“Into the Pink” or “In the Pink” is an older phrase meaning in perfect health, free of illness, or at the pinnacle of something.
There are currently 450 million people worldwide living with mental illness and nearly two thirds of them never seek treatment. Those who never seek treatment are more often than not seeking all of this....a perfection that does not exist, freedom from their inner turmoil, and most of all, healing-which itself is a pinnacle.
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, think of how you can help someone who may be suffering in silence. We as humans are instruments that the world plays. What kind of sound are you making? Believe it or not, you can control the sound and vibrations you make. Have you ever heard the phrase “Wait 48”? When you are feeling really reactionary toward someone, wait 48 hours before you respond. Quite often, when I have used this discipline, the problem either disappears completely or I am able to return to the table with a calm demeanor. What you don’t say is as powerful as what you do say.
Let’s work together to break the stigma of mental illness and help those who have been suffering rediscover the joy of wellness, youthfulness, freedom and healing. Once we burst the bubble of the stigma of mental illness, think of how many people will seek help. Let’s form a circle of empathy, hope, compassion, nurturing and unconditional love for those who need us most.
I attached artist Pat Conlon’s “Into the Pink” pieces because they tied in so well with what I wanted to say! This set of whimsical works was created from recycled vinyl donated from Vans. Pat repurposed the vinyl into a large 4’x8’ pop up art structure for the 2019 Sea Hear Now Music Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, then later repurposed this work into 6 smaller pieces of art. This pair of whimsical pieces (#5/6 and #3/6) reminded me so much of bubblegum, youthfulness, freedom, and healing...with the bubbles like perfect little moments in time. For those of you in San Diego, you can check out more of Pat's work at Death by Tequila in Encinitas and support a local business!