8 Aug 2015

Yesterday, my wife, two friends and I went to a classical music concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Yo-Yo Ma. Among the pieces played was one of my favorites, Ravel's Bolero. We sat on the lawn of the venue on top of a blanket, and we shared different food dishes and pleasant conversation.

When the orchestra was performing its second piece of the night I laid flat on my back and I looked up. It was getting dark, around 8:30 PM, but I still could see the blueness of the sky and the clouds almost still. I looked around and I saw what seemed to be a satellite and an airplane. Then I felt the breeze of a cool summer night, while being aware of the music and feeling it all over my body.

And I thought to my self: Maybe this is what it means to be alive, to perceive through our senses. Then I thought about nature, the trees around me, the grass, the ground, the wind and humans all around using structures on which we rely to have this experience, while the musicians used instruments made of wood and metal crafted by some individual or a machine created by individuals. I thought about our existence and how is it that we exists.

I returned to my body and I saw children next to us, some teenagers and some smaller; it was a family night. And I thought about my children; one day I'd like to bring them to listen to live music. Today they are about to be a year old and have listened to Mozart, Beethoven and others, but only through speakers.

I then felt my wife's head laying on my stomach, being happy with the moment, breathing in peace. I thought about the many places in the world which do not have the privilege of being safe when they go out in public areas. And I valued the moment even more.

A few hours before I was dealing with some tough business negotiations which were emotionally draining for me. They would require important decisions in my life. But in the moment, while being present, all concerns went away. "How important!" I thought, to have the ability to switch our attention and emotions as we focus on the different aspects of our lives.

Soon it was time for the performance of Bolero, and I was eager to hear it live. It started with a few sounds almost inaudible and then slowly it build up to a crescendo that took my heart and mind into the depths of life, feeling as if I was praying in gratitude for being alive.

Soon the performance was over; we picked up our things, cleaned up and walked towards our cars. On the way we were surrounded by big pines and other trees; it was a majestic sight. I felt as if nature was part of my life, as I was part of nature; together we create one living organism on planet earth, our solar system, galaxy and the universe.

My wife said: thank you for a lovely date. I said you are welcome, thank you. I'm glad we got to enjoy this time together. We like having one night out every week to be just by ourselves, without the children, where we can share what is going on with us and have some fun.

We got into the car and drove home. When we arrived, I picked up our babies's nanny and I drove her to her place. On the way there we had a few moments to connect. She shared with me that she's a christian and I asked what were some of her favorite Bible passages. She said Roman's 12. I came home and looked it up. I share here some portions of it:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends........ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

When I hear these words I get a sense that wisdom is timeless. And so this was one fine evening in my life, with other kind human beings who shared their skills, their work, their dreams and their hopes.

ONE FINE EVENING