Rock and Roll - Collective Soul
2 minute readWhen words fail, music is there to express what can only be felt from the "Collective Soul".
Over a month ago, I was working at my desk when I saw a strange event appear in my calendar. The Devil Dog scheduled me for an event titled " Fun Times". It immediately made me smile as I often refer to him as " Happy Fun Guy" because he is always up for a good time. There were no details given and none requested as part of the fun is not knowing and creating an experience of adventure.
The day of our adventure came with rain and the knowledge we would leave the house at 4pm. His only guidance was to be prepared to walk and be outside.
Normally, personality would like to know details and time lines. The left, logical side of the mind works in facts, references and data in order to deal with the constraints of time and logic to align action for a pleasurable experience, however, this “thinking” can be overdone to the point no spontaneous fun can occur because all details, logistics and timelines are known.
When mind doesn’t have a desire to know the facts, timelines, categories and other logical data, the right brain gets more of an opportunity to generate images and “be” in playful presence.
For some, we have developed strengths in functioning form the left, thinking brain. It can manifest as problem solving, communicating, planning, and other very useful life skills that allow us to get shit done and remove barriers. Our careers, home life, and survival benefit greatly from this logical pragmatic use of the brain, yet the experience is incomplete.
When we invite the creative, ever-present image-oriented, “right now” side of the brain. we open ourselves up for presence.
Nothing accomplishes this more than a group experience of presence like a music concert. And low and behold that was the surprise The Devil Dog planned for me that evening!
He originally purchased lawn seats. But upon arrival we realized we didn't have a blanket or chairs and would be sitting on the wet grass. Afer all, the left brain didn't have the data to plan or problem solve beforehand, so what did we do? We got playful and stopped by Guest Services to see if we could rent a blanket or lawn chairs. But as Good Time Charlie does (yes, another cheecky nickname for my love), at the last moment, he upgraded us to seats under the canopy just eleven rows back form the stage. The closest seats either of us have experienced at this venue.
As we waited for the opening act, it happened. The skies opened up and a downpour of rain came. We shared a moment of relief and gratitude for our last-minute inspiration as we watched the rain soak those lovely humans out on the lawn. We remained completely dry under the canopy realizing that we could have created a very different experience for ourselves had we not taken the action we did.
As we sat and reminisced about the shows we have seen together we found connection in our shard admiration for music and the role it plays in our household. And then the musicians walked onto the stage and together we drifted into that place that allows us to expand beyond time and physical location into the realm of the collective soul.
When do you feel moved and inspired?
If you could only listen to one album, which would it be?
What does music do for you?