Sorry I haven't posted too much in the last couple days. We went and spent the weekend with friends and since we returned home, I've just felt like relaxing a bit. I think I needed a little art break. I haven't been in the studio and I've need to attend to my garden. My tomatoes are coming on all at once and needed attention. I felt a need to pause and enjoy life for a bit....
Today, I awoke and began the task of gardening when I found out about the death of a coworker from Publix. We worked together, often went to lunch with the gang, and interacted on a daily basis. He was to be married soon. He and his fiance were happy and in love. He leaves behind a beautiful little boy. His death was unexpected and tragic.
So, I'm in a bit of a contemplative mood. Sad and thankful for those I love. I came across this anecdote and I would like to share it....I don't know if it's true, but I don't think it matters. Because, no one would question the reality of it.
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story.. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?
2 comments:
I am very touched by this post regarding Joshua Bell. As a musician, I am constantly faced with how our society has changed - I play for children, and I find that parents no longer teach their children to slow down and savor live music (among other things). I find this sad and concerning - not only because I myself am not being listened to, but because people in general are finding less and less reasons to tune in to their surroundings.
Thank you Jill~ Everyone seems to be in such a hurry now. I'm constantly shocked by people honking in traffic, angry and inpatient and oblivious to other's feelings and lives outside of their own selfishness. If we could all just take a minute each day to smile, say please and thank you and commit acts of kindness instead of despair and disdain, there would be change in the world. Be the change.
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