*Joli Robinson. Photographed by* Akos Simon

It’s an early autumn afternoon in New York City and I’m sitting in Union Square Park next to Joli Robinson when a traveling Reiki practitioner approaches and asks Joli if she’s interested in allowing him perform a mini session on her in exchange for a donation. Joli looks over to me because she didn’t have cash at hand to offer. I did. And so, the man begins his sorcery.

My eyes shift between Joli’s intrigued yet centered poise and the man’s conjuring. After some moments of hums and gestures, the man tells Joli she has an issue in her lower digestive tract. Joli is astonished and confesses she does indeed have an issue there. It’s pretty fascinating. I presume the Reiki master is now going to perform the same ritual on me. He doesn’t. Either my money isn’t good enough for two, or, he was only fixated on Joli.

What I found curious wasn’t the man’s diagnosis, it was Ms. Robinson’s sincere invitation to have a stranger randomly perform Reiki amidst hundreds of people.

Joli sat quiet and receptive throughout the man’s spiritual procedure. It was peculiar. You see, just earlier, she and I were sitting at a nearby eatery having conversation over the politics of the modeling industry. What initially stood out besides her 5' 8" athletic build was her hyper-connectivity and speedy replies between two BlackBerry phones she juggled between, and myself. She was ambitious and unapologetic, yet uniquely attentive and forthright. Still, there was something else I noticed further as I watched her pace; Her Qi. Underneath Joli’s flurry of quips and inquiries, she was perceptively nuanced. I would’ve missed it if it weren’t for the unparagoned conviction she spoke with. Joli could read energy and intent immediately. More, she kept it behind gumption.

*Joli Robinson in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photographed by Marcaux*

Joli and I didn’t know much of each other nor ever grew close. Nevertheless, this admission is about the moments in life that—for some reason or another—remain memorable. For me, meeting Joli Robinson was one. Not because of her beauty or tenacity, but because of her third eye. Though veiled, it radiated mine.

I often think about past encounters, both Small and large…their significance, their integral meanings. I wonder if those people have reveries of them as well. Are these occurrences random or serendipitous?

I’m not on social media for reasons I’ve stated in another article, but my curiosity over what became of Joli prompted me to do a quick online search. What I discovered was pleasantly not-so-surprising. She continues to work as a model and actor; However, it appears her journey manifested into one of a spiritual sage: Grounded and balletic, without the loss of her fire for life. It’s remarkable and inspiring to see the essence of a human soul flourish. Joli’s “mind eye” guides her over what is seen, unlocking a realm of a transcendental presence. It’s brilliant.

The blooming of a Hibiscadelphus woodii amidst a world of peril may be considered lucky or fated, but this isn’t what matters. The importance lies within appreciating and experiencing its existence, not to question it. This is how we learn to listen, see, feel, and evolve. Meaning and purpose requires an exploration of the subtlety…like savoring a single breath. I know this because it’s the journey I’ve chosen. Meeting Joli Robinson could’ve been accepted as an arbitrary moment between a Virgo and a Gemini, but as I walked away from Union Square that day, I released the feeling of regret for not being able to help Joli as she would have preferred, and instead, relished in the experience of interacting with an energy that inspired me to become more.

Follow the path of discovery and self-realization over image and prestige. The directive of egocentrism is to become an ornament: Idolized, yet hollow and fragile. But the resolve of enlightenment is authenticity and transcendence: To have a rooted life of tranquil stature.

(You can follow Joli Robinson on Instagram: @jolirobinson)

Written Arrangements

Meeting The Robinson

What I found curious wasn’t the man’s diagnosis, it was Ms. Robinson’s sincere invitation to have a stranger randomly perform Reiki amidst hundreds of people.

I often think about past encounters, both Small and large…their significance, their integral meanings. I wonder if those people have reveries of them as well. Are these occurrences random or serendipitous?

Follow the path of discovery and self-realization over image and prestige. The directive of egocentrism is to become an ornament: Idolized, yet hollow and fragile. But the resolve of enlightenment is authenticity and transcendence: To have a rooted life of tranquil stature.