By Andrew Patterson
Resilience. Patience. Community. Resourcefulness. These are words often associated with success, but rarely with survival. Yet, Hurricane Helene has forced us to rethink what these words mean—not as ideals, but as lifelines.
The storm didn’t just devastate Asheville; it changed us. It turned lives upside down, reshaped our priorities and tested our spirit. Everyone knows someone who has been profoundly affected. For me, as someone from South Africa, these words have always carried weight. They are lessons learned from a nation shaped by adversity. Now, they carry new significance for Asheville, too.
The art of rising is not about one person or one entity lifting us from tragedy. It’s about the synergy of individual tenacity and collective responsibility—the forces that have carried humanity forward time and again. That is what will carry Asheville forward as well.
Hurricane Helene was like a motorboat slicing through the glassy surface of a still lake. The initial chaos—the churn of water, the sharp ripples—is undeniable. But as the boat moves farther, the waves spread wider and the surface begins to reclaim its calm. Our recovery will follow this pattern: slow, uneven, but inevitable.
The challenge lies in transforming these abstract qualities—resilience, patience, community, resourcefulness—from mere words into action. Without meaningful deeds, they remain hollow promises. True fulfillment comes when we tap into the best parts of ourselves, challenging the impossible and reaching for hope—in the darkest times.
Art, in its many forms, embodies this fulfillment. Writing, painting, dance, music, photography—these are human expressions born from struggle and triumph alike. They are proof that beauty can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances. Art doesn’t solve crises, but it reminds us of our capacity to rise above them.
In 2025, this column, The Art of Rising, will explore two guiding principles: becoming your best self and serving your community. These are not lofty ideals but practical lessons born from the aftermath of Helene—lessons that can inspire and empower us all to rebuild and thrive.
During the storm’s aftermath, countless stories emerged of ordinary people stepping up in extraordinary ways. A neighbor with a generator shared it so others could charge phones. A family with Wi-Fi opened their network, enabling loved ones to stay connected. Restaurants became supply hubs, distributing food and essentials to those in need.
These stories remind us that true solace doesn’t come from telling ourselves that “everything will be okay.” It comes from the small, powerful acts of everyday heroes—people who were already making a difference long before the spotlight found them.
The Art of Rising is about celebrating these stories. It’s about finding inspiration in the people who use their talents, resources and creativity to lift others. Artists, in particular, have a unique role to play. By channeling their skills into elevating beauty and resilience, they remind us of what’s possible when we refuse to give in to despair.
Yes, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is filled with grief, loss and uncertainty. Those feelings are valid. But so is hope. In the face of overwhelming odds, we are not defined by what we’ve lost, but by how we respond.
So, let’s rise together. Let’s lean on each other, learn from one another and build a community stronger than it was before. The art of rising isn’t just a concept—it’s a path forward. And who knows? Maybe by looking at these stories of resilience, you’ll find the strength to rise above your challenges too.
The journey will not be easy, but the ripples of hope and humanity are already spreading. Together, we’ll find our way back to still waters.
Andrew Patterson is an experience curator and published author. His latest book, My Journey Beyond the Summit, is available on Amazon. To share a story, connect or nominate somebody that Andrew should feature, reach out on ap@andrew365.com.
