Doctors “practice” medicine, and musicians “play” music. These descriptions are interesting to me because they speak to the nature of the discipline.
Medicine is extremely complex. Human beings are the most complex thing in the known universe. Attempting to comprehend and properly maintain and heal our bodies and minds is daunting, always has been. Despite our astonishing advances in science, or perhaps because of them, doctors can only know so much and must specialize in a particular pocket of medicine. Within this pocket they must continually learn and grow to keep pace with the emerging knowledge and evolving techniques. A doctor’s knowledge is limited and that knowledge requires regular updates. In the face of this monumental challenge humility is a requirement, and “practicing” medicine frames the proper approach.
Musicians “play” music, they don’t work music. Music seems to be patterns of rhythmic sounds that can represent and abstract the emotional and mental states of life experience. These patterns can reflect the complexity and nuance of life experience, and elicit extreme joy; simply an amazing art form. Think about the state of mind you were in as kid when you were playing with your friends, totally absorbed in the moment of whatever game your were involved in. There is a timelessness and joy associated with this state of mind. I think, for a musician to make beautiful and/or moving music, they need to get into that timeless and joyful state of mind. Hence the requirement to “play” music.
The 365 Commitment is foundational approach to living that attempts to answer the question (to some degree) “how should we live?” It is a mindset and a framework for being that helps us to create meaning in life, and move toward the vanishing point of our potential. How should we go about doing it? How shall we write this book of life? I say, let’s take a page from the docs who cope with massive challenge through the concept of practice. See your Commitment as a daily practice you will never perfect, but that you will continue to grow within. Take a page from the musicians, and get into the immersed focused rhythmic engagement of play as you pursue your goals – as if you are making music, because you are!
As I head out for my run this morning, these particular states of mind are inspiring to me. So, get out there Dr. Rock Star! You got this.
Ben Wagner (76)
Member 365 Commitment
