From: One of the Guys
The issue of trust has come up a lot these last few weeks. Without it, most relationships fail miserably. And that should be obvious. But trust also comes into play when taking risks and exploring who we are and who we want to be.
I’m also a musician. And when there’s trust in a musical collaboration, the best music happens. Here is an excerpt from a recent piece I wrote. I originally wrote this for a music magazine, but after reading it over a few times I realized it applies to all relationships.
Excerpts:
The best music happens at the edge of the precipice, where chaos and pure adrenaline mix to form a whirlwind of creative energy that is transcendent, emotive and utter bliss. The closer the music is to falling apart, the more tension it has. When this is happening, the band is cooking, the audience is riveted, and all is good in the world.
So how does this happen? It’s one simple word. Trust.
(skip a few music paragraphs to get to……)
We must trust our fellow musicians. Don’t laugh. Musicians get a bad rap. I mean really, are we truly that irresponsible? We don’t ALL mooch off our friends, or drink the last beer in the fridge, or forget to pack the power strip, or show up AFTER sound check, or always need a ride? That’s not what I mean by trust anyway.
I’m talking about the kind of trust that helps create great music. Musical trust. The — I got your back, you got mine—sort of trust. The—-if you’re falling, I’ll catch you—-kind of trust. The—–let’s channel each other to get to the next level—-sort of trust. But even more importantly, trust that we all just love to play music together.
(The piece goes on …….)
Finally musicians and their audience need to have a relationship built on trust. Music can certainly be played in solitude, just for the sheer enjoyment of playing. But for all the bands out there eager to make their mark, gaining a following is a primary goal.
(And concludes with…..)
So the next time you’re on stage, just go for it and jump! Take a dive off the precipice, or for that matter ask for a big push. And as you fall, tear the tune to shreds, trusting that your band mates will be there to catch you, enjoying the ride as well.
And that will be music to all our ears.
The End
What do you glean from this?
Taking risks is just that: risky. Some people are able to do it much easier than others. They seem to be able to jump off the precipice more often than not, somehow trusting that the universe will provide a safety net somewhere along the way down. But for most of us, we need to build a network of people whom we trust with our ideas and actions. We need people who have our back when we take those leaps. We need to know that if we fail, we will still be loved and accepted, and that confidence will give us the energy, motivation and faith to keep leaping throughout our lives.
Some people rely solely on their partner for this, others have built a network of friends and acquaintances to help them journey into uncharted territory. But the common thread is people. Most of us need other people to help us find out who we really are.
Isn’t that ironic.
Are you able to take risks?
What people in your life help you do this, or are you able to do it on your own?
What recent risks have you taken?
Is there anything you’d like to add to the stereotype of musicians? (For fun…or not for fun)
