This past weekend I had the opportunity to work the 21 Pilots concert at Ohio Stadium.  While I had heard the band played on radio many times, I’ve never really took a deep dive into their music.  That being said, it was probably one of the best shows I’ve seen from many levels. The artists’ passion and preparation were clearly evident in every aspect of the show.  But, one thing that I noticed right away was the lead vocalist, Tyler Joseph, had black paint on his hands and neck.

After doing some research I discovered that the black paint represents one of the 21 Pilots characters, Blurryface. Blurryface is described by the band as a physical manifestation of anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurity. In interviews, Tyler has described the black paint on his neck representing the sensation of being choked or feeling overwhelmed by mental pressure and his hands the vulnerability of fear associated with creative output saying “This is what I created, this is mine, and this is the best I can do.” There’s several layers of this physical representation and one is that during the show the makeup sometimes wears and it symbolizes the fight against those aforementioned insecurities.

Definitely a ton to unpack in a short blog post, but I wanted to focus on the absolute power of creativity of this band that transcends music. Can you imagine for a moment if our emotional and mental struggles were so easily manifested that the world could see us? Can you imagine a world where we all accepted each other after we could see “the paint” on our hands, our necks, or even our hearts? Would it make it harder or easier? Would it make us more compassionate?

Imagine for a moment a world that was filled with empaths or individuals that had the gift to see the black without having to see it physically.  Imagine a world filled with the same individuals that had the ability to give emotional and physical hugs to those that were in a struggle.  I’m not sure about you, but I would love to see a world filled with the empathetic and compassionate and less of the judges and critics.  Wouldn’t you?

Well, for me, I’m taking my experience in exploring this band as a gift.  I’m using it to refine my view even further.  Thank you to the 21 Pilots for removing yet one more scale from my own eyes and allowing me a different perspective in my ongoing journey to help those around me and heal myself from my own struggles.  Struggles very similar to what Tyler describes over what I create and how I serve others being good enough. 

This week I encourage you all to take a moment to look for the “black paint” around you whether it be in others or yourself.  What does it represent?  If you are dealing with it internally, perhaps have the courage to share just a small part of it with someone you trust.  If you are seeing it in others, perhaps take a moment to give them a hug either physically or some other manifestation of it.  

For those of you that follow me, know me, and know what I’m about this is the start of a hug for you. I love you, who you are is always enough, and you don’t need to feel like you aren’t accepted. There are so many of us in this world that see you, accept you, and come together to support you. Have a great week my friends and take care of each other!