Soul Food Revolution

Rhythm……. I was visiting with a buddy of mine a few days ago and he mentioned a song he has written called ‘Wait.’ I’m excited to check it out soon. He said the song talks about rhythm. I love rhythm. As a musician I love it because it drives the emotions. Fast rhythms get the heart pumping and the adrenaline flowing like a rushing river. Slower rhythms guide the emotions of romance or serenity. Beats from the islands can bring ease and relaxation to your day. Rhythm sets the tone. When I coach I always teach my players about rhythm. What is the rhythm of the game? What is the flow like. At a very young age I taught my son to find his rhythm in the batter’s box when playing baseball. It has paid off. Now he is able to stand in that box relaxed, knowing he is in control because he has rhythm. Have you ever heard music that is off rhythm? A drummer that can’t keep a beat is well…..useless when it comes to drumming. A bass player that can’t pound that bass line out on rhythm ruins the most beautiful of ballads. Rhythm is vital. Many times rhythm is up beat, fast. Yet often rhythm is steady yet easy going. There are different types of rhythm. If you listen to Tejano music you will find a totally different rhythm pattern than in country music. If you listen to hip-hop you will find a very different rhythm than in opera. Yet even through their differences they are all still rhythm.

Life is much like music. A few days after visiting with my buddy Franklin about life and about his new song I received a text from another friend that new nothing of Franklin and I’s conversation. Her text commented on how she was starting to understand that she needed to find her rhythm. She said she was focused not on what others thought her rhythm should be but on what she knew her rhythm should be. Yes, she used the word rhythm. This got me to thinking: What is your rhythm? Are you finding yourself stressed, tired, frustrated? You’re most likely out of rhythm. Do you go to work each day lacking passion and zeal? Is your marriage ho-hum and empty? You’re out of rhythm. Another buddy of mine has  had some of these frustrations in his life the last few weeks. Frustrated with what he knows he needs to do yet dealing with the reality of where he is. He is out of rhythm. This friend of mine has gone on a little trip for a week or so. I bet he returns home in rhythm.

Life is about rhythm. Step back. Breathe. Re-write what doesn’t work. Re-work what isn’t fitting just right. Get back in rhythm. Life is meant to be lived with enjoyment…but the song doesn’t sound good when it’s out of rhythm. Get your groove back and enjoy the rhythm that life has to offer!

By the way: Check out my buddy Franklin’s music. It’s got pretty cool rhythm.http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/franklinJsmith

Cheers,

Mitch