Every year I make a "healthy" new year resolution like giving up something or cutting back. I was going to make my 2012 new years resolution to do yoga every day because I take my resolutions seriously and force myself to go through with them. I need to get back into shape and yoga is beneficial in so many ways. But tonight a friend shared one of my favorite stories that I want to share with you:
"In Washington DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about four minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule. About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly. At forty-five minutes: The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. After one hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music. This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. This experiment raised several questions: In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? If so, do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made… How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?"
This story gives me chills every time I read it. There are so many things we take for granted and miss out on because we are in a hurry. So in 2012 I will slow down. I will enjoy my last several months at home with my kiddo. I will enjoy good books and make time for them. I will spend more time with my friends and family. I will stop rushing to get things done in time and waiting last minute to complete tasks. I will do yoga every day because it teaches your body how to be calm and enjoy the moment. I'm going to savor every minute of life because lets face it- time passes by way too fast!
What are your new years resolutions? Be sure to sign up for the Healthy Child, Healthy World newsletter to read more inspiring new years resolution posts!
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