Post from 1/26/2020
Last night I attended a concert to see two artists who I had seen four years ago. At that time, I went with someone who was very special to me and that was one of the best times of my life. I hesitated about going because I didn’t want the memory of that experience to affect the current moment.
I have worked hard these last few years at living more in the moment. That’s not to say that you don’t have plans or dreams for the future, but sometimes we are always looking for that next relationship or a better job, different circumstances than the one we’re in. But while we’re busy wishing and hoping, the present moment is passing us by.
It’s important to find and appreciate the things in life that we enjoy, things that feed our soul. And music is something that has been a huge part of my life since I was a toddler; it feeds my soul. So, I decided to go to the concert.
The venue was one that I frequent, as it’s a smaller, intimate space, and there’s no bad seat in the house. Acoustically, it’s the best. The artist keeps it very casual, interspersing verbal connection with the audience, which adds to the intimate experience. His music is timeless; he has been performing for over 50 years and is the founder of a record company that discovered many artists. He is a philanthropist who has created youth camps for both kids that have disabilities and kids who are interested in the Arts that might never have had a chance to realize their full potential if not for this camp. He is a man of great wealth yet appears to have great humility.
He is also a painter and sculptor, and images of his work were shown on the screen as a backdrop for his musicianship. His wife, who is an amazing vocalist, accompanied him, and her voice is as strong today as it was back in the 60’s.
I found myself living in the moment of this new experience. Was I able to forget my previous experience? No, but that’s okay. The memory did not make me sad but allowed me to appreciate it and hold it dear to my heart forever. I was able to enjoy this new experience with an appreciation for my journey.
One of the songs he played was “Smile.” And that’s just what I was doing all the way home.
