I'm writing this an hour after returning from an intimate concert with the incomparable Tony Bennett. I'm still reveling in the afterglow. Sure would like to bottle a little of the joy and romance Tony spreads around. We could surely all use more.
Most of us know that Tony is 81, has a great head of hair, and still sings pitch perfect. We also know that he has won innumerable musical awards, sold a gazillion albums, and has bridged the generation gap.
But did you know that he is an accomplished painter, with exhibitions in New York, and the Smithsonian? Here's the amazing part. Tony continues to paint every day, even while touring internationally. He finds the time for his two great passions - painting and music. There's a lesson in there for me, and maybe for you too. Make the time to do what I love.
Okay, maybe you are not a Tony Bennett fan. Neither is my husband. But keep reading. I'm leading up to the main point.
Throughout his career Tony has also raised millions of dollars for humanitarian causes closest to his heart. This is not the main point, but goes to show that these activities flow from the person Tony is, which is the whole point of this post.
This one line in the concert program stands out: "But perhaps more important is his ability to convey a sense of joy, of utter satisfaction, in what he is doing."
Tony strikes me as a man fully engaged with his heart and spirit. He lives out his passions in full play. He exudes joy. As I sat in the audience, I felt my own heart stirring, and felt close to tears. What a powerful example of one whose spirit is truly in gear.
My wish for myself, and for you, dear reader, is that we may spend more of our lives with our spirits in gear. Va-va-voom!
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