Meditations on Meditations

A recount of miracles from the week:
*Mom was recognized for outstanding contributions at work
*Sister received a promotion
*Sister's boyfriend also was promoted

Can't help but feel that it is a continuation of blessings from my Grandma's passing last Thursday.

Last night I left my phone at the home of a fellow blogger, which meant I was without my headspace app for the day.

BUT I had a book to read;

1. Meditations
   Marcus Aurelius

Here's his wiki article

In the beginning he lists his thoughts, which includes his greatest teachers and what they have given him. From what I gathered in the preface, these writings were not for public consumption and represent a genuine reflection. I am immediately inspired to make a list of my own, although it certainly will not be comprehensive.

1. Mrs. Bove- Kindergarten-Opened each day with the same song which could only sound kitschy to fresh ears but holds deep meaning to me still, "It's a beautiful day just to be alive, a beautiful day so glad that I've, got a beautiful day, and I'd like to share it with you."

2. Mrs. Burgess- Second Grade- Consoled me after a failed talent show attempt at the piano by explaining how she was too afraid to play her harp in front of anyone, and how proud she was that I attempted to share my music. She said one day she knew she would "see my name in lights." That meant a lot to a discouraged seven-year old.

3. Mr. Fletcher- Third Grade- Could draw the Magic School Bus like nobody else. Had the distinction of being a male elementary school teacher which I find to be a much needed force in the universe. Classroom management skills on lock, he oozed creativity.

4. Mrs. Stinnett-Fourth Grade-Fed me blue algae, introduced me to my elementary school best friend who I still connect with on a very deep level, even if we don't speak for years at a time. Taught me how to draw a wolf, write in cursive and must have taken some wonderful interest in me because I sobbed on the last day of school that year. She was not afraid to go off-book and be a friend.

5. Mrs. Studer-Elementary Music-Every moment in her classroom was my personal heaven and I think I remember every single song she ever taught. Exposed me to Copland, Gershwin, partner songs, playing recorder like a bo$$ and provided me many performing opportunities. She believed there was music in every child.

6. Senorita Street-Espanol 8th Grade- For igniting a love of language in me.

7. Mr. Williams-High School History-For blending stand up comedy with some seriously cranial exploration of History.

8. Mr. Davis-High School Industrial Welding-For encouraging my skill set and rubbing it in the boys' faces at every opportunity.

9. Pam Trokanski-Middle/High School Dance- For introducing me to some aggressive feminism before it was cool and hiring me for my first job at her studio.

10. Mr. Lange-High School Band-For providing me community, passion and the ultimate direction of my life as a musician.

11. Mrs. Blake-High School English- For reading the opinion essays of high school students and providing inspirational feedback and seriously validating our angst.

12. Jennie-Horn Professor, college-For blending professorship and friendship so seamlessly and meeting every student at their level while managing to help them discover and actualize personal ambition.

13. Bill McElheney-Study Abroad/College-Another perfect blend of friendship and professorship. 

14. Dr. Hammer-Wind Ensemble High School/College-One of my first "Music Dads," met me when I was 16 and has never stopped encouraging me. Proponent and inspirer of achieving work-life balance. 

15. Dr. Solvik-College/Study Abroad-A messenger who brought to life the best musicians in all of history. I'll go ahead and say I'm in love with him

BUT

In Greek there are four loves:

Agape-Love for mankind

Eros-The sexy kind

Philia-Profound friendship

Storge-Familial

I wish there were a word for a profound love/gratitude for learning. I love the knowledge he gave me so much that I "storge-philia" love him.

16. Dr. Brittin-College-A professor I was too dumb to understand the profoundness of her temperament and character as a young student. She had a child and cancer in my time at school, never missed a day and continues to nourish her network and personal learning on a daily basis. She has become a complete model to me of a life well-lived.

She is a main reason I will be selling 95% of my worldly possessions next month in anticipation of my next life move to Austin, Texas to pursue my masters!

17. Dr. Jonathan Knight-life-Cazadero family and extraordinary cheerleader. I have always thought his attention has been totally undeserved, he's sent me countless books and CDs just for the sake of my perpetual learning. Definition of selfless.

18. Mazz-life-Cazadero family, I will begin the paperwork for his canonization soon. A saint of music education. Humble, self-assured and embodies every good virtue I aspire towards. Seeks hard work and results over glory, dresses up, shows up, consistent as a Swiss watch. One of the few people who will always tell it to me straight and could write a book called, "Schenkerian Psychoanalysis."

So there you have it, my meditation for the day.