March 1, 2019 | Judy Kohl
David Brooks of the New York Times had a piece this week about the “silent Pearl Harbor” going on in this country because of “our 60 year experiment with hyper-individuals.” He laments, “There is a lot of emphasis in our culture on personal freedom, self-expression, and the idea that life is an individual journey toward self-fulfillment.” He notes it’s not working, and what we need is “Radical mutuality.”
I like that thought – radical mutuality. I’m thinking about how this might apply to our chapter of fellow organ enthusiasts. This can be a lonely profession as we spend countless hours practicing,
writing services, and planning rehearsals – just to name a few things we do.
Yet, how blessed we are to know each other as colleagues. We are able to encourage each other not only in performance, but even in non-musical areas such as when a church job becomes toxic. We don’t have to explain things to organ friends – they understand.
Let’s make sure to take the time and effort to reach out to one another to share aspects of our professional world. “Radical mutuality” can’t help but bring us together as a chapter, and as friends.
Can I give you a challenge this month?
Why don’t you invite someone to join the North Shore AGO, then be intentional in that relationship. Perhaps this idea pushes you beyond your comfort zone, but perhaps that someone is just waiting for your invitation.
Warmly,
Judy