A name, a pause, a smile
Token Tales — Reflections on invisibility, presence, kindness, and what it means to be noticed through small handmade notes.
On our most recent international trip, three people wrote down their own names for me.
It isn’t easy to say your name letter by letter when English isn’t your first language, so eventually they asked for my pen and wrote it down themselves.
Then they handed the pen back and asked:
“What is this for?”
“It’s for you,” I answered.
A second of confusion and then they read the message of thanks I’d written. They flipped the token over to see the painting I’d made and suddenly their entire face was beaming.
Wide smiles, teary eyes, sometimes a laugh. Oftentimes a hug followed.
A name is the most personal thing someone carries. Being asked for it—and then realizing someone took the time to create something and write a note meant specifically for you … it is not a familiar feeling for most people, especially when it arrives unexpectedly from a stranger.
I think about these moments a lot.
It’s not the art that moves people. It’s the realization that this exchange isn’t transactional.
I’m not asking for directions.
I’m not leaving a review.
I’m not selling something.
I’m not expecting anything.
I am noticing them.
That’s all.
માનસી
Received a token? I’d love to hear where we met and what stayed with you.
