“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I am reminded by this passage of the necessity of regularly drinking from the wellspring that stirs my soul and fills my life with
- happiness,
- beauty,
- joy.
I am constantly on the lookout these days for something, anything, inspiring.
You might be feeling the same, so I thought I would share with you from my wellspring.
Some of my selections you’ve seen or heard before. But that’s the thing, isn’t it?
What was inspiring stays inspiring.
💐
“I Dreamed a Dream” ~ Les Miserable
I return to “I Dreamed a Dream” time and again for it so perfectly captures my feeling of the first time I dreamed a dream and lost a dream.
The time I was first liberated to live in the real world.
Swan Lake Finale ~ Tchaikovsky
The Finale from Swan Lake remains the singular performance I turn to when I need help getting off the floor and back on my feet. It forever reminds me the dark forces NEVER have the last say in life.
I watch and I become the valiant prince.
“Nessun Dorma” ~ Giacomo Puccini
When I really lapse into despair and am in need of an injection of fearless optimism I turn to Luciano Pavarotti’s performance of “Nessun Dorma.” It never fails to push back against hopelessness and infuse me with the power to prevail in life’s hardness.
Notice how each note refuses to yield and builds with relentless intensity to a triumphant conclusion.
“Vincerò! Vincerò! Vincerò!”
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” ~ Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” has held me captive for over 50 years — the call to leave the phoniness of the world behind and return home to the place where my mind runs free and my heart can find its true calling.
Home, sweet home.
“People Get Ready” ~ The Impressions
“People Get Ready” reminds me we all have a train to take us home. Nothing is required of us — no baggage, no ticket. We’re good enough just as we are.
The resurrection of prima ballerina Marta Cinta González Saldaña
This final draw from my wellspring is proof of the power of inspiration itself.
The reaction of the prima ballerina Marta Cinta González Saldaña, suffering from Alzheimer’s, as she listens to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, touches my soul.
So even when confronted with loss, remember there is inspiration to be had, quietly waiting to be called upon.
And just as Marta heard the call of the swan and felt something eternal stir within her, let us be reminded that what once gave us life can revive us again — no matter the circumstances.
Inspiration is not bound by time, memory, or limitation; it lives in us, ready to awaken when we reach for it. When we return to what moves us most, we find that it can carry us back to ourselves.
Just a thought…
Pat