Monday, February 06, 2012

The Violin

Last week, I took the train out to Chestnut Hill because I was feeling the need for a city break.

As much as I enjoy urban living, I periodically feel my soul signaling me to spend some time in the quietness of the burbs.

I think it’s important when you live in a city to know when to get away, even if it’s just a one day hiatus.

A change in energy does the mind, body and spirit good.

My day started out exceptionally well, because upon entering the underground train station at Center City, Market East, I began to hear the most exquisite sound of violin music.

I don’t know whether I’ve ever shared this with you guys before, but the violin is my favorite musical instrument, along with the cello. The sound of strings, for me, carries the emotion of a musical piece. Strings go right to the center, piercing the heart; telling a story.

As I walked closer to the music, I saw a sight that stopped me in my tracks.

My eyes focused on three young ladies, who were probably in their mid-teens, playing a classical piece that was so amazingly breathtaking, it gave me chills.

I stood there for about 5 minutes, taking in not only the sound, but also the touching sight of these three young people playing with such joy and utter reverence.

I noticed they had one of their violin cases opened in front of them, so that if anyone wished to donate money they could. As you know, I’m not one to hand out money on the streets to everyone asking, but I will give when my heart tells me to. And this was definitely a time when my heart said so.

And what totally delighted me was that when I looked into the violin case, it was filled almost to the brim. People were walking by, reaching in their pockets without any hesitation; tossing in bills with pleasure.

Watching the reactions of the passerby’s was an experience all its own.

This was one of those special moments you sometimes have in life, when it feels like a Paul Anka “Times of Your Life Kodak Moment”; wanting to capture the whole experience on film, so that you’ll never forget it.

Anyway, after they finished their song, I went up and introduced myself and asked if they were attending a music school here in Philly, which they were. I conveyed to them how much I appreciated sharing their talents with us, and that they added such beauty to the world.

They were very modest and shy, smiled, and then said thank you.

I knew I wanted to blog about this, so I asked if they wouldn’t mind me taking their photo, which they consented.

While on the train out to the burbs, I began reflecting on what I had just experienced.

Here were three remarkably talented youngsters, who were out there sharing of themselves.

They didn’t expect or even asked to be compensated, but rather made a passionate offering to the world; allowing their offer to speak for itself.

They approached life with an attitude that I strongly believe in.

It’s not HOW we make a living that’s the thing.

But rather, how we OFFER our living.

With passion.

Strings go right to the center, piercing the heart; telling a story....

Thank you, three young ladies. YOU. ROCK.