Normally, we have a wonderfully active bit sharing in the comments. This is the first post (since opening up comments), that has encouraged, well comment crickets.
I'd love to learn from this, if you're open to sharing.
What happened? Was it the topic? The way I wrote it? Maybe not enough white space to invite you in with your own thoughts, experiences, or emotions? A differing point-of-view? Just a busy week? Something else? Not enough chocolate (life's perpetual dilemma)?
I'm not someone who gets consumed by numbers or metrics, this isn't about that. I'm just genuinely curious. And it feels like an opportunity for me to better understand how to navigate the sweet spot between what's on my mind, how I share it, what is of service to you.
If you're game, love the benefit of your wisdom...or not.
I love your podcasts and articles, Jonathan! And I read the articles as soon as they come out, typically leaving a comment as well.
The reason why I didn’t comment this time is because I don’t know the artists or the musical you are referring to and neither did I experience the wild 90’s in New York which you are describing. So it was a bit more difficult for me to relate this time.
I also believe not everyone has the “calling” of a rockstar - the extraordinary talent and clear purpose. Many people need a long time to find it and most probably never do. But they can still live life to the fullest - by enjoying the little things, being mindful in the moment, without having to live at the razor thin ledge between life and death (even though, I know, that is ultimately true for everyone).
So helpful to know, Benjamin. Thanks for sharing your experience, completely understand that the references I write about won't always resonate with everyone. It's a great reminder for me. And so agree that, whether we step into some bigger calling or purpose or not, there are always so many ways for us to find joy and connection and aliveness in the many moments and interactions and things that give us a sense of purpose and joy throughout the day.
Dear Jonathan, I only read your post now (had a full weekend shift at the hospital). For me it is amazing how your beautiful words and storytelling provide a new angle on something I (should) know. And let’s see if it is the nudge for me to stop as a doctor. Will noodle on it 😊.
Jonathan! I was transported by the memories of Larson and Rent. To see it on Broadway I can only imagine. I was in the Midwest in the mid 90’s singing the songs outloud while driving through Soybeanland. I grew up in a small Illinois town. I saw live music and theater in Saint Louis.
I remember when Stevie Ray Vaughan left this world. I was in college. My roommate was devastated.
Working in healthcare gives me daily reminders of the gift of being present. What is it to be fully alive?
What is it to be free?
When I think of the cast of rent and an artist’s life, I am reminded of the capacity for joy and heartbreak and the seeking of meaning in music lyrics and the discovery of love. Also, our morality. I often consider the risk of vulnerability as a practice.
I’m winding down but thank you for this tender essay.
Ah thanks for breaking the crickets. ;-) And, as always, for your thoughtful contribution. I can imagine that working in healthcare would give you a front row seat to what it means to be as present as you can to it all. And, yes, being there in the 90s for the cast that workshopped Rent, then took it to Broadway, was kind of magical.
As for SRV, missed ever hearing him live, but his music has been a perpetual through line in my life. It was amazing to be able to spend time with Jimmie in our studio back in New York, then have him pull the guitar I'd built with my own hands off the wall, and play it a bit as we wrapped the conversation.
Brilliant, thank you! I wouldn't change a thing about your writing or this article!
It's a very complex topic to be captured with words and yet you have managed to do it with eloquence and grace, without oversimplifying the inherent challenge of navigating the tension between presence and future planning. All while recognising that the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can enrich each other!
Thanks, Tess. It is really challenging to do that dance between being present and savoring, but also not just looking for but also helping to bring forth a future that feels alive.
I'm new to your substack but looking forward to more. You seem to write on topics that I think aobut endlessly. Your wake up call #27 is daunting for me. I am old-ish and it feels like so many doors are closed. I need to consider what small steps I can do, what new adventures I can do (and that I want to do). I spend a lot of time thinking though (🤣). Being aware of my mortality sometimes makes me eager to do things and sometimes makes me want to simply sit and breathe with no agenda. 🤷🏻♀️
Hey substack fam - so what happened here?
Normally, we have a wonderfully active bit sharing in the comments. This is the first post (since opening up comments), that has encouraged, well comment crickets.
I'd love to learn from this, if you're open to sharing.
