randal ford's black swan: the devastation and beauty of COVID19
The Black Swan Theory is one that refers to a seemingly unpredictable event— one with widespread and unexpected ramifications. It was given its name in a time when the black-feathered animal was thought to only exist in stories. Its discovery in the real world was a surprise to all.
It is safe to say that we are currently in the midst of a Black Swan Event.
In Randal Ford’s latest Instagram post, he highlights the eerie relevance of his decision to include a portrait of the symbolic bird in his last book, The Animal Kingdom. And while an artist never hopes for his work to foreshadow a difficult time, there is still beauty to be found in it.
Though there is much fear and uncertainty right now, my hope for everyone is that we may also see the beauty. Events like these shake our foundation and cause us to look inward, to extend our hearts outward, to reflect on what we do have with more gratitude than we knew possible. Soon enough the black swan will fly away quietly and, hopefully, we will be left having learned from it.
Stay safe, and remember that we are truly all in this together.