Flow

Last evening, I saw Paul McCartney perform in Minneapolis. Yes I love The Beatles - I grew up listening to The Beatles. Singing “Na Na Na Hey Jude” with a stadium full of people would give anyone an inner bouyance lasting at least a few days. It reminded me of the E. Stanley Jones quote somewhat along the lines of , “what humanity needs is a common song to sing.” Albeit, McCartney is a mere mortal like all of us, seeing and hearing tens of thousands of people waving their hands and singing the song that they have heard so many times, of all ages, created this unification in the moment. There were at least four generations there, just giddy to hear and see a living legend.

What struck me the most about seeing Paul McCartney was his state - he is in his early 80s and looks like he could pass for at least 20 years younger. There was something else about him, though. It was his candor, or his demeanor - he was mostly still. Yes, he rocked out, he is Paul McCartney - but he was completely secure vibrationally. In his energetic state. And receptive of the crowd. Yes, he is most likely one of the most famous people in the world - yet, there was something about how he completely received the applause, the love from the crowd that really captured my attention, energetically.

How often do we as performers, as artists (and that is of any craft) deflect compliments, love or praise when we receive recognition?

Some examples being: “Oh, it’s no big deal” // “I’ve been at it a while” // Or simply quick quibs of feigned inferiority? How many of us nearly break into hives when praised or recognized? I’ve heard this called “false humility,” and I wonder what would happen if we started receiving. Even small gestures. I feel like they would soon grow, the more we receive. And it’s not like we will become like compliment banks - when we truly receive, we have no choice but to give it back - whether that’s through our own ways of showing love, or simply the inner radiance that comes from giving and receiving love.