Saturday, June 8, 2024
When I was a kid, I loved playing the piano. It brought me a special kind of personal joy. It was how I could express myself honestly, and it was something that I would have done forever, even if no-one ever heard me do it. Playing for others, however, was never something I enjoyed.
When my parents had company, I was often summoned from my room to play some music for the guests. I loathed this. Well-meaning, my folks wanted to “show me off.” I’m sure they would tell you it was because they were so proud of me; but pride is the perfect cover for the ego. Love never shows off – it allows expression spontaneously, and whenever the spirit moves. The spirit never moved when I was summoned to play “for others.”
“Look at me!” “Look at what I can do!” For many, the sensation of “others” looking in on them is downright delicious. Some show off, others show down. “Little ol’ me? It was nothing!” Amplifying or diminishing. It’s all the same, it all calls attention to the individual.
To show off or show down is to draw attention to the individual. To express oneself out of pure innocence is to draw attention to Universal Love. I love to write, and I love to put it online. I’m not sure why I share it – it just feels honest. It makes no difference who reads, approves, or shuns it.
If summoned out of your room to show off, I’d refuse. You could stay in your room and play the piano for yourself all the time, if you want to. Eventually, you’ll share it though, but in your own way, and in your own time. Extemporaneous expression is the best. If in private, fine. If in public, fine. Let it come out when it’s ready. The ego is pushy. Beware of the summons.