Experiencing the practice
About a year ago I attended a show at Forest Hills Stadium, a large outdoor concert venue in Queens. The show featured a few DJs I've been a fan of for years. The evening was cool and windy, and so John and I bundled up to brace the chilly air.
When we arrived, we found a spot in the risers to the right of the stage. As we settled into our seats, I took in the thousands of people around me sharing in this moment–dancing, talking, laughing–all excited to be here. The first performer, Four Tet, started with a set rooted in dance music, moving from techno to drum and bass, dubstep to house. And toward the end of his set, the music shifted.
It started with a very simple baseline.
A steady tempo.
As the simple beat continued, I found myself bopping along.
Despite its simplicity, it seemed familiar.
I thought I recognized the rhythm.
And just as I was about to turn to John and say, "Hey, doesn't this sound a lot like … ?" the track dropped in (and apologies for any earworms this song may create 😬).
Before long the stadium of thousands joined in singing the all-too-familiar chorus.
I love you always forever
Near and far, closer together
Everywhere, I will be with you
Everything, I will do for you
I love you always forever
Near and far, closer together
Everywhere, I will be with you
Everything, I will do for you
For a moment, I was transported to my teenage years. Memories of singing along with Donna Lewis’s syrupy voice while riding along in a car on a country road.
As the sound continued, the chorus repeating over and over, I heard the voices of thousands gathered together.
And the moment transformed again. I felt I was in the midst of a massive lovingkindness practice. A common Buddhist meditation practice that involves extending to yourself and others unconditional kindness–wishes for all beings to be safe, healthy, happy, and at peace.
As I sang out the lyrics, I saw this as a practice of offering love to everyone gathered. And as I heard the voices echo throughout the stadium, I allowed myself to receive that love as well. Now, perhaps no one else in that stadium had made the connection to a loving-kindness practice, but it didn't shift the experience.
And that's the thing with practice. It's not only about the moments in formal practice, sitting for 30 minutes on a cushion. It's how that practice translates to our everyday lives. The ability to see the joy, wonder, or, in this case, connection with others in each moment. To be aware of how we show up with one another and consider how we can see, support, and care for one another.
Perhaps over the next few days, you explore how practice shows up in unexpected ways.