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Written by Brian James
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One of the world's hottest gospel singers Myron Butler and his wife
Timberlynn were in Hobart recently giving workshops to 100 gospel
choir members from around Australia.
I was one of the fortunate attendees.
The workshops were about singing,
but more about life.
Myron is a gifted singer, teacher and mentor.
When he sings, there's no effort. Pure soul and
heart, backed up by technique and years of honing
his 'gift'.
At our last workshop, Myron sang a hymn.
It was no ordinary hymn. It was a full blown
performance which demonstrated all his talents
and vocal range.
He sang it accompanied by a pianist, he lent on the piano at times.
As inspirational and moving as this 'peformnace' was, it was the tender words
that followed which moved people to tears.
"I was born with a gift' he said, 'a gift to be used. I work on it every day.
I was fortunate because I knew what my gift was, from an early age."
"Your role in life, " he gently implored, 'is to find what your gift is and use it.
It has been given to you for a purpose."
It's simple, but challenging at the same time. I recognised my gift, when a
jazz drumming Indian window cleaner was 'directed' to give me a message
about investing and utilising my gift, which I had been distracted from for many
years.
Got a gift?
Find it.
Use it
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Coffee: Conversation Heart Starter |
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Written by Brian James
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Sitting in the window of my second favourite coffee cafe,
Dukes, in Chapel Street Prahran, I was quietly enjoying
my single-origin 3/4 latte amid the usual Saturday morning
craziness. The joint was jumping!
I asked the stranger next to me to
pass the sugar. I got more than sugar.
It was the start of a roaming, heart
opening conversation which in thirty five
minutes covered, family, relationships,
business, politics, how old habits die slowly
and numerous other topics.
Mike was a cappuccino man. Visiting from Queensland, this
successful, nuggety,observer of life had a quiet confidence.
Like me he was still on 'the journey'.
Reflecting on where we are at in life; the balance of achievement,
happiness, doing what you love, having joy, giving joy; you know the routine.
It's remarkable how a chance encounter with a stranger placed next to you,
can create a connection, quickly. We were both willing to share, to be honest,
reveal frailties and swap some philosophy. One such 'pearl' was, 'it doesn't matter
where you are, if you aren't happy within, you won't find happiness outside.
The Universe presents us daily with opportunities to 'connect' and learn.
It's our choice to recognise the opportunity, whatever the wrapping.
A few inconsequential words with a stranger over coffee can be a conversation starter,
to be taken up and run with, opening doors and who knows, hearts?
Next time you are solo having a coffee, risk a few words to a stranger.
It could be a heart starter and opener.
3 Bags Full in Abbotsford is my favourite coffee gig.
Look for the crazy Greek chic on the door.
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Written by Brian James
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I'm in a 'big arse' gospel choir.
75 extroverted, shy, talented and non talented
people who come together once a week to commune
and imbibe the exuberant soulful joy of black gospel music
with its roots in America's Deep South..
Skinny and not so skinny white Melbourne dudes and dudettes singing 'black'.
Last Sunday afternoon in bohemian Fitzroy, in a
grungy, rock music pub, the choir brought their
two hours of power to an enthusiastic audience,
sandwiched in and standing on beer-stained daggy
carpet. 300 sardines in a pub.
150 people were turned away.
I sing, adequately, but as a choir we sound damn hot.
We sound black, but look white.
We have soloists who have true soul.
Very few of the choir have any religious connection, but we connect to
the gospel music.
It's got heart, soul, triumph over tragedy, redemption, love and courage;
it touches hearts.
The words and music are important, but there's another, almost mystical dimension.
It's truly magical, for me, the choir and the audience.
It can change lives. I've seen it.
For some of the choir, being part of the choir is the best thing in their life.
It's a connection.
Sometimes we search forever to connect.
When it comes into our life, it is joyous; you want to burst
and share the feeling, even with total strangers.
It is beyond thinking, it's a feeling, a knowing.
To share something, with someone, even an interest in a community choir,
can flick a switch and enrich us, touch our soul.
Plenty of people are searching for that soul connection.
250 people want to join our choir. To get joy and give joy and discover their soul and
maybe even have their heart opened.
Open heart surgery without the surgery! It can make your heart sing!
Find a choir, quick, and connect.
Plug into the power of gospel.
www.mmgc.net.au
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Success Favours the Brave |
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Written by Brian James
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Thirty-something Mandy Hall is quiet, modest and gutsy.
She's the country's top music photographer. She's also a
'web wizard'.
Her dad John is a drummer (of 50+ years). Mandy loves
instrumental music, so she decided to invite Australia's top
instrumental groups to Melbourne for Instromania recently.
Mandy had never promoted a gig before. She bravely took
a chance and trusted that she would learn along the way.
I happily arranged some publicity. She arranged everything
else and pulled off the gig. Standing room only.
A howling success.
Instromania featured legendary lead guitarist Martin Cilia, from Sydney.
Ben Rogers 'Tarantino' style guitar riffs were upfront with
his group Instrumental Asylum. Mandy's dad John, drummed
with the Venturas.
 
The whole event was a success because of Mandy's bravery
and trust. She also followed her heart and didn't think too much.
She just did!
Sometimes we don't have to know exactly how things will work out.
We bite off more than we can chew and chew like mad. Often the
Universe supports us.
And if you meet a quiet person, get to know them. It may take a
little time, but here's more to them than we might initially think.
Sometimes they are capable of wild, crazy things, quietly.
www.pixels-bandwidth.com
www.martincilia.com
www.blazz.com.au
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Written by Brian James
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I had an unexpected exhilarating day recently with 'life changers'
and a 15 year old boy, the nephew of the world's best aunt (WBA).
I have the pleasure of working with outstanding individuals.
They are all highly successful and leaders in their fields.
But it's their character and what they leave with and in people that
makes them truly great.
  
Their backgrounds are all unremarkable except they were
encouraged to dream, they took action and, importantly,
they had mentors.
Sometimes mentors came into their lives unexpectedly.
Sometimes they sought them out. They in turn became mentors.
My friends spent time with Giorgio because they see the potential in people.
They pass on something, but they also listen. They genuinely want to help
people find their passion, purpose and reach their potential. It's their legacy.
A few words from mentors or just knowing that someone thinks enough of you
to invest their time, no matter where you are in your life, can change a life.
Rob, Nik, Liliane and Diamond (WBA) are life-changers.
By the way they all thought Giorgio was special, a winner.
They hoped that he thought he was too.
They also thought his aunt was pretty special.
Be a Mentor. Find a Mentor. Change a life.
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