#402: SPOTLIGHT: Julie Sorenson
#402: Julie Sorenson
October 1, 2024
A Backbeat of Community
Question for Julie:
Can you recall a specific moment in the last four months that you were in what you would consider to be “nature” and thought or felt for at least a split second that “maybe all is actually right with the world” ?
Julie's Response:
On a whim, I decided to purchase tickets to an event I knew nothing about other than seeing a Facebook ad in my feed, "Mindtravel Live to Headphones 'Silent' Piano Concert" on the beach in Santa Barbara. I had officially been "influenced" and thankfully my husband was game for an adventure.
We arrived at the beach before sunset to find a beautiful set up of a piano with tall sunflowers stuck in the sand along with lanterns and fake trees to complete the elegant feel alongside the natural beauty of our coastline.
We donned our headphones as the host put his on and walked us through our evening of piano music along with a bit of guided meditation. It turns out that each event has a theme and ours was JOY. This happens to be my word for 2024 so I sat back and knew I was just where I needed to be. We listened to moving piano music, took a beach walk and were completely present in the moment contemplating JOY. Our guide prompted us, "Joy is like the sun. It's always there. Don't chase it." How often I feel we spend time chasing joy instead of taking it in. Another prompt spoke of how "clouds get in the way: circumstance. expectation. story..." In this season, I have clouds that block the sun of joy but if I am patient, I can always feel the sunshine again.
Soaking in JOY as the sun went down, I was reminded of how centering joy and gratitude continue to ground me each day when I focus my attention on them. I was also reminded that it's always a good idea to say yes to a little adventure.
I suspect Julie would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Julie's email… pip
Julie, the combination of mindfulness, music, and meditation curated at this event sounds truly magical. Your recount of the prompt about joy reminds me of a similar idea I've heard when it comes to love - that I can be surrounded by it not in seeking it out to receive from others, but by soaking in where it already exists. And by giving it where it doesn’t. Your story also inspires me to say 'yes' more, even when I don’t know exactly what I’m getting into. Perhaps especially then. Thank you, Julie! I think I need to sign up for this silent concert.
- AP