A huge passion that many people share is music. Many believe music has a healing power that reduces pain and anxiety. There have been many studies conducted that illustrate music can be an effective stress reliever, aid to inspire creativity and help to retain information while studying. As a musician, I have had numerous opportunities to perform outdoors over the years and recently was reminded just how much of a fool I can be when it comes to failing to appreciate life. That is also something that a lot of us share.

The trio group I play recently performed at a small company party at a home on Lake Sarah, just outside of Independence, Minnesota. While we were setting up our equipment, the beautiful scenery surrounding us captivated me. The sunlight shimmered across small ripples on the water being caused by a gentle and steady breeze. There was, as Willie Nelson sings, nothing but blue skies. You could not ask for a more beautiful summer evening. Everyone was enjoying themselves immensely, especially the kids who were splashing in the lake, getting boat rides, and chasing one of the “young at heart” employees around with squirt guns.

As the music started, the level of awesome jumped at least three notches on the “fun” scale. Toes began tapping, you could see many singing with each song performed and there was plenty of dancing. Any negativity I had prior to arriving had removed itself from my being, including how I felt about some of the other drivers on the way out. “Use your turn signal, buddy…” and no, I did not say buddy. Was it the music that had reduced my stress level? Was it the calm and peaceful setting that I was in? The answer is yes; but what reminded me of the importance of appreciating times like this as a gift, was a pigeon.

There was a young pigeon was flying around the event that appeared to have some sort of minor injury as it was lacking stamina. It was not afraid of people and landed on the shoulder of a party guest. The pigeon allowed people to hold it without any problem. Later in the evening, it landed on our drummer’s microphone stand for the duration of our set. Apparently, pigeons like country music. I am not sure if there is a correlation here, but pigeons and doves are of the same species and doves are known to be the bird of peace. There was a true sense of peace that night.

As I looked in astonishment at that pigeon sitting on the microphone stand, I thought, “why can’t every day be like this?” It was then I realized, “it can be.” All we need to do is be aware of the importance to realize and appreciate the gifts we have been given. It was the shared passion of music that brought our trio to the location on Lake Sarah, but it was the rest of the night that was a gift. It may sound weird, but I have been thinking a lot about going out to lay in the grass, turn on some music, look up into the blue sky and just appreciate things each day, if only for a little bit. If I end up in some pigeon’s flight path, it will serve as a reminder of the many gifts we all have been given. I know what you are thinking, and if it does… I can wipe it off. Get out, enjoy and APPRECIATE the Great Outdoors.