I see PURPOSE in every strand and cell of El Sistema. Nothing is done for no reason. And nothing is done selfishly. This is a lesson I never want to forget: living selflessly. I have seen this many times in the past week. I think it is so easy to come in with our preconceptions, our tainted lenses, and ideas of what this should be or what it is. Eduardo Mendez, the Executive Director, spoke to us today about not defining El Sistema, and that they never see themselves as the owners of this 'truth.' We should not limit the possibilities that this holds by trying to define it. This meeting was inspiring and insightful.
I do not want have this rare and precious opportunity to be here, and still miss the point. I see love, humility, hope and purpose as the yarn that is used to weave this exquisite tapestry, connecting people through music. There is a way of giving here that surpasses yourself, and even the person you are giving to or teaching. There is an attitude of such sharing here, with the understanding that we are all learning to share. You receive so that you can give, and you give because you have received. A culture of giving.
Continue reading on my personal blog.
Monique van Willingh
Sistema Fellow '13
I do not want have this rare and precious opportunity to be here, and still miss the point. I see love, humility, hope and purpose as the yarn that is used to weave this exquisite tapestry, connecting people through music. There is a way of giving here that surpasses yourself, and even the person you are giving to or teaching. There is an attitude of such sharing here, with the understanding that we are all learning to share. You receive so that you can give, and you give because you have received. A culture of giving.
Continue reading on my personal blog.
Monique van Willingh
Sistema Fellow '13
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