As we continue to self-quarantine, I find myself looking for new ways to slow down. Yes, you read that correctly, “slow down”. The emotional challenges of sheltering in place are making the days fly by. I wake up. I blink. It is noon. I eat lunch. It is 4 pm. I am reading bedtime stories. Lily is asleep. It is now 9 pm, and Megan and I are exhausted. Another day has gone by. Where did it go?
One of the ways that helps me slow down is to genuinely tune into Lily’s frame of mind until it becomes my own. It has brought up a whole host of discussions between Megan and myself about our memories from childhood. We go back and forth, each in our mind, between our childhood memories and the present day. When I tune into Lily’s frame of mind, the days are much longer, and each moment is the opportunity for adventure. One minute, I am a blanket creature. The next, I am a prince, rescuing her from a spaghetti monster. Magic fills the air, and the Muppets are not puppets any longer. They are real. I have tapped into my innocence while still acknowledging the experience we are all going through.
The balance of innocence and experience is a challenging one. Life is full of experiences, and experience snuffs out innocence. How can everyone achieve this balance regardless of how they feel about their memories? How do we even the playing field?
I think the answer lies in the Rainbow Connection. This song, more than any other, acts like a barometer test for innocence. It also represents the best of music because it works with you, no matter where you are in life. It can inspire you to chase after your dreams. It can give you pause to reexamine your dreams. It can give you a sense of safety to heal, as long as you need, until you feel ready to move forward again. It can also propel you forward, closer to where you want to be, no matter where you are in life.
I invite you to take the test. Read the words to the song, and then watch a puppet come to life and sing to you. Make no mistake, Kermit is singing to YOU! If you find yourself feeling out of balance, take that in and think about what the next steps might be, either by yourself, and/or with help. If you find yourself feeling grateful and nostalgic, take that in and think about how you can help others find balance. And remember, our experiences are only as fulfilling as the innocence we carry with us as we go through life. Amen.
Adam
Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what’s on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide
So we’ve been told and some choose to believe it
I know they’re wrong wait and see
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star?
Someone thought of that and someone believed it
Look what it’s done so far
What’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see?
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
All of us under its spell
We know that it’s probably magic
Have you been half asleep, and have you heard voices?
I’ve heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it
It’s something that I’m supposed to be
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
