Early On a Sunday Morning

Happiness lies in your own hand . . .

There are days when I dream of self-fillment. I am not talking in a materialistic sense. If you would take away all of my physical possessions and leave me with nothing, I think I'd be fine. (Though I'd probably be bummed about losing my piano)

I dream of times when I can fully utilize my natural abilities in ways that are meaningful, helpful, and nourishing to both myself and those around me. It would involve a skill that I have cultivated over time that flourishes exponentially to breathe life, joy, and a sense of connectedness into all things-and maybe just a small smattering of happiness.

I think I've come close. I've had moments at my shows when the whole crowd would get completely quiet as I started a new song. I'd put my all into singing the words and playing the music. Honestly, it felt as if I'd swept up the whole crowd and taken them somewhere for just a little while. I remember feeling the energy from the crowd-feeding me with their quiet attention as I gave back. At the end, I'd sit there wondering what just happened as if I'd just gotten out of a trance. These moments are worth more than their weight in gold.

Whether you're a pharmacist, a librarian, writer, manager, filmmaker, accountant, podiatrist, lawyer, or chef, there has to be a moment when you are fully engrossed in your work and loving every minute of it. There's this sense that you are doing what you were meant to be doing in your life. The skills that you've worked so hard to develop are finely tuned and formidable. Your resulting happiness is obvious, potent, and infectious to anyone within a mile's radius of you.

I dream of these self-fulfilling things because, in addition to having love, what else is truly worth having in this world?

As 2010 draws near, these are the thoughts in my head. A new year always offers new beginnings and adventures. I haven't done a show in a few months, but that will be changing in due time. I can't wait.

My hands will be full.

Will yours?

-g