The concept of serving others before self may not be an inherent trait; in fact, you may recall playing in the sandbox or sharing your toys to be a rather traumatic experience in childhood. The idea of protecting ourselves from loss, whether of a materialistic or intrinsic nature, is normal. Our parents tell us to share and be nice in hopes of creating honest, kind, and good mannered human beings. However, sometimes these basic ideologies and principles for living get lost in the climb to find maximum success in attaining our goals.
Early on within the thrusts of parental nurturing and cultural norms as human beings, an innate response forms called GIVING:
“Giving is one of our greatest joys. It’s also one of the most fearless and powerful gestures there is. When we trust that we live in an abundant universe and allow ourselves to give freely, we raise our frequency, strengthen our faith, and feel awesome, thereby putting ourselves in flow and the position to receive abundant amounts in return.
“When we’re in fear, we hold onto what we’ve got because we don’t trust that there’s more. We pinch off the energy, we’re scared to share, and we focus on, and create more of, the very things we’re hoping to avoid, which is lack.” -Jen Sincero, You are a Badass
A vast percentage of young adults fall victim to the adage that being charitable, even in non-monetary ways, is something to provide later in life when time and resources become readily available. Admittedly, I was in that category in my twenties as well, not believing I could truly make a difference outside of the hundreds of students taught yearly. In reflection, neither karmic balance nor the understanding that simply a volunteering presence alone can leave an impact was registering in my mind. But, something is always better than nothing.
“We live in a universe of give and receive, breathe and exhale, live and die, suck and awesome. Each side depends on the other-- every action has an equal and opposite reaction-- so the more you give, the more you receive. And vise versa.” -Jen Sincero, You are a Badass, pg. 10
I fear a society that does not comprehend what one human does, affects us all; and, what one person does not do, affects us all. These are two critical ideologies. Giving is becoming more difficult as our society clings to new waves of technology, a double-edged sword with severe consequences over time as one looks down to communicate instead of up. I hear of children texting parents from within the same home to ask what’s for dinner where parents will actually text back instead of engaging in conversation. Look up my friends, LOOK UP! Observe the earthly beauties commonly taken for granted, enjoy and admire creative minds unlike your own by actually visiting art museums and concert venues, and most importantly, engage in human interaction so that you may come to know people and their stories. It is through human beings that we actually learn how to be more human; sympathy, remorse, and compassion are acquired emotions needed to selflessly give.
My friends, I’m here to tell you to listen. Listen to the call to serve. To help. To use your time and talents to do what you can to make a difference – no matter how small. We are all called to serve in some way, but sadly those unwilling to listen often find their work meaningless and unfulfilling.
However, we all have a choice, and it all comes down to the original parental lessons: Share, and be nice.
LISTEN. Answers on what and how to serve may come in the subconscious of a dreamy slumber, in prayer, meditation, or in powerful reflection of quiet observation.
Meaningful work promotes a meaningful life of purposeful fulfillment!
Musicians and Directors, our music should not be made or produced in the vacuum of our school buildings and stages! Here’s a fantastic way to serve and create meaningful connections with those who need YOU most. Spread this video to your buildings, ensembles, or students so they might know their gifts are POWERFUL and should be shared!