Performing and Perspective

Natalie C. Photography

by Natalie Williams (Assistant to the Director)

     It began with the end. Leading up to the final day and last student solo recital, a whirl of activity occurred, and just as quickly as IMIF proceeded, it came to a close. This finality caused me to observe the similarities of performing a piece to living life. 

     In performing, we can get so wrapped up in the nitty gritty of the process, practicing, soaking in instruction for improvement, worrying about the big day, that we forget the beauty of what we're actually doing. We forget the joy of merely being capable of creating an art which inspires and uplifts. 

    Similarly, this coincides with life. More often than not, we are busy folk. We run from one activity to the next, accomplishing one goal which leads to another. Being productive is a wonderful quality, but failing to enjoy the very moment you're in (without having our minds race days and weeks ahead), loving those around us, laughing with our family and friends, and appreciating our many blessings of just being alive, that is a loss. 

      Many of the faculty spoke of the undeniable importance gratitude plays in daily life, of even being able to live life, of simply thanking those who lead us to our current journey. As in performing a piece, life is too soon over. It is too precious to run through, worrying about what's ahead when you're living in today. Thank you, IMIF 2014, faculty and students, for teaching me a greater depth of living and gratitude.