Playing In Harmony
Music is about listening. – Bob Weir
Since none of us have been given a permanent pass here on earth, we know that our time along with those we love is limited. We have also come to know that even our living legends have to say goodbye and head off to the great unknown. Still when it happens, the disbelief, loss, and grief fills our hearts as if they were a member of our family. Because in so many ways they were even if we didn’t know them personally.
I have mourned the loss of many legends over the years, but none has hit me with the grief like the recent passing of the Bob Weir. Bob known by those of us who loved him simply as Bobby, was a Musician, Songwriter, Collaborator, Founding Member of the Grateful Dead, and Humanitarian to name a few of his accolades.
I actually became a Dead Head through marriage. While I always enjoyed their music, when I married Ed nearly 40 years ago it was crystal clear that this was not just another band by any stretch of the imagination for my soon to be husband. Similar to how I felt about Crosby, Stills, and Nash, the Dead was Ed’s beloved go to music source.
Attending my first Grateful Dead concert at Red Rocks in the 80’s helped to seal the deal that Ed in fact was the guy for me. We knew with this similar love, yes, we could indeed live in harmony. Just like the amazing harmony that Bobby, Jerry, and all the boys brought together on that stage. And in all honesty Bobby was always the main highlight for me.
So many shows and experiences later we danced the night away at our final shows with Bobby at the helm in April of last year at the Sphere in Vegas. We knew then he was growing tired but not this soon, not this soon!
With broken hearts we heard the sad news from our sweet buddy Cully who we enjoyed many a show with over the years. He shared the unthinkable via text as we set off on the ferry to Isles Mujeres, Mexico after a day of travel. Stunned it stayed with us during our vacation bringing so many memories and love for the music. It will forever be one of those knowing where you were standing when bad news hits you moments.
John Mayer shared the words, “I will meet you in the music” in his initial Instagram share of Bobby’s passing. At the televised memorial service in San Francisco on Saturday it was so clear how Bobby had passed the torch of his music not only to all of us but that he had groomed John in his 10 years with Dead and Company to hold and honor the 60 years of music that the Grateful Dead had shared.
Please join me in this week’s video as I have decided with all the current chaos in the world that the one thing we all could all use is some peace in our lives. In this video I share a beautiful and simple 4 minute meditation with some of the incredible sunrises I experienced in Mexico.
I named it Morning Harmony, the unifying of balanced elements, as we think about how wonderful we operate and hum through life when we do it through harmony with ourselves and others. Differences don’t disappear they listen as we play our own tune.
Without harmony and the ability to play from each other’s chords be it music, or any other act in life, just doesn’t sound or feel the same. The legacy Bobby will forever keep alive in those of us who got to experience his music and those who find it along their way.
Keep loving and harmonizing as we all move forward remembering those who came before us singing a tune throughout their lives that continues to make this world a better place. That includes Dr. Martin Luther King who we honor on this day.
Plant often and with Love!
Cheri
Cheri Ruskus
Author, Creator and Growth Mentor
