Blog

“In Light of a Moment”

Welcome to my new Blog – In Light of a Moment.

For those who know me you’ll know I was previously based in Johannesburg and was working under the banner of Drawn to Light Productions.

What a wonderful journey that was and taught me so much and led me to this exact point in time and place.

However, like all journeys this one had to end for a new one to unfold.

With that being said, I’ve recently made the move to Cape Town to pursue other opportunities and with the move felt that it might be a good time to re-invent and rebrand under my own independent brand Thomas Neil.

The result is what you’re looking at today, a culmination of the latest; and I feel, my best work thus far!

So if you reading this today welcome to my new journey and thank you for taking the time in reading this.

Stick around, browse my galleries and let me know your thoughts as I always appreciate your feedback.

As far as my new path…well, like all journeys it starts with having the courage to take that first step into the unknown; and like all journeys through which we have to find our way, you sometimes have to get lost and retrace your steps in order to find your path again.

And on this path we find the most unlikely teachers if we’re open to learning…

Something I was reminded off on commission to film something for a new client of mine, turns out to be the first and probably one of the most important projects thus far.

Not so much the project itself but the realisation that came to light on location while filming.

The teacher in this case happened to be a lost soul…an unexpected teacher making an appearance and going unnoticed as I focus on the task at hand, only to realise the importance of our paths crossing on that day!

Something that reminded me of a thought I’ve had previously passing another homeless guy begging at the traffic light around the corner from my house…

Mahatma Gandi acutely observed that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”.

This always stuck with me and lately I’ve had little choice in noticing the increasing desperate plight of the homeless and destitute around this beautiful city.

A hidden secret, overshadowed by the surrounding natural beauty the city has on offer!

This reminded me, if we had to be judged by how we treat the homeless, what would this say about our greatness and moral progress?

I realised that I’ve been no better than any other in rushing around trying to find my feet again…completely ignoring these poor souls and sometimes getting frustrated at their attempts to connect and desperately grabbing for my attention…

This made me realise; like Will-i-am (portrait from the day below), other than shelter, food and money…the most important thing these fellow humans grave is recognition and in most cases just being acknowledged. Which made me realise that in the rush to get ahead and find the next great opportunity I’ve lost sight of my service to others and the impact I can make to those around me.

So with my new journey and path that lies ahead I’d like to tell these untold stories, and unlike William’s story that goes left untold today because I was too busy too listen on the day…I’d like to find these unlikely teachers and if the only gift I have to give is to bring their story to light…

Then so be it! In light of that moment I realised how many other stories goes untold, just waiting to be acknowledged.

So I ask, next time you see someone in a less fortunate position than you…Stop, Give thanks and Share what you have…

Even if it so happens to be a smile and nod of acknowledgement in recognition to a fellow human being.

To borrow from Jordan Peterson…whether I’m stumbling, walking or running…let it always be towards the light!

Welcome to this new journey and may I find you In light of a moment, walking tall and proudly towards the light!