The Intangible Realities.

On Things We See But Cannot Materialize.

✨️ “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it.” — Harvey MacKay.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Have you ever found yourself amazed at how life, in all its cathartic magic, is filled with experiences and feelings that we perceive deeply but cannot hold in our hands? I have, many times — especially in recent years.

These elusive aspects of our existence are powerful and often shape who we are and how we interact with the mundane in ways that are complex and multifaceted — surely in layers deeper than I could venture to explore. Human perception, perhaps, is the most mysterious of them all.

There exists a vast realm of realities — concepts, emotions, and phenomena — that we acknowledge but cannot fully grasp.

⚡️ Emotions: The Invisible Currents

These electrifying instincts are central to our daily lives. We all know what it feels like to be content, hurt, full of energy, or lacking in enthusiasm. These emotions can uplift us or weigh us down; yet, they often remain concealed, occasionally even indistinct within us. We can’t see joy, but we can see its effect when someone’s face lights up with a smile. We can’t touch sadness, but we feel its presence in a friend’s tearful eyes.

Many would agree that these impulses are fundamental parts of being human. They drive our actions and reactions, underpin our relationships, and contribute to our personal well-being. How can they manifest through expressions, words, and behavior, yet remain inherently intangible in a physical sense?

Perhaps because ideas and concepts are the building blocks of our thoughts and understanding. Take the concept of freedom, for instance. It’s something we all value and strive for, yet we can’t physically hold or see it. Notions such as justice, love, and happiness influence our decisions and shape our societies. They’re abstract, yet their impact is profoundly significant. They inspire movements, drive change, and assist us in navigating the complexities of life.

And what can be said about imagination? It is the remarkable ability that fuels creativity and innovation in our minds. It’s what enables us to dream, create art, and invent new things. Imagination can transport us to uncharted places and offer fresh perspectives on everything. While we can appreciate its outcomes in books and pictures, the act of imagining itself remains something we cannot directly see or touch.

…More specifically, in Minas Gerais, a land known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

⚡️ Time: The Fleeting Continuum

Tempo. A constant in our lives, yet one of the most invisible elements. Oh, the sensation, composure, and serenity with which we experience time passing as we watch a sunset, celebrate birthdays, or recall memories from the past. While it shapes our moments and stories, we can’t measure it solely with clocks and calendars; it’s far more than mere numbers.

Time is a silent witness to our journeys, marking our growth and our comprehension of ourselves and our surroundings. It makes us aware of our existence and enables us to think and feel. This consciousness is deeply personal and unique to each of us. We can’t show it to someone else or address it directly, but it is a force that is deeply felt even if not easily defined. It forms the core of our identity, allowing us to reflect on what has been, anticipate the future, and engage with the present.

I’m witnessing firsthand how the heart of every form of art passes through distinct seasons. There’s a time of flourishing, development, and freshness where everything seems possible. It journeys through tough periods, gaining wisdom and learning from errors. Finally, it assimilates what’s indispensable to keep pulsating unwaveringly and thriving anew.

If you know what it is, you have been around long enough to be called a beloved reader!

In my quest for ‘good timing,’ I’ve come to realize the critical importance of balance. While pursuing goals brings fulfillment, it’s equally crucial to make room for rest and rejuvenation. Spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies that ignite passion, and reconnecting with nature have all been essential in grounding me, reminding me of the intrinsic value of being fully present in every moment.

I was brought back to when I was little, and my dad used to tell me that nature always finds a way to evoke the most basic instincts and feelings. Nowadays, he mostly tells me about how little things and everyday gestures can so quickly become personal mementos and hold meaning beyond our comprehension. And I believe him. I think there’s only one way to look at what’s near and dear to our hearts: honoring their uniqueness and their heaviness.

It was my mom’s birthday last Monday. As some of you may know, it hasn’t been an easy year for us, as I wrote about a while ago regarding some health struggles she’s been going through. So, I decided to make her some handmade gifts — something I only do for people who have a special place in my heart. I love you, Mom! 🤍

I must confess that I’ve been doubting my ability to touch people’s hearts through my writing after some personal events took a toll on my self-confidence over time.

Furthermore, I’ve been considering how others might misinterpret my artistic innocence. Each line of art offers merely a glimpse into the vast ocean flowing through our hearts and the richness inherent in every aspect of our being.

One cannot authentically write about something they are unfamiliar with; they can only strive to express what resonates deeply within their hearts in a clear and lucid manner.

To write and share our perspective with one dear reader or with many of them is, in my view, an act of humility in every sense. Nothing is ever solely defined; however, I believe that what truly leaves a lasting impression always originates from within.

I once thought that the key might lie in navigating with wisdom through the layers, barriers, and spaces that potentially separate my inner world from yours. If there’s a hidden password, please send it, tell me, shout it out to me. I am more than ready to hear it. And assimilate, whatever that means for the future.

Here, I remain, hopefully in a better version of myself.

✨️ Thaíssa Lara.