Thursday, December 10, 2009

Slow down and smell the mistletoe

Tis the season. My seventh grader is not only an athlete, but also very musically inclined. So, of course, that means we’ve been inundated with musical engagements to celebrate the season. Last night, junior high band concert. Tonight, junior high choir concert. Sunday, piano recital.

I’ve never been the kind of person who lets their emotions run away with them. I don’t cry at weddings, and rarely during movies (books, sometimes) so I found it surprising that I started tearing up a little during the band concert. Don’t get me wrong, the kids did a great job, but they’re no Boston Pops. And it wasn’t just maternal pride. It was often during numbers my daughter wasn’t playing in.

So, as I sat analyzing my reaction, it occurred to me how easily we all get sucked into the grind of our lives to the point were we’re just living it and not experiencing it. Especially this time of year.

I know—seems like a little bit of a jump from getting choked up at a band concert to an existential transformation, but that’s how it happened. And it really reminded me how art in general, and music in specific, transcends all levels of consciousness.

So, moral of the story—for me, at least: Slow down and smell the roses—or coffee, or whatever. And hear the music—and other stuff too.

You get it.

7 comments:

  1. Great reminder to live in the present moment. Thanks, Lisa!

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  2. Sometimes it's just the awesome beauty of this world that does it to me. Thanks for the reminder to be open to it.

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  3. "...we all get sucked into the grind of our lives to the point were we’re just living it and not experiencing it." I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Being "in the moment" and "present" to life is the greatest gift of all. Of course, I think music is a close second, but I'm a little biased on that one. Feel free to check out a little of my music if you'd like. I'd be honored: http://www.myspace.com/karmachain

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  4. Paul & Tricia--
    The world moves so fast it feels like it's everything you can do to not fall off the treadmill sometimes. It's easy to miss the important stuff.

    Debra--
    I'll definitely check it out. Thanks.

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  5. I can definitely relate to this post. Sadly I used to be one of those insanely rushed people. It took losing my hearing and finding myself deaf to slow down and see the beauty of the day unfolding in front of me. I can't imagine living any other way now and find I actually need that quiet serenity, that time to enjoy the moment.
    Wonderful post! (Hugs)Indigo

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  6. My mom is a high school choir director and I always get teary-eyed at her concerts. They are wonderful :)

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  7. Indigo--
    I'm sure you're not alone. I think for a lot of people it takes a life-altering event to put things in perspective.

    Andrea--
    The choir was beautiful tonight.

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