27 Nov Life is Like Music
“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” — Lao Tzu
Music is one of life’s rare “larger than life” themes; it is as old as history itself, residing in virtually every living element. Music can soothe the soul, reach broadly with its messages, spark creative dialogue, build character, and enhance self-esteem. We all recognize the visceral emotion a song evokes, as it touches our hearts and moves our spirits; we can truly feel it.
Aside from being a general music fan, I believe music, in many ways, is a metaphor for life. We all have music within us and are trying to play the notes of “song.” We partner with others to create bands, groups, and symphonies. Each song—whether a solo or team effort—is stitched together into set of albums that ultimately represent our very lives. In music, there is literally something for everyone.
Finding purpose and passion is like finding your song. When you discover your true song and play it well, you slowly but surely become the masterpiece you were created to be. Life is an ever-unfolding journey that inspires us—no, begs us—to find our own “song” which is what I call our authentic leadership and life purpose.
How Does the Music of Your Life Sound?
Sometimes, we stumble and our song doesn’t resonate well because we aren’t fully in tune with that soulful place within, where deep power meets lyrical elegance. Maybe we’ve lost passion, or been derailed in some way. During these times, it’s so easy to feel empty inside, lose touch with our voice, or believe we have no rhythm nor harmony. When you lose a job, or perhaps retire, it can even seem like a record screeching to a halt (or for today’s modern music listener, the silence between switching playlists).
However, when we overcome personal limitations and combat mental resistance we begin to find our song again—or a completely new melody, style, or genre is birthed. The song that beats within each of us helps us to spend our lives honing our incredible talents in ways that contribute positively to the world.
We each must find our own unique melodic pathway, self-managing the effort to discover and create meaning as our song emerges within us. For this reason, it is crucial for you to get in tune, think carefully about the music you are putting out into the world, and make every effort to remain in tune throughout your career. Of course, your work should change and mature across seasons, just as any great artist who seeks to build a successful collection that endures over time.
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” —Thomas Campbell
The world is your stage, and your life is the song. We’re all counting on you to bring everything you have to the performance; commit to gifting the world with a legacy of beautiful music that will endure through the ages. When you focus on finding your true song and playing for all you’re worth, a timeless melody will burst forth, striking a powerful chord with others. This is the kind of melody that can inspire for generations, perhaps forever. This is your destiny. Play you must.
-Originally published in Leading from the Deep End
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