One of these Sundays, a couple of friends and I went to help our common pal, Phantom, for his dance event. The Tribes War Battle 5.
We do the build up, tear down, video and photography.
I’m on photographer duty.
Dance offers a new challenge that I dig. The dynamic movements push me deep into the present moment in order to capture the illusive ‘’perfect shot’’.
It starts with the children category. Most of them are Phantom’s students.
The ambiance is family friendly and devoid of judgment.
The kids uncover their best moves in front of the public.
For most, it is their first dance battle.
The music rages on and Phantom is the MC.
A little girl ventures on the floor. She twists and turns to the style of brukup.
At the mic, Phantom says ‘’yeah! let’s go! it’s your body. It’s your music!’’
The moment got inscribed into my memory.
A phrase so simple yet so strong.
A true example of positive leadership that empowers children.
It moved me.
That’s the kind of action our world needs.
It’s famished for it.
We all want to be free
We all want to be seen and accepted
We all want to thrive in a sane environment filled with care.
Most of us did not grow up in that type of world.
But, we can offer it to others who follow in our footsteps.
It is a choice we can make.
All in all, I believe true richness is the one we give away freely.
A sort of energy that grows the more we share it.
That’s the type of abundance that interests me truly.
The impact we have on our environment is surprising. None of us is a lonely island in the middle of sea. We are interconnected whether we know it or not.
I’m at this point in my life where I decide to nourish what surrounds me with joy, acceptance, compassion and love. In terms of ‘’shareable richness’’ I have the honor and gratitude to consider myself a very rich man.
All of this reminds me of a story a percussionist friend of mine told me, one late night, after a gig. It goes like this:
‘’I was in the States for skating and one of my bro was a well known DJ in the area.
He gave DJ classes to young guys from the hood.
One night, at the club, the place was packed and my buddy was the headliner.
During his set, he gives the reins to his student so that he makes a couple of beats and soaks up the experience. The kid obviously has talent.
Meanwhile, he comes to hang with us by the side of the stage.
We chill and some guy asks him: ‘’aren’t you afraid he’s going to steal your crowd? Everybody is here for you, you should enjoy it, don’t you think?’’
To which my bro responded
‘’No man, I ain’t afraid. There’s enough food for everybody on the table’’
Sometimes the simplest phrases are those that are most impactful.
‘’There’s enough food for everyone on the table’’
‘’It’s your body. It’s your music’’
I thank you for the positive leadership my friends!
I’ll do my best to give back all those riches.
AHO!
