Princeton

This past week I spent in Princeton, New Jersey, at the Dalcroze Society of America's biennial convention.  It was a truly beautiful experience to see, hear, and experience music in such a way.  I feel very much alive and awakened from it and very inspired.  There are many things, many thoughts, many experiences that are still echoing and touching me.  And I'm not much inclined to touch them with words at the moment.

Something more concrete that I do wish to remember, was also a result of being in Princeton.  Behind our dorm was a wonderful field, with some trees but not too many, and well-kept.  It was perfect for morning Tae Kwon Do of which I took too little advantage.  But this morning I did, and on the edge of the field, on the sidewalk was an Asian woman with a very little girl, probably not more than 2 years old, that I assume was her granddaughter.  I saw them watching me and getting closer, until a point where it became appropriate to bow to them.  She nodded and came closer and so I went over to say hello.

It was a strange experience, because there was no other person in my field of vision and for all I knew, experience told me I was in Japan again, practicing by the river, being visiting by passers-by enjoying the morning air.  And so when she spoke and said, "I come from China," but could say nothing more in English, and even continued shyly on with gestures in Chinese, I was the one that felt out of place, awkward for not knowing her language and not being able to have an exchange with her.  I had been here before.

What would it take for me to step forward to someone in such a way, to brave such a thing?  And for what?  How can we see the things that are of value before we stumble upon them, to step up to them, even if they are unknown?  I have great respect for such people, true awe for such graceful courage, and gratitude for giving me something to take with me and remember.