What happened? Was it the topic? The way I wrote it? Maybe not enough white space to invite you in with your own thoughts, experiences, or emotions? A differing point-of-view? Just a busy week? Something else? Not enough chocolate (life's perpetual dilemma)?
I'm not someone who gets consumed by numbers or metrics, this isn't about that. I'm just genuinely curious. And it feels like an opportunity for me to better understand how to navigate the sweet spot between what's on my mind, how I share it, what is of service to you.
If you're game, love the benefit of your wisdom...or not.
Only love, always love, either way!
I love your podcasts and articles, Jonathan! And I read the articles as soon as they come out, typically leaving a comment as well.
The reason why I didn’t comment this time is because I don’t know the artists or the musical you are referring to and neither did I experience the wild 90’s in New York which you are describing. So it was a bit more difficult for me to relate this time.
I also believe not everyone has the “calling” of a rockstar - the extraordinary talent and clear purpose. Many people need a long time to find it and most probably never do. But they can still live life to the fullest - by enjoying the little things, being mindful in the moment, without having to live at the razor thin ledge between life and death (even though, I know, that is ultimately true for everyone).
So helpful to know, Benjamin. Thanks for sharing your experience, completely understand that the references I write about won't always resonate with everyone. It's a great reminder for me. And so agree that, whether we step into some bigger calling or purpose or not, there are always so many ways for us to find joy and connection and aliveness in the many moments and interactions and things that give us a sense of purpose and joy throughout the day.
Dear Jonathan, I only read your post now (had a full weekend shift at the hospital). For me it is amazing how your beautiful words and storytelling provide a new angle on something I (should) know. And let’s see if it is the nudge for me to stop as a doctor. Will noodle on it 😊.
So glad it offered a new angle. And thanks so much for swinging by after your weekend shift, Siets.
Jonathan! I was transported by the memories of Larson and Rent. To see it on Broadway I can only imagine. I was in the Midwest in the mid 90’s singing the songs outloud while driving through Soybeanland. I grew up in a small Illinois town. I saw live music and theater in Saint Louis.
I remember when Stevie Ray Vaughan left this world. I was in college. My roommate was devastated.
Working in healthcare gives me daily reminders of the gift of being present. What is it to be fully alive?
What is it to be free?
When I think of the cast of rent and an artist’s life, I am reminded of the capacity for joy and heartbreak and the seeking of meaning in music lyrics and the discovery of love. Also, our morality. I often consider the risk of vulnerability as a practice.
I’m winding down but thank you for this tender essay.
No crickets. :)
Ah thanks for breaking the crickets. ;-) And, as always, for your thoughtful contribution. I can imagine that working in healthcare would give you a front row seat to what it means to be as present as you can to it all. And, yes, being there in the 90s for the cast that workshopped Rent, then took it to Broadway, was kind of magical.
As for SRV, missed ever hearing him live, but his music has been a perpetual through line in my life. It was amazing to be able to spend time with Jimmie in our studio back in New York, then have him pull the guitar I'd built with my own hands off the wall, and play it a bit as we wrapped the conversation.
You’re welcome.
Wow. Thats some music magic! You know how to build guitars? How cool is that? I’m so glad you have all these memories.
And you know what I’ve discovered working in memory care? Love and music are what remains.
Thank you for your storytelling and heart.
May you find some joy glimmers today.
Brilliant, thank you! I wouldn't change a thing about your writing or this article!
It's a very complex topic to be captured with words and yet you have managed to do it with eloquence and grace, without oversimplifying the inherent challenge of navigating the tension between presence and future planning. All while recognising that the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can enrich each other!
Love it.
Life is so transient and each moment is precious indeed
Thanks, Tess. It is really challenging to do that dance between being present and savoring, but also not just looking for but also helping to bring forth a future that feels alive.
I'm new to your substack but looking forward to more. You seem to write on topics that I think aobut endlessly. Your wake up call #27 is daunting for me. I am old-ish and it feels like so many doors are closed. I need to consider what small steps I can do, what new adventures I can do (and that I want to do). I spend a lot of time thinking though (🤣). Being aware of my mortality sometimes makes me eager to do things and sometimes makes me want to simply sit and breathe with no agenda. 🤷🏻♀️
Thank you for this post.
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