“Recently I asked a conductor friend of mine how it is that some conductors have authority when they stand in front of the orchestra and others don’t…He said he didn’t know the reason, but he confided that, before starting a piece, he pauses for a moment on the podium. It seems like he is gathering his thoughts in this moment, but he is doing something else. In the silence, he is blessing the orchestra. In his prayer, he blesses the musicians. Only then does he lift the baton.”
Not long ago I had the opportunity to experience what author Martin Schleske refers to in the words just quoted. I had the good fortune to attend a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City where The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra performed Mahler’s 5th Symphony under the direction of Yannick Nezet-Seguin; there was no doubt that he was a conductor who stood before his orchestra with authority, for they responded enthusiastically and flawlessly to his every directive.
Paraphrasing William Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage,” it could be said that all the world’s an orchestra consisting of people awaiting our blessing, our recognition and honoring of their dignity. If we would but pause long enough to behold others in this way we might just see that dignity, and in the seeing bring forth the best each person is capable of.
But the work of a good conductor begins long before she/he stands in front of an orchestra and lifts the baton, for it requires a deep familiarity with the composition being performed and confidence in their ability/authority to lead. And so with us, a silent blessing of others is most real and effective only when we yield to the truth that we are one with the sacred composition that is life, and that we are called and capable of communicating the dignity of that reality.
It may be a bit simplistic to suggest that we pause and bless every person we encounter, but there is nothing lite about first looking in the mirror and blessing the flawed but incredible person we see there. This is what gives birth to the authority to bless the people we encounter as their boss, spouse, parent, friend, neighbor, etc. If we are confident in our own worth, all of our relationships become an opportunity to bless others, to bring out the best they have to offer, and to create together the sound of life’s unspeakable beauty.
Attuned to Soul 
Ah, so good. Again you tie into my recent thoughts. We see and hear so much demeaning talk and ” othering” these days…certain people seen as less than worthy. We are all holy, all bear the divine image. When we remember that, are treat all others as holy, we are lifted up by the grace we give. Thanks! Peace, Rudy
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