Archive for February, 2009
It’s amazing to see people walking across the frozen lake. Ice fishermen drilling holes and fishing. It’s amazing that there are fish swimming about in the freezing cold lake.
And soon it will be spring, and then summer and the flowers will be blooming and the grass green….then it will get really, really hot!
So what’s it all about? It’s about being in the now. Whatever the season, the temperature, the world view–you and I always have a choice to move our mind to a better place.
Some people hate the cold, others love it. Some people love the hot, others hate it. Which camp do you want to be in? The ice fishermen loving the frozen lake, or the complaining people hating the ice? Or maybe somewhere in-between. It’s all a state of mind. So what state is your mind in today. Whatever it is…make it a good one. Rock N Roll Jeff & Val
February 17th, 2009
We met with an old friend this morning and it was great to chat about things. And then it’s back to work. Editing the 2nd Edition of Super Service…checking words, answering questions that the publisher had put forward, making changes, adding things in.
And that is life…meeting with friends, doing work, having down time, doing more work, creating a great life.
And I realize that one of the most important things that I did this morning was to be on time. We were on time meeting our friend. On time with getting edits back to McGraw-Hill, on time answering emails. It makes the world work when we all take action on the things that we are supposed to finish.
So for today, when you read this, take action on just one thing that you need to finish. Complete just one thing and you will feel great! Rock N Roll Val & Jeff
February 13th, 2009
Love is the most powerful emotion on the planet. It holds people together in tough times, and is sprinkled like magic dust over people when things are going well. But, what I love most about love is that it comes in all different shapes and sizes. I just went to see my 6-year-old grandson give a piano recital at the Suzuki Music School in Chicago. I’d heard him practicing Clair de Lune for weeks, his little fingers stumbling over the keys, his face scrunched up in concentration, determined to strike the right chord, so I was happy to see him display his talent in front of an audience of parents, family and friends.
But, I knew there’d be twenty other kids doing their recitals too—so I was not expecting to be riveted to my seat—it was more of a supporting role that made me go!
We got there early and found good seats at the front. Among the throng of people, I noticed a young man in the corner with his back turned, tuning up his cello, and I thought, ‘wow he’s taking a really long time to tune that thing up!’ I’m not a musician, so what do I know? Finally, after a few false starts, the head teacher came up and started off the recital by saying, “some of the pieces are quite long, so sit back, relax and enjoy!” And I thought, ‘oh no! We’re going to be here for ever.’
As she left the stage, the young ‘tunor’ walked on with his cello and sat on a chair. I peeked at the program and saw he was Ben Manis, playing Concerto in D minor, 1st Movement, and I thought, ‘okay this is probably the long one!’ He was accompanied by a pianist and after the briefest of nods like an invisible, baton they began.
Don’t get me wrong, I love all kinds of music, classical too, however I’m more inclined to the Beatles, Faith Hill, or even the Ink Spots, but when I saw and heard this cellist, I felt so uplifted, time stood still. It wasn’t simply the deep, melodious notes, the bowing, or intricate finger movements, it was the expression on his face—it was pure love—he really loved playing; and I thought of all the hours he must have put into practicing, because he didn’t have any music in front of him, he’d learned and memorized every chord by playing it over and over and over. Sitting somewhere alone, so that he could play without disturbing his parents or roommates—just him and his cello, making beautiful music. More often than not, probably, missing chords, getting it wrong, being frustrated but in the end, the love of music keeping him going until this one day, here he is, sitting in front of me and my family playing! How amazing is that?
After he finished we applauded and I thought, ‘okay, that was the long piece and it was really good, now I just have to make myself be in the now and enjoy the rest.” So I sat back and watched all these little kids walk up one after the other, with the teacher adjusting the piano seat and the foot stool so they could reach the keys to play songs like, Mary Had a Little Lamb, London Bridge and Arietta. After my grandson, Armando had played his rendition of Clair de Lune and gotten over the fiddly little bits with hardly a hesitation, I could once again breathe, and even thought, ‘maybe we can sneak out now,’ but of course we couldn’t because we were on the front row. And I’m glad I didn’t because next thing, this very slight, young woman walked up front and center with her violin. She too had an accompanist and I looked at my program to find her name: Anna Papierniak, Violin, Sonata No. 3 in C Minor; Allegro Molto. I have no idea what all that means, but I know it’s probably going to be another long piece.
She too gave her pianist the slightest of nods, then, holding the bow high, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she began….it was a transformation in front of my eyes. This slight, young woman suddenly came alive with passion, empathy and a deep connection to music. And here’s what makes me believe in the power of love; this music was written hundreds of years ago, by someone called Edvard Grieg, who was born on the 15th June, 1843 in Norway. Did he ever imagine that his creation would eventually be played in Chicago by a young woman who also loved to play notes of love.
It was like being part of a sound track being laid down for a classic love story. My heart opened, and I felt a surge of love that I have never experienced in this way before. I mean, I’ve always loved music, but to see it played by someone who really loves playing, is truly inspiring. I even felt tears in my eyes, and after she had finished, I looked over at my daughter and could see by her full eyes, that she’d experienced it also. And so the feeling was even heightened. Love being shared by someone I love.
Anna was followed by some more Clair de Lune and finally, a proud father playing on guitar, accompanying his young daughter on violin playing Solder’s Joy Davy Nick Nack Miss Forbes’ Farewell to Banff. And I thought about all the love of music that exists on this planet. It’s truly how we express our joy and our love—what a miracle—but how did it start?
Did the cave men and women finish dinner and hammer out a tune with the discarded bones; tap their feet to some ancient, primeval vibration. I’m sure you’ve seen universe written out as UNI-VERSE—One song. But really, who made the first piano? Who thought to tie horse hair together to make a bow for a violin and then a bigger one for a cello? So although I thought of writing a piece about the usual kind of love we have—love for each other, for families, and friends, I find myself thinking about the love of the uni-verse, this one song that we are singing together.
I think about all the millions of people pursuing their passion, sometimes alone, sometimes with others, but always connected to a very powerful vibration of love that comes from deep within the soul of this round spinning orb we call home. Love is what keeps us together, feeds us with joy, happiness and enthusiasm.
So whatever you are doing in this moment, take in a deep breath of love. Love in, love out. Breathe in the uni-verse, the one song that we all share together. The deep connection that we have to each other, because whether we are in tune with it or not, it is ever present; a melody, a chord, a song we call the uni-verse!
Here’s a short meditation to connect you to the musical experience of love. Read through, then close your eyes and enjoy the love. Imagine you are a musician, and you are being brought a beautiful instrument to play—it can be a piano, violin, cello or some other instrument that is being gifted to you now to play. Feel the vibration of the musical notes emanate throughout your body, mind and soul. Allow every part of yourself to open to the uni-verse, the one song that we all sing together—the song of love. Rock N Roll Val & Jeff
February 12th, 2009
I went to see my grandson play at a little Suzuki concert on Sunday. It was just a little piece called Clair de Lune and I’d heard him practicing for days, so I knew what to expect. And there were other little kids playing short peices like London Bridge and Mary Had a Little Lamb.
Then the unexpected happened. A young man sat down with his Cello and started playing a Concerto and I thought, ‘wow this is amazing!’ Then a bit later after another few little kids had played their version of Arietta, a young woman stood up with a violin and started playing a sonata. I couldn’t help it, a lump came into my throat. It was so wonderful…her face was so full of passion and wanting to be the best.
Now, I’m not a particular classic music fan and I don’t go to many musical events like this, but hearing all these young kids playing their instruments was really special. I could see the hours spent practicing, getting their hands and fingers to strike the right chord–and then I imagined all the thousands of people over the years who were involved in this music being heard in this place at this time.
Who first invented the piano for example, or made a violin and a bow, or the cello? How did someone know how to make an instrument, and then teach young people to play?
