Like a phoenix taking flight from the ashes of war, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars radiate how the human spirit prevails.
Their music offers us the gift of perspective. Through unimaginable hardships, we can still rejoice in faith, joy and optimism.
Years ago, I watched a documentary about them twice in a row (first for the story, second to listen to their music). I looked them up online and discovered they were on tour performing at a nearby, small club the next day!
Instead of sleeping, I drove an hour to see their 11:30 PM performance and was able to meet them back stage. As I shook hands with each of them, I said what an honor it was to hear them play, and I had respect for them and all they went through.
They emerged from a horrific eleven year civil war in their West African country and unexpectedly spent years in a refugee camp. Now, instead of wallowing in bitterness and victimhood, they share joy through their upbeat music.
This weekend, I had an opportunity to see them perform again. This time in a big theater.
The stirring sounds pulsed from the stage begging us to dance or at least tap our feet or sway.
Almost everyone sat rigidly unmoved as if to say: I expect you to entertain me. It’s your job to make me feel. Move me… in spite of myself.
In spite of my problems or mind-numbing job. Dealing with family. Being stressed or bored with life.
But the band wouldn’t let us sit as passive participants.
The drummer stood up, walked to the microphone at the front of the stage only to say these words:
Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to dance.
My friend didn’t want to at first. “I don’t know how to dance like they do.”
“Just move,” I told her. “Let the music move through you and dance.”
Soon half the audience was on their feet. Smiling. Waving their arms.
We followed directions to “shake it.”
There were periodic check-ins with the audience: Are you happy?
For those who didn’t allow the music to move them, the rhythms taunted like an annoying beggar. Some left.
Allowing the music to flow through us, a joy of spirit broke free into happiness and remembering how much fun life can be.
Your TIP is to dance!
Don’t be a passive bystander to your life.
When you let the life force move through you, you remember joy.
When you feel good, you’re in alignment with your true self.
When you’re in alignment, you’re in Divine Flow – and this is how you receive all good things for your life and business.
Go ahead, dance. Dance in your room or office. Bounce to the beats in your car. Shake your booty by yourself or ignite a friend’s passion to play along.
Allow energy to flow through you, the same energy that allows your business and life to soar to greater heights.
Dance. Yes, you!
Are you happy?
It’s your life. It’s never to late to dance, be happy and allow your dreams to come true.
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