I was away in Wales for half term (Aberdovey to be precise) an amazing place by the coast where mountains and the Sea collide!
We were away with a big family group and hence my grip on the TV remote was not quite as secure and I found myself watching the Jonathan Ross show one evening…
Not my typical fare however I found myself being drawn in to the interview with Phil Collin’s.
The first thing that struck me was when he walked onto set with a walking stick. In my mind he was still actively drumming away In a gorilla like fashion, so the image was a stark reminder of our own mortality.
The second thing that hit me was when he talked about his early career in contrast to his life now.
He explained the time he now has for his second family and the privilege it is to be present and be able to be part of their lives as they grow up.
He contrasted that with the time both as part of Genesis and beyond where he was only able to take a few days off after his Dad died.
There was a poignant moment of reflection where he briefly reflected on it all BEING A BIT MAD and he went on to reflect in a remorseful way.
Thankfully for the Jonathan Ross show brand, their was a comedian sat next to him who quickly lightened the mood (the show isn’t meant to be about deep and meaningful).
However the moment lingered for me and I suspect viewers would be left with the view that Phil’s old life led him to unhappiness, relationship breakdown and lack of connection.
In contrast his new existence which perhaps strangely for some has less importance in the eyes of the world, includes worsening health, less acclaim and recognition yet also had for him a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, connection, fulfillment and authenticity….
When we sacrifice the moment in exchange for some future goal we are following Phil down his initial path…
When we stop for a moment to breathe, enjoy the smiles on our children’s and grandchildren’s faces…
When we amerce ourselves in the moment (something Phil did and still does through music) and forget our-self rather than constantly be in our own head with our thoughts…
When we come from a place of kindness and generosity…
When we make time in our lives for some form of space for us to BE perhaps in a form of spiritual practice (whether than be yoga, Tai Chi, meditation) or just focus on being mindful each moment…
In these moments we are following Phil down the second path which leads to a deeper sense of connection with life…
We can all realise a deeper version of success for ourselves when we learn to live from our true self as opposed to our ego…