The human being is truly a marvelous intsrument and we can play any kind of music we want. We just have to practice being amazing and not worry when we strike a wrong chord…we just keep on playing! Rock N Roll Val & Jeff
February 10th, 2009
I love people who are optimistic–it’s one of the greatest tools you can have. It’s wonderful when someone notices that you’ve done something well….or they’re being optimistic about their own life. Like this comment Matt Carolan made on his blog,
“…CA also had “Super Service” taught by the affable and entertaining Jeff Gee. I learned a lot from Jeff about the importance of making your day positive by making your thoughts positive, and always seeking to serve your customers, internal or external.”
It’s great to read that–it makes me remember why I am here doing what I do.
So today, whenever you have the opportunity to be optimistic–be it! Say good things about yourself and others. Think good thoughts. Remember your good deeds. Be the kind of person who shines a light in the world. Rock N Roll Val & Jeff
February 6th, 2009
I meditated this morning as usual, and I realized that if I write and teach about happiness, then my job is to be happy right now–in every moment and all the time. With everything that is going on…there is no other time to be happy. Because if I look back over the years when things have not been going right, and if I was unhappy, there is no difference between then and now. Now I know more. Now I know that events come and go, but happiness is created by how I choose to be with my life.
There is no tomorrow until it comes, and when it comes, if I am unhappy, then tomorrow is a waste.
So I may as well be happy right now, today.
And happiness is not about running around and partying….happiness is whatever you want it to be. It can be smiling at a friend, drinking a hot cup of coffee, making a wonderful meal, presenting an outstanding proposal, or being at your desk doing a great job. So for today, be happy! Rock N Roll Jeff & Val
February 5th, 2009
It’s one of those words that can cause people to go ‘uh oh’ this woo-woo stuff. But in fact, politicians, sports people, and business leaders do use this technique for centering their mind. Fnd a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Just allow the thoughts of the day, the chatter, to disappear. Whatever is coming into your mind, don’t have any attraction to it, or give it any attention, just let it float away, coming in and going out.
Find that space of rest and rejuvination. Where you can banish all thoughts, negative and positive and just be. Then you can start the rest of your day, clean, undisturbed and ready to rock n roll. Rock N Roll Jeff
February 4th, 2009
I got an email from someone who had gone through Super Service and whose team of 90 people are being let go. The person said at the end of the email, “Is there any way that you could share with me some beneficial advice that I could share with this team – most of which may be laid-off due to workforce reduction? I feel so vulnerable and yet I’d like to give these people, who got to know you, a head start to their new situation. Can you help me?”
I remember when my two children were just babies, and I got into work one day, and there was literally nothing there. The owner had left. The doors were locked and there was no-one around. I had no golden handshake, no past salary. It was devastating!
I went home with one thought, “I have to make some money!” I decided to make the choice, between getting upset and getting out there and doing something. That’s when I started selling food and freezers door to door. I literally walked up and down the street, in the rain and the wind knocking on hundreds of doors. It was the most amazing way to learn about human behavior. Because I got to see the whole of life. People who were rude and slammed the door, people who were angry and afraid and upset. And then I got to be with the other people who were open and loving, and caring and sharing.
Einstein once said, “There are two kinds of people in this world, the ones who see the world as a friendly place, and the ones who see the world as a hostile place.” Which one do you want to be?
What I learned was, that losing your job can actually be the best situation. I grew as a person in how I handled my problems. I got the opportunity to do door to door selling–which got me to understand that ‘no one could reject me–even though I was being rejected constantly, it was a state of mind!’
The most important thing was that I could handle any situation. When push came to shove, I could be the master of my own destiny. From then on, no matter what has happened in my life, I’ve always known that I am an amazing human being, and the challenges and upsets, are the character of my life. They are the scars, the things that define me. Without those I wouldn’t know how amazing I am.
If you want to grow roses, they have to have some manure!
And at the same time, I know how devastaing it was. It was horrendous….and I just had to overcome it. I had to look at it for what it was. It was just a stepping stone to greater things. No matter what is going on, I know I can handle it.
You too can handle anything. You have before and you will do again. This too shall pass. Rock N Roll Jeff & Val
February 3rd, 2009