“Light at the End of the Tunnel”
Vic wrote this about her piece: “I am a person who has seen dark times and who has doubted that light would ever come to where I am at. Blue is my favorite color because to me it is peace. it is calm, so it is on the outside of the tunnel as well as the eye color. I work with metallic colors, which is why I went in that direction for the light. I made a heart because light is always love, even if we have a hard time seeing it. The tunnel is outlined in gold as a reminder that even if we have a hard time seeing the light or can’t see it at all, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

February 14, 2022

This post is intended as a Valentine's Day gift for anyone who struggles with disability or hardship in any way. Unfortunately, most people tend to look only at the surface of things, and those with afflictions of one kind or another are often stigmatized and judged. Our culture and media often promote lies, and some famous teachers are not as evolved as they appear. For example, a friend of mine worked at a large spiritual retreat center. She would regale me with stories of well known teachers who had an inflated self image. Once off the stage, they would treat the staff with arrogance and disdain, acting nothing like the spiritual masters they were purported to be. In contrast to this, there are radiant people who live heart-centered lives quietly among us. Often we do not recognize these angels simply because they don’t meet our ego and society’s expectations of what a spiritual being looks like. Their gifts and wisdom may be packaged in unusual ways. This Valentine’s day I want to honor all hidden gems—and you might be one of them!

Being on Instagram has allowed me to see the joy that I receive from uplifting others and making a difference in someone’s life. I feel grateful that my followers there left beautiful comments for Rachael, my coauthor of The Somatic Healing of Therapeutic Art. My most popular post on Instagram has been The Challenge of Living What You See that I wrote for Heather Quaine. It warms my heart that Heather’s art piece has been loved even more than my own work. This article feels like a sequel to that one. Anyone who wants to increase joy, can follow and offer appreciation to these artists and other hidden angels.

I was motivated to write this article as a surprise Valentine's Day and belated birthday present for my sweet soul sister, Vic de Chabrier, who I met on Instagram. We are birthday twins! She turned 35 and I turned 60 two weeks ago. Vic is a talented woman who struggles with ADHD, arthritis, and autism. I view her life as a beautiful example of neurodivergent success.

It was hard for me to choose which pieces of Vic’s to include with this article because I have so many favorites. I featured “Light at the End of the Tunnel” because it looks like a humble unrecognized angel to me! Vic’s work radiates optimism. I love her creative whimsical titles that match each feeling that her pieces portray. Like a treasure hunt, I wander through her Instagram page and discover: Eyes Full of Stars, Path of Gratitude, Waltz of the Black Water Lilies, Doors of Opportunity, Lollipops of Frustration, Eye Wander, Village of Eternal Bliss and Happiness, Midnight Watery Slumber, Falling into Routine, and Grandpa's Blueberry Pancakes. I hope that others will take the time to find these and other hidden gems of hers.

I have had the good fortune to meet some exceptional beings that our society judged and cast away. John Brody was a perfect example. He reminded me of a cross between John Nash of a beautiful mind; and Peace Pilgrim, a wandering sadhu. I only knew him a short time before he was tragically killed. His influence still lingers with me. After he died, I discovered that he had been diagnosed as bipolar. He had been in and out of hospitals and on and off medication. However, I assure you that John was so much more than his mental illness. He was an exceptionally brilliant genius and a sensitive spiritual being. I saw his light, it burned brighter than most. Though it was too late for me to support his life, it is not too late to make a difference for others. (Remembering John H. Brodie is a piece that I wrote for a local newspaper immediately after he passed away. I intend to write another article about him.)

It is much easier to radiate love when living a comfortable life with ample acknowledgement, money, and resources. It is infinitely more challenging to keep one's heart open when you live unrecognized under harsh conditions. However, a life of hardship offers a great opportunity for transformation. Expansive beings often incarnate into extremely difficult and humble situations for that reason. Judith Scott, one of my favorite artists, is a great example of this. She was locked up and institutionalized for most of her life. (I highly recommend the book Entwined that her twin sister Joyce wrote about her extraordinary life. I will link to online films and articles about her below.)

I worked as a caregiver for most of my life. I cared for infants and elderly folks, and every age in between. Some of my clients were severely disabled and unable to walk or talk. Yet, every single one of them was a teacher for me. Each had something of great value to offer. I do not help out of pity. Each person I uplift, is someone I deeply admire and respect. However, they also represent a wounded part of myself. So in supporting them, I simultaneously heal something unresolved within me. The boundaries between us are more imaginary than people realize. When you judge another, you are often unaware of your harsh judgement towards yourself. Our suffering reveals the parts of ourselves in need of kindness. The most evolved beings that I know, are also the most merciful. Sensitivity and tenderness are admirable qualities. I deeply regret all the times that I have been unkind towards myself or another. If I could do my life over, I would be more kind.

I hope that I may have inspired you to reach out to hidden unrecognized angels around and within you. Like stars, we shine through the dark nights we have lived through, quietly illuminating gifts for those who see beyond a surface illusion and into a true essence of being.

View Vic de Chabrier’s artwork on Instagram.
View Kim Hawke’s artwork on Instagram and her website.
Click here to view this post on Instagram and read the comments there.

Inspiring Kind Ground Index
Kindness of Presence Index
Art of the Inner Life Index

Vic said: “My love of all things flowers is showing through this image. I love watching dancing and combining the two just seemed natural. The waltz to me always seemed that the dancers floated along the floor and it was always so formal. It just reminded me of water lilies. The difference in blue is meant to show the difference in water depth but also to represent the flow of dresses flowing around the lilies as they dance around their partners.”

Voyage Houston has a great interview: Meet Victoria Peloubet

About Victoria Peloubet

I am a self taught artist who has done pen and inks and paintings off and on as a hobby for almost 20 years. In 2021, I decided to make art a career choice and haven’t looked back. I started my career by donating my art work to the Sketchbook Project which is done by the Brooklyn Art Library every year. After which I started creating works available to the public. I love to play with contrasting colors and patterns and sometimes repurpose things into my artwork. I’m always looking for something to push my boundaries in my art because I believe that keeps things exciting and fun.

Education: I am 100% self taught.

Exhibitions: Volume 18 The Sketchbook Project from the Brooklyn Art Library.

From her page at SAATCHI ART