feelings and passionate about life, one who wants to transmit this to the world and

𝓛𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼 has been the beginning of an internal journey to confront my own self, a voyage to learn to change my attitude toward life in which showing the best of ourselves when facing the eccentricities of the road becomes the priority.

I would like to give special thanks to Rafael Rodriguez Medios Interactive for his support during this process and for the new website which is now active and where you can all follow me, see my work and purchase it.
Thank you also to Mindi y Sam of Kanna CBD for opening space for my studio and for sharing this exhibition with all of you.

I would like to thank my family Yuliana, Sandy and Kevin for the extraordinary support and unconditional love.
And my roommate Pete Kirkos “malaka” for his affection and support during this whole process of 𝓛𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼.
Certainly, it was like watching a baby grow during this pandemic.

And a special thanks to Valdo, a marvelous human being that arrived in my life to create unforgettable memories to share and above all, to confront me with myself, with my bad habits. He highlights the person that I have built of myself.

Thanks for bringing out the best in me and for teaching me not to fear and to face the grandeur of myself.
This is only the beginning of a process that I hope you will all accompany me on since
𝔸𝕣𝕥 once again saved my life.

Thanks my love.