Day 25. Nelson Mandela reminds us of the power of music during lockdown

While the news headlines are flooded with reports of the Covid-19 virus deaths and dwindling economies, there is something new and exciting in the air.

 The world is also having fun

Over the weekend there was a global feast of music and messages broadcast all over the world. The TV program ‘One World: Together at home’, featured the world’s best musicians bringing us music from their homes… just as they are.

Coming from their hearts, they all brought messages of hope, love, compassion and solidarity. Celebrities from all walks of life brought messages of thanks to our medical staff, emergency services and staff who are risking their health to keep essential services open and functioning.

What was most exciting, is that there was no special dressing up, now make-up artist, no special lighting effects or choreography, no special cameras crews, no directors or sound engineers.  Each person made the best of what they had at their disposal. A computer, iPhone or everyday cellphone had to do. Absent were all the massive stadiums, extravaganzas and thousands of people buying tickets at astronomical prices.

It was all available – free.

For once, maybe in our lifetime, the world is seeing the honesty, truth and authenticity of humanity in its natural form – and it’s touching the heart…

Above all the doom and gloom we are currently experiencing – a new energy is emerging. The world is also having fun!

 Reports

At the same time, the headlines are also flooded with news of people taking the initiative to bring positive energy to their circumstances. Trumpet calls from the mountain tops, music in the cities, people organizing exercises from their balconies in small Italian villages, checking in with neighbors you’ve never met before, over the wall that’s always divided you. Everything is happening, while keeping social distance and staying safe.

How can the world ever be the same again?

 Nelson Mandela and fun 

During a visit to Robben Island, one of the prison guides, who spent time with Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, also told us of the role of music, singing and fun in of prison.

The inmates were all sentenced to life imprisonment. Our guide explained how they sang heart-moving songs, especially when the sun went down, to make life more bearable. Just imagine these voices echoing through the cold cells and prison corridors.

Nelson Mandela’s remark echoes the heart-moving power of such actions.

 “It was a useful reminder that all men, even the most  seemingly cold-blooded, have a core of decency, and that if their heart is touched, they are capable of changing.” Nelson Mandela

One of the well-remembered images is Madiba laughing, dancing and singing on the stage. Not only with children but with different people, cultures and at different events all over the world. The once branded terrorist left us a legacy of the power of fun, music and dance. Most of all – he had an infectious sense of humor that brought a smile to faces every time he shared one of his anecdotes. About fun Madiba said:

‘Although I am a gregarious person – I still prefer my solitude.’ Nelson Mandela

Benefits of music, fun and laughter

Fun, laughter, music and celebration have many emotional spiritual and psychological benefits. For one, it alleviates stress as many happy hormones like Serotonin and other endorphins, are released. Madiba explained how different inmates reacted differently, not only to the stress of prison life, but also to the death penalty that hang over their heads. He explained how they helped each other.

 “Men have different capacities and react differently to stress. But the stronger ones raised up the weaker ones, and both became stronger in the process,” Nelson Mandela

This is what is currently happening – on a global scale. Another benefit of music, love, fun and laughter is that it counterbalances, fear and anxiety. Read more

To do list

Here are a few ideas to help you on this path:

·        Do you feel sorry for yourself? Why?

·        How long do you give yourself to feel sorry or feel the pain, loss and anxiety, before you pick yourself up?

·        What are you going to do about it?

·        How do you intend lifting yourself above current circumstances?

·        What do you have to be grateful for?

·        What would you like to celebrate?

·        Do you play a music instrument? When lst did you play?

·        How are you using your gift of music to lift the spirits of others?

·        How can you have some healthy fun – right now?

·        Create a celebration – even if it’s all on your own

·        Contact us if you need any assistance

·        To catch up and previous lessons see. Website: https://www.brendahattingh.com/blog.

·        Free E-book: Read the free E-book: Coaching yourself to ultimate success. Available here

·        Enrol for the 10-part course: Learning to think, live and lead like Nelson Mandela. There is a special offer with 90% discount for you only available for a short time. Available here

·        Subscribe for your free Daily Power Tools for Power People delivered to your inbox. Available here

·        To book a personal coaching session via Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp, call and leave a voice message or send a message to (027) 066 29 26808, or send email: [email protected]  We will get back to you ASAP

·        Book Dr Brenda as speaker for organisational, leadership and/or staff training and as speaker for your next event. Email: [email protected].

Stay safe - stay connected

Brenda Hattingh

See website: https://www.brendahattingh.com