Being Present--Critical Aspect of Sage-ing

Thanks to Mr. Lopez who was "awake and present," he met Mr. Ayers.  Out of this relationship came a book and now a movie called The Soloist.  Mr. Lopez could have easily walked by and not took the time to realize that the music he was hearing was special.  Then taking the time to get to know Mr. Ayers and recognizing that this was also a very special person.

Another result of this relationship is the focus on the homeless, particularly in Los Angeles.  NPR had a three part series about this relationship and the homeless.  It is worth listening to the whole series.

The message tells us to be present and awake.  We miss too much of life sleep walking through it.  When we are awake, we can try to do something about the issues discussed in the series and reflected in the movie. 

In fact, Mr. Lopez called his friendship with Mr. Ayers as one of the most meaningful relationships--one from which he has learned the most about life.  What do you learn from this story?

Jann's Note:  Sage-ing is about being present.  We should not spend time regretting the past or worrying about the future.  As sages, we need to focus on what we can do right now--in the present by being awake.

Comments

[Ashley Feldman]

I think that the biggest lesson here is perspectives. When he first looked at the homeless guy, he probably didn't think that he would be the most meaningful relationship. The cool thing about it , though, is that his perception didn't get in the way of changing someone's life...and I think his life was changed too!

[Jann Freed]

My husband just saw the movie and did not think it reflected the real story. He said there was too much emphasis on the writer when the real story is about the musician. The 60 minute clips were great. Perspective is powerful. Thanks