Joy was the theme of Lee’s latest gig in Nashville. He performed the “1971 – Greatest Year in Music” show and the crowd was ecstatic. Maybe it was the opportunity to gather, maybe it was the nostalgia for music everyone knows the words to, maybe it was the band being totally relaxed and doing it for the joy that made it so exciting. Whatever the reason, the experience was fabulous.
I have seen this show many times, the song selection was different, but the cast of characters was mostly the same. It is always fun, but this time was special. When longtime friends come together to do what they love – it creates some magic.
There is a qualitative difference when you do things out of joy versus some other motivation. Here are some observations.
LACK OF COMPETITION
Making music requires collaboration and cooperation, but there can also be jockeying for attention. When someone wants to grab the spotlight to the exclusion of others, it creates tension. When the intention is the fame of being noticed, it changes the dynamic and creates a division between the those that get it and those that don’t.
When none of these competitive interactions are present, you are left with a unified goal of making it the best it can be. That was the case for this show, they were doing it for the joy of playing. There was no competition. If you can take competition out of your situations, there is always more room for joy.
FREEDOM FROM INSECURITY
When people are mature and secure in their talent and who they are, there is a freedom that emanates from them. They are comfortable, relaxed and attuned to one another. Everyone involved becomes highlighted, noticed, and loved because they are being their authentic self. It’s liberating and joyous for everyone.
The contrast is painful. Maybe you’ve been in situations where people are insecure and self-conscious? There can be complicated mind games, jabs putting one another down, bad talking behind other’s back, ignoring one another. It’s an awkward and tense environment to be in. It’s hard not to develop paranoid thoughts about how you fit in when others are operating from a place of insecurity. Avoid it, for your own peace of mind.
SOUL VS. EGO DRIVEN
Doing something for the love it of it comes from a soul driven place. It is about connecting to what has meaning to you, what gives you a sense of purpose and what matches your interests and talents. There is a pureness to it that is easily noticed. The passion and joy are contagious. All that was evident at this concert and created a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Ego based work is also obvious. When the motivation is about making money, making an impression, or trying to fill some ideal set by others, the energy of it is stiff, forced and hard. You can feel it. You may be impressed, but it won’t have the joyous element and may leave you feeling a little hollow. Be aware for yourself.
We always have a choice in what we do and how we show up. Consider the impact of your choices. When you do things you love and experience the joy of it you will be coming from a place of authenticity that does not need forced competition. You will be secure and genuine, without the awkwardness of insecurity. It is soul based vs. ego driven and will provide deeper rewards every time.
I hope you have had the experience of doing things for the joy of it. If you want more help to get there, reach out. My Transformational Coaching and Therapy can help put you on the right track. Go to www.spectrumtransformation.com and use my Free Consultation link to reach me. I’d love to hear from you.